Moving to Mount Laurel? Why People Love New Jersey’s Favorite Edge City
May 7, 2024 | Lifestyle
New Jersey is the new hotspot for millennials and job seekers embarking on the next phase of their journey. The city offers a high quality of life—according to a study conducted by WalletHub, New Jersey residents are the 5th happiest in the country. Hawaii ranks number two to give you an idea of the happiness scale. Several factors come into play, such as a growing job market and a sense of community. While many people opt for big cities like Newark and Jersey City, Mount Laurel is quickly becoming a favorite among those moving into the state.
Renowned as an edge city, it attracts people from outside New Jersey and Philadelphia. For example, Mount Laurel is approximately 20 miles east of Philadelphia, making it a convenient commuter suburb. Residents can easily access Philadelphia via major highways such as Interstate 295 and the New Jersey Turnpike, as well as public transportation options, including commuter rail and bus services.
Here are a few more reasons to learn why Mount Laurel is quickly becoming New Jersey’s favorite city and if moving here could be the right choice for you.
A Little About Mount Laurel
Mount Laurel is a small township located in Burlington County, New Jersey. With a size of 21.99 sq miles and a population of around 44,633, it is neither too big nor too small for most folks. The present-day township was incorporated as a township back in 1872 and was named after the laurel trees that dotted the area.
Today, Mount Laurel is still characterized by tree-lined streets and offers a suburban lifestyle with well-maintained neighborhoods and a strong sense of community. The township features a mix of residential developments, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartment complexes, catering to diverse housing needs and preferences.
Moreover, Mount Laurel receives accolades for being a family-friendly township. The CoCo Key Water Resort Park, the Paws Discovery Farm, and a small amusement park called the Funplex add to its family appeal. Interstate 295 runs directly through the city, offering convenient north-south connectivity to destinations like Philly and the Jersey Shore. The New Jersey Turnpike is also easily accessible, providing efficient travel routes to neighboring states such as New York, Delaware, and Maryland.
What Does it Mean to be an Edge City?
Joel Garreau popularized the term “edge city” in his 1991 book “Edge City: Life on the New Frontier.” By edge cities, he referred to places with mini-downtowns, but instead of cobblestone streets and historic buildings, they got gleaming skyscrapers and sprawling shopping malls.
Some key characteristics of edge cities include:
- Economic Activity: Edge cities serve as employment centers for surrounding suburban and urban cities and have a significant concentration of office buildings, retail establishments, and other commercial developments.
- Transportation Hubs: Edge cities are often located at high-volume transportation intersections, such as highway interchanges or transit stops, making them easily accessible to commuters.
- Lack of Centralization: Unlike traditional downtown areas with historic buildings and narrow streets, edge cities feature modern infrastructure that is spread out and can include skyscrapers, wide roads, and ample parking.
Mount Laurel ticks most, if not all, of the boxes of an edge city. The township’s population swells to over 100,000 during the workweek, which brings economic gains to local eateries, gas stations, and other service-based businesses.
The Best Time to Move to Mount Laurel
While relocating to Mount Laurel any time of year is possible, there are better times to relocate based on the weather. Situated in the southern part of the state, Mount Laurel tends to experience slightly milder winters and warmer summers compared to northern regions. Its proximity to the coast also moderates temperatures, providing a more temperate climate year-round.
- Spring (March to May): Mount Laurel’s spring, from March to May, brings longer days, rising temperatures, but there can be an occasional frost. Even so, May marks the beginning of the moving season, making it a great time to move to Mount Laurel.
- Summer (June to August): Summer starts in Mount Laurel in June, bringing long days of rising temperatures, perfect for outdoor fun but challenging for those sensitive to heat.
- Fall (September to November): September in Mount Laurel hints at fall with shorter days, cooler temperatures, changing foliage, and a golden landscape, making it an excellent time to move to the township.
- Winter (December to February): In January, Mount Laurel experiences cold temperatures, snow, and occasional ice, prompting residents to enjoy outdoor activities like sledding and ice skating. Moving during winter months when snow and ice are involved is possible but can be challenging.
Economic Hub for Businesses of All Sizes
Mount Laurel, New Jersey, offers economic opportunities for residents and businesses alike. The township is home to several industries, including healthcare, technology, finance, manufacturing, retail, and professional services. Healthcare, in particular, is a big business in the region with several prominent hospitals and clinics. The Mount Laurel Business Association (MLBA) plays a key role in supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth. Freedom Mortgage, PHH Corporation, Metro Commercial, and Automotive Rentals, Inc. are some of the top employers in the township.
Other reasons Mount Laurel is considered an edge city is its proximity to major highways and interstates, which provide convenient access to Philadelphia and other economic hubs. This prime location makes it attractive for businesses seeking a central base for regional operations.
Great Schools for Families
Families moving to Mount Laurel, NJ, are sure to find the right school for children of all ages. The public schools are generally well-regarded, with Mount Laurel Township Public Schools earning above-average academic ratings and overall student experience. Additionally, private schools offer alternative educational approaches, with some receiving high marks for their specialized programs and smaller class sizes. Specialized charter schools are also in the area.
Public parks, a well-connected transportation system, and friendly residents make raising a family, finding meaningful employment, and enjoying outdoor activities possible in this New Jersey township.
Find Mount Laurel Storage for Your Next Moving or Decluttering Project
Moving to a new city is an exciting opportunity and Metro’s expert and knowledgeable storage teams are here to make your transition as stress-free as possible. Our storage facilities feature all the amenities to keep your move on track and within budget. Enjoy the convenience of online rentals or tour the facility during business hours, and we’ll help you find the right-sized unit. From climate-controlled units and drive-up access to large interior loading bays, keypad gate entry, and more, our New Jersey storage facilities are designed with your comfort and convenience in mind no matter the time of year you’re moving.
