ERIC KELLEY

REALTOR | ATTORNEY

NJ School Rankings and Their Impact on Home Prices

 

 

New Jersey consistently ranks among the top states in the country for public education—but not all school districts are created equal, and in real estate, those differences matter. In 2026, school rankings remain one of the strongest predictors of home values, buyer demand, and resale stability across New Jersey, particularly in suburban markets near Philadelphia.

For buyers, school quality often determines where they can afford to buy. For sellers, it can determine how fast a home sells and how much leverage they have in negotiations. This is especially true in Camden County suburbs like Haddonfield, Moorestown, Cherry Hill, and Medford, where school reputation directly translates into price premiums.

This guide explains how NJ school rankings affect home prices, why the relationship is so strong, and how buyers and sellers should think strategically about schools when making a move in 2026.

Table of Contents

  1. Why School Rankings Matter So Much in New Jersey

  2. How NJ School Rankings Are Determined

  3. The Direct Relationship Between School Quality and Home Prices

  4. Top Camden County School Districts and Their Pricing Impact

  5. Haddonfield: Elite Schools and Persistent Demand

  6. Moorestown: School Quality and Long-Term Price Stability

  7. Cherry Hill: How School Variability Affects Values

  8. Medford: Schools, Space, and Buyer Trade-Offs

  9. Are High Property Taxes Worth It?

  10. What This Means for Buyers in 2026

  11. What This Means for Sellers in 2026

  12. Final Takeaways: Using School Data Strategically

1. Why School Rankings Matter So Much in New Jersey

New Jersey’s school funding model relies heavily on local property taxes, which means school quality and municipal finances are closely linked. In practice, this creates a feedback loop:

  • Strong schools attract buyers

  • Buyer demand supports higher home prices

  • Higher home values support school funding

  • The cycle reinforces itself over time

In towns with consistently top-ranked schools, this dynamic leads to durable demand, even during slower market cycles.

2. How NJ School Rankings Are Determined

School rankings in New Jersey are influenced by multiple data points, including:

  • Standardized test performance

  • Graduation rates and college placement

  • Student–teacher ratios

  • Advanced placement and enrichment programs

  • Per-pupil spending

While rankings vary slightly depending on the source, districts that perform well tend to do so consistently over time, which is why buyers and investors pay close attention to them.

3. The Direct Relationship Between School Quality and Home Prices

Across New Jersey, homes located in top-performing school districts typically command:

  • Higher price-per-square-foot

  • Shorter days on market

  • More competitive bidding when priced correctly

  • Stronger resale performance during market slowdowns

Importantly, the premium is not just about families with school-aged children. Buyers without children—and even investors—often prioritize school districts because of their liquidity and downside protection.

4. Top Camden County School Districts and Their Pricing Impact

In Camden County, school quality is one of the clearest drivers of pricing differences between neighboring towns. Even small boundary changes—sometimes down to the street level—can result in meaningful price gaps.

The strongest-performing districts tend to show:

  • Lower inventory

  • Higher owner-occupancy

  • Longer homeowner tenure

These factors contribute to stability and long-term appreciation.

5. Haddonfield: Elite Schools and Persistent Demand

Haddonfield Public Schools are widely regarded as among the best in South Jersey. Combined with a walkable downtown and PATCO access to Philadelphia, this creates exceptionally strong buyer demand.

As a result:

  • Inventory is consistently limited

  • Homes often sell faster than county averages

  • Price sensitivity is lower for well-located, well-maintained properties

Even in shifting markets, Haddonfield tends to hold value better than surrounding areas.

6. Moorestown: School Quality and Long-Term Price Stability

Moorestown Township Public Schools are another major driver of demand. Unlike some denser suburbs, Moorestown offers larger lots and a more traditional suburban feel, which appeals strongly to move-up buyers and relocators.

Homes here often benefit from:

  • Stable appreciation rather than volatility

  • Strong demand in mid-to-upper price points

  • High resale confidence for sellers

For buyers, this often means paying a premium—but receiving predictability in return.

7. Cherry Hill: How School Variability Affects Values

Cherry Hill is a large township with significant variation in school performance depending on location. As a result, home prices can differ meaningfully within short distances.

In practice:

  • Homes tied to the strongest-performing schools command higher prices

  • Buyer competition varies by section, not just by town

  • Sellers cannot assume township-wide demand applies equally

This makes local, street-level analysis especially important in Cherry Hill.

8. Medford: Schools, Space, and Buyer Trade-Offs

Medford Township School District performs well and attracts families looking for space, privacy, and a quieter lifestyle. Compared to closer-in suburbs, Medford often offers:

  • Larger lots

  • Newer housing stock

  • Slightly more inventory flexibility

Buyers here are often balancing commute distance against school quality and value, which creates a different—but still strong—pricing dynamic.

9. Are High Property Taxes Worth It?

Property taxes are often the biggest concern buyers raise about New Jersey. However, in many high-performing school districts, taxes are best understood as part of the total cost of access to:

  • Strong schools

  • Municipal services

  • Long-term value stability

While higher taxes reduce affordability on paper, they often support stronger resale demand and lower volatility.

10. What This Means for Buyers in 2026

For buyers, school rankings should be viewed as a strategic filter, not just a checkbox.

Smart buyers:

  • Compare school performance alongside taxes and home prices

  • Understand district boundaries before making offers

  • Consider long-term resale, even if schools are not an immediate need

In competitive districts, preparation matters more than timing.

11. What This Means for Sellers in 2026

For sellers, school quality is one of the most powerful marketing levers available—but only if used correctly.

Sellers in strong districts benefit from:

  • Broader buyer pools

  • Faster market absorption

  • Greater pricing confidence

However, overpricing can still undermine these advantages, especially in 2026’s more analytical market.

12. Final Takeaways: Using School Data Strategically

In New Jersey, school rankings are not just an education issue—they are a real estate market force. In 2026, they continue to shape buyer behavior, pricing, and long-term value across Camden County and beyond.

The buyers and sellers who succeed are those who understand how schools, taxes, and market dynamics intersect at the local level—not just at the state level.

By Eric Kelley, Philadelphia Suburbs Realtor & Attorney