Hainesport Township, a suburb outside Philly, has a long history
Hainesport Township, a suburb in southern New Jersey, is about 25 miles from Philadelphia . "You have that accessibility to the city, but more of a peaceful suburban life right outside of it. There's a lot more open space, green grass and beautiful trees," says Melissa Connell, a Realtor and listing and buying specialist with Keller Williams Realty Cherry Hill.
The area, once the home of the Lenni Lenape tribe, was settled in the 17th century by Quakers. In 1848, Barclay Haines added a wharf on the Rancocas Creek, which was a passageway for steamboats. Stops on the Underground Railroad are another facet of the area's history. Ironworks and milling were among the industries that spurred development, and Hainesport was incorporated in 1924.
Older homes, new construction, townhomes and condos
Among the older homes are 20th century bungalows, split levels and ranch-style homes. Those from the 2000s to 2020s include modern farmhouses and spacious contemporaries. Prices range from about $180,000 to $900,000, depending on square footage, age and lot size. "Some right outside Philadelphia are a little higher in price, so this is considered a more affordable area," Connell says.
Though less common, townhomes typically range from about $290,000 to $460,000. For those 55 and older, The Glen at Mason's Creek has condos, single-family homes and amenities like a pool and clubhouse. Homes that may be susceptible to flooding include those closest to Rancocas Creek in north-central Hainesport.
State, county and municipal parks are among the recreational spaces
To the northeast, the county's Long Bridge Park spans 115 acres of forested areas, meadows and wetlands with Rancocas Creek. The adjacent Hainesport Township Municipal Park has a playground, tennis courts and paved paths with fitness stations. The park hosts the township's movie and concert series. The nearby Rancocas State Park is home to a nature center and over 17 miles of trails. In 2025, the Jersey Health Care Quality Institute recognized Hainesport as a Healthy Town to Watch for its successful health and wellness programs.
Igloo Ice Rink, on the west side of Hainesport, is home to two NHL-sized rinks for public skating, hockey programs and leagues. "And we aren't far from shore towns… what we call 'going down the shore,' which is a day trip to the beach," Connell says.
Well-ranked public schools among options for Hainesport students
Kids may attend Hainesport Township School, which goes up to eighth grade and earns a B grade from Niche. Rancocas Valley Regional High School receives an A-minus and, with about 2,000 students, is one of the county's largest schools. Highlights include the Tomorrow's Teachers program and Project Lead the Way, an engineering-focused pathway. The marching band and dance team have won state and national titles.
Another high school option is the Burlington County Institute of Technology, rated B. It has two campuses and application-based enrollment. Additionally, the state operates the Interdistrict Choice program by application and/or lottery.
Well-known brands and independently owned businesses in the area
One of the nearest shopping centers, toward the northeast side of the township, has fast-food and casual eateries, a ShopRite supermarket and a Lowe's. On the west, independently owned restaurants include Tavern & Table, which has a bar, kitchen and packaged goods. Lilo's Tomato Pies is known for specialty pizzas and sandwiches.
Just outside Hainesport is Rancocas Woods. "It's a cute little community," Connell says, recommending the locally owned businesses. Rancocas Woods Business Association hosts craft and antique markets, seasonal plant swaps and other events throughout the year. Shops include Second Time Books, Four Green Cats Café and Pa & Pa's Tex-Mex BBQ.
Neighbors celebrate seasonal and holiday occasions in Hainesport
Seasonal and holiday events in Hainesport include the Mayor's Wellness/Community Day in June and Hainesport Township's Food Truck and Classic Car Fall Festival in September, a Halloween Trunk or Treat at the Wobble 'til You Gobble 5K Thanksgiving race. In the winter, there's a holiday house decorating contest and a gingerbread-based version.
There's bus service, but driving is common and highways are nearby
Subdivisions branching off thoroughfares like Creek Road and SR-38 have strollable streets with suburban-style sidewalks. The main roads often lack sidewalks, but some have room for cyclists. NJ Transit offers a bus route from Camden to Florence and connections to stations with light rail service on the River Line.
There's access to the New Jersey Turnpike toll road and Interstate 295 within about 5 miles. Virtua Mount Holly Hospital is also within several miles. The Philadelphia International Airport and the Trenton-Mercer Airport are each roughly 30 miles away.
Township awarded $5 million grant to redevelop brownfield sites
The township is among 13 municipalities accepted into the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Brownfield Designation Program in 2025. Up to $5 million in funding has been allotted for mitigating environmental issues and redeveloping brownfield sites, which are areas tainted by industrial contaminants. Parts of Hainesport in the BDP include parcels around Creek Turn Park and off Lumberton Road.
![Robin Silberman]()
Written By
Robin Silberman
