A lake-filled borough with log cabins and pine forests
Medford Lakes is a one-square-mile borough in Burlington County featuring 22 lakes in the heart of the New Jersey Pinelands Reserve. Founded in 1928 as a seasonal retreat, its rustic cabins, lantern-lit trails and deep pine forests remain key features as Medford Lakes has shifted to year-round living. “It’s the kind of place where children ride their bikes to school and everyone knows the lakes by name,” says Carol Latti of BHHS Fox & Roach, lifelong resident and local agent. “People who grow up here often move away, then come back to raise their own families.” Residents span all ages here. With its own police and fire departments and hundreds of lakefront homes, property rarely turns over.
Log cabins and waterfront estates with private docks
More than 100 homes here are log cabins, many of them sitting beside multi-story custom-built estates. Some properties offer direct lake access and private docks. The priciest homes line the water and feature expansive windows and outdoor spaces perfect for entertaining. The median sales price is about $1.8 million, though smaller cabins and traditional homes can cost less. Buyers find a mix of history and modern comforts, with homes ranging from 1,400 to over 5,000 square feet and prices shaped by location, age, upgrades and lakefront views.
Special programs at Shawnee High
Medford Lakes kids attend Nokomis School for pre-kindergarten through 2nd grade, which holds a B-minus rating from Niche. Neeta School, serving 3rd through 8th grade, is rated a B. High schoolers go to the A-minus-rated Shawnee High, where participation in clubs like DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America), HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), and JROTC is encouraged, giving students options for leadership, health professions and business experience.
Swimming, golf and summer events in town
Freedom Park covers about 140 acres and offers playgrounds, paved walking paths, community gardens, a 26-acre dog park and skatepark. Heading to the water, the community’s Lower Aetna Lake is approximately 21 acres and has a private beach for swimming, sunbathing and the annual Canoe Carnival, an August tradition where residents parade handmade floats and compete for prizes. Beaches at Mishemowka Lake and Wauwauskashe Lake are popular. Golfers join Medford Lakes Country Club, which opened in 1930 and features an 18-hole, par-72 course stretching over 6,100 yards with practice facilities and a clubhouse for dining and events.
Trading Post Way for dining, coffee and local stores
PJ Whelihan’s Pub and Restaurant is known for wings, craft beer and a welcoming neighborhood vibe. Riviera Pizza serves up classic pies and Italian favorites, and The Sand Stand offers ice cream on warm summer days by the water. For everyday grocery needs, the Grocery Outlet by Lake Pine is a convenient stop, while Lakes Coffee and the Honeypost are local go-tos for caffeine and a treat. "Two Fish BYOB is especially popular in the community. Reservations are hard to get,” says Latti. “Most of these shops and restaurants are found around Trading Post Way, and its become sort of the town center.”
Route 532, Route 206, hospital and airport access
County Route 532 runs through the center of Medford Lakes, connecting residents to neighboring towns throughout Burlington County. U.S. Route 206 is just west, offering direct access north to Trenton and south to Hammonton. Virtua Marlton Hospital is less than 11 miles away. Philadelphia International Airport, offering domestic and international flights, is about 32 miles from town.
