Moving to Willingboro, NJ: Complete Relocation Guide

Willingboro is a suburban township of 7.8 square miles in Burlington County, New Jersey. Bordered by Route 130 to the north, Rancocas Creek to the west, Westampton Township to the south, and Burlington Township to the east, it offers a primarily residential character that appeals to families, commuters, and anyone looking for more space without leaving the Philadelphia metro area.

If you are considering relocating to Willingboro, this guide covers the essentials: schools, commute times, cost of living, parks and recreation, and the local housing market.

Schools and Education

The Willingboro Public School District operates 9 schools serving approximately 3,700 students from Pre-K through 12th grade. The district includes:

• Elementary schools: Garfield East ECDC, J.C. Stuart ECDC, Hawthorne Park Elementary School, Twin Hills Elementary School, and W.R. James Sr. Elementary School
• Intermediate school: James A. Cotten Intermediate School (grades 5-6)
• Middle school: Memorial Middle School
• High school: Willingboro High School serves grades 9 through 12 with about 845 students

In addition to the public schools, there are about 3 private schools in the area serving around 200 students. For families considering private education, options in nearby Mount Laurel and Burlington Township expand the choices further.

School zoning and feeder patterns can change. Always verify with the district directly for the most up-to-date information on which schools serve a specific address.

Commute Times and Transportation

Willingboro's location makes it practical for commuters working in Philadelphia, Trenton, and other parts of South Jersey. The average commute time from Willingboro is about 30 minutes. Here are typical drive times to key destinations:

• Philadelphia, PA: Approximately 27 to 33 minutes by car (19 to 25 miles depending on the route)
• Camden, NJ: About 20 to 25 minutes via Route 130 and I-295
• Cherry Hill, NJ: Approximately 20 to 30 minutes
• Trenton, NJ: Around 30 to 40 minutes
• New York City: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by car depending on traffic

Key routes: Route 130 runs along Willingboro's northern border and provides direct access to Trenton and points north. I-295 is accessible within minutes and connects to Philadelphia via the Betsy Ross Bridge or the Walt Whitman Bridge. The New Jersey Turnpike is also nearby, connecting to the entire Northeast corridor.

Public transit: NJ Transit provides bus service from Willingboro to Philadelphia's Center City, making it possible to commute without a car if you live near a bus route. The trip takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour depending on the route and time of day.

Cost of Living

Willingboro offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the New Jersey average, largely driven by the affordable housing market. Key cost factors:

• Housing: As covered in our Willingboro home prices report, the median home price is around $365,000 to $375,000, well below the New Jersey statewide median.
• Property taxes: Burlington County property tax rates are moderate compared to other New Jersey counties. Your exact tax burden depends on the assessed value of the home, which varies by neighborhood and condition.
• Utilities: Public water and sewer are standard in Willingboro, and energy costs are comparable to the rest of South Jersey.
• Transportation: Car ownership is the primary mode of transportation, as Willingboro is a car-dependent community. Most errands require a vehicle.

Parks and Outdoor Recreation

One of Willingboro's strongest assets is its park system. The township maintains over 178 acres of parkland, including:

• Broido Park: The largest park in Willingboro, featuring walking and bike paths, exercise trails, playgrounds, a dog park, and a band shell for community events
• Crystal Lake: Stocked for public fishing by NJ Fish and Game, this is a popular spot for local anglers
• Mill Creek Park: Additional green space with walking paths and recreational areas at 300 Beverly-Rancocas Road
• Fairmount Park: Another neighborhood park option within the township

Nearby parks worth exploring include Pennington Park in Delanco (about 10 minutes away), Silver Lake Nature Center in Bristol, PA, and Amico Island Park in Riverside. The Delaware Canal State Park trail offers additional outdoor recreation options in nearby Bristol, PA.

Dining, Shopping, and Things to Do

Willingboro offers a range of local dining and shopping options. B-UNOS Willingboro on US-130 is a popular local spot. Marblehead Chowder House in nearby Westampton serves seafood. The Local Eatery and Pub in Mount Holly and Maple Hill Restaurant in Maple Shade are short drives for more variety.

For shopping, the Willow Grove Park Mall in Pennsylvania is about 20 minutes north. For family entertainment, The Funplex in Mount Laurel (about 15 minutes away) offers bowling, arcade games, and attractions.

The Recreation Department at 1 Salem Road serves as a hub for local programming, sports leagues, and community events. The township's band shell at Broido Park hosts concerts and gatherings throughout the year.

The Housing Market

Willingboro's housing stock consists primarily of mid-century ranch and split-level homes built between the 1950s and 1970s, reflecting the township's Levittown origins. In recent years, many homes have undergone renovations that bring them up to modern standards.

A great example of what a fully renovated Willingboro home looks like is 57 Eastbrook Lane, a 4-bedroom, 2-bath ranch with over 2,100 square feet of living space. Completely updated in 2025, it features a new kitchen, updated bathrooms, new windows, new siding, new central air conditioning, and an updated heating system. For the most current market data, see our Willingboro home prices report.

Is Willingboro Right for You?

Willingboro is a good fit for:

• Families who want suburban space, a strong park system, and access to public schools
• Commuters working in Philadelphia or South Jersey who want affordable home prices within a 30-minute drive
• First-time buyers looking for an entry point into the New Jersey housing market
• Downsizers who prefer one-level living and want a manageable property in an established community

Frequently Asked Questions