Best South Jersey Counties for Families Ranked

New Jersey has 21 counties, all offering a little bit of a different vibe.

In South Jersey, Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May Counties offer beaches and boardwalks. Moving out to Cumberland and Salem, there is more farming and agriculture, and Camden, Gloucester, and Burlington can be very busy.

So, which one of the eight South Jersey Counties is the best to raise your family?

Niche's Rankings of South Jersey Counties for Families

Well, it certainly depends on what you are looking for, but the publication Niche (via New Jersey Family) ranked the 21 New Jersey counties based on family life, public schools, jobs, and diversity.

What Makes Burlington County Stand Out?

The highest South Jersey county on the list was Burlington County, coming in as the No. 8 county to live in New Jersey with an overall grade of A, with its 464,000 residents.

In Burlington County, most residents own their homes. There are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Burlington County and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Burlington County are above average.

The only area where they scored less than an A or B was for their cost of living, where they received a C.

Gloucester County: Balanced and Family-Friendly

Next up at No. 11 is Gloucester County, which had an overall B+ grade, with just over 300,000 residents. The county received an A for its nightlife, health & fitness, outdoor activities, and good for families.

In Gloucester County there are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Gloucester County and residents tend to have moderate political views. The public schools in Gloucester County are above average.

They received a C for housing and cost of living, which was their lowest score.

Cape May County’s Lifestyle Appeal

Cape May County was next, at No. 12 on the list, with a grade of B+ for its 95,000 year-round residents. Cape May County did receive an A for its nightlife, health & fitness, commute, and outdoor activities.

In Cape May County, most residents own their homes. In Cape May County there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals and retirees live in Cape May County and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Cape May County are above average.

As far in areas where they scored the lowest, that would be housing and cost of living, where they received a C.

Camden and Atlantic: Mixed Grades and Opportunities

No. 14 on the list was Camden County, with an overall grade of B+ for its 524,000 residents. Camden County received an A for its nightlife and diversity.

In Camden County, most residents own their homes. In Camden County there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Camden County and residents tend to be liberal. The public schools in Camden County are above average.

As far as areas for improvement, Camden County got a C for housing and jobs.

At No. 15 on the list is Atlantic County, which received a B for its nearly 275,000 residents, with high grades for nightlife, diversity, health & fitness, and outdoor activities.

In Atlantic County, most residents own their homes. In Atlantic County there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Atlantic County and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Atlantic County are above average.

One area where Atlantic County ranked poorly, with a D+, was for housing.

Where Ocean, Cumberland, and Salem Rank

As for Ocean, Cumberland, and Salem counties, they weren't ranked, as they stopped their rankings at No. 16.

Ocean County has an overall grade of B-, with high marks for nightlife and low marks for housing. Cumberland received a C with high marks for nightlife, outdoor activities, and diversity, and low grades for housing. Salem got a C+ with solid marks for outdoor activities and low grades for housing.