Welcome to Medford
Just twenty miles outside of busy Philadelphia lies one of New Jersey’s hidden gems. This picturesque and charming community has maintained its rural splendor and peaceful nature throughout its long history, helping to make it one of the most attractive suburbs in the state.
Originally settled in the late 1600s, the area was primarily used for agriculture until the mid-1800s, when the glass-making industry built a prosperous population. In the years after the Civil War, the area grew rapidly—with homeowners looking to escape from the overwhelming growth seen in Philadelphia. However, the town itself held onto its rural roots and instilled an appreciation for the simpler life that can still be felt throughout the community.
Nowadays, Medford is known for its picturesque scenery, charming downtown, and beautiful wooded areas. The suburban nature of the area has also allowed for many properties to continue as larger lots, allowing homeowners to enjoy much more space, as well as a sense of privacy that can be difficult to find within this proximity to a larger city.
What to Love
- Charming small-town atmosphere
- Picturesque local landscape
- Welcoming neighborhood
- Sense of peace and serenity
People & Lifestyle
The bucolic beauty of the area, matched with the many small-town charms offered by Medford, has made it one of the most desirable communities in Southern New Jersey. Young professionals, successful entrepreneurs, and families all find this location to be ideal. As a result, this is also one of the most affluent communities in the area. The average annual household income is over twice the national average, and homes have a median value of over $330,000.
Residents living in Medford enjoy the pastoral outdoor landscape around them, with many taking advantage of the numerous parks, farms, and wooded areas throughout the town. The downtown area also offers a vibrant social scene, with numerous restaurants and boutiques lining the brick sidewalks.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Medford’s dining scene is reflective of the historic and delightful community itself. Braddock's Tavern is certainly one of the most popular spots in town. Their New American-style menu includes cheesesteak spring rolls, bone-in pork chops, and a mouthwatering duck confit with white bean and bacon cassoulet.
Main Street in downtown Medford is filled with fantastic shopping opportunities—as well as some of the best restaurants in town. The Pop Shop is definitely a favorite. Open from breakfast through dinner, their eclectic menu includes a Belgian waffle sundae, fried pickles, and a Pop Shop cheesesteak sandwich that guests absolutely rave about. Another beloved Main Street eatery is ITA 101. This highly-rated restaurant serves some of the best Italian food around, with seasonal dishes like spaghetti with shrimp and artichokes, pan-seared Brussel sprouts with provolone, and chicken legs stuffed with fontina cheese and prosciutto.
Another popular area in town is the Village of Taunton Forge. This world-class shopping center offers an array of national brand shops as well as delightful restaurants like Tacos El Tio. Serving high-end Mexican cuisine, their menu features dishes like citrus-braised pork carnitas, pan-seared red snapper, and mouthwatering tostadas de tinga. This center is also home to Illiano Cucina, a family-owned Italian restaurant serving classic dishes like grilled portobello mushrooms, pasta puttanesca, and an outstanding lasagna that guests rave over.
Things to Do
Medford homeowners don’t have to go far in order to find things to do in their spare time. The local area is filled with entertainment opportunities and recreational activities that the whole family can enjoy. Kirby’s Mill is a beautifully preserved part of the Medford Historical Society, where numerous events and activities take place throughout the year. Used as an educational space for the society, this stunning landmark is a great place to reconnect with local history.
Freedom Park is one of the town’s many picturesque parks. Featuring a pavilion, basketball courts, gaga court, a baseball field, and a canoe ramp, this park is the perfect place to spend the day with family. It is also the location of the annual Fourth of July Celebration, where the entire community comes together in order to enjoy live music, games, and an array of street vendors.
Another highly anticipated event is the Canoe Carnival, a week-long celebration that includes the Miss and Mr. Medford Lakes Pageant, the Canoe Carnival Ball, and Mardi Gras Night. The Dickens Festival takes place every December and is the perfect way to start off the beautiful holiday season.
Schools
The numerous families living in the Medford area are exceptionally dedicated to the quality education of their children. This is overwhelmingly apparent in the number of highly-rated schools in the area, including:
