Moving to South Jersey for work or military orders

Your first 60 days: license and vehicle

The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission says new residents must transfer their out-of-state driver license and their vehicle title and registration within 60 days of moving, or before the current license or registration expires, whichever comes first.

License transfers are by appointment at a motor vehicle license center. You'll need documents that meet New Jersey's 6 Points of ID requirement, and you'll surrender your out-of-state license. Check the MVC site for current forms and fees before you go.

How New Jersey property taxes work

In New Jersey, each town sets a general tax rate by dividing what it needs to raise by the total assessed value of taxable property. Your bill is the general tax rate multiplied by your home's assessed value. That's why taxes on similar homes can differ a lot from one town to the next.

To look up a specific address, use the NJ Property Tax List Search from the Division of Taxation, or the state's Property Explorer map. The local tax assessor and tax collector can answer questions about a property's assessment and bill. The state also runs property tax relief programs, including ANCHOR, Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement) and Stay NJ. Eligibility rules apply, so check the Division of Taxation's relief page.

Getting around: Philadelphia and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

PATCO runs train service between South Jersey and Philadelphia, from Lindenwold through Camden County towns like Haddonfield and Collingswood into Center City stations. NJ TRANSIT's River LINE is a 34-mile light rail line linking Camden and Trenton along the Delaware River, with connections to PATCO at the Walter Rand Transportation Center and to the Northeast Corridor at Trenton. The Atlantic City Rail Line runs between Philadelphia 30th Street Station and Atlantic City, with a stop at Lindenwold. Check each agency for current schedules.

For military moves to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, Military OneSource lists the Government Housing Office as the first stop for newly arriving personnel assigned to McGuire and Dix. The base's Relocation Assistance Program offers pre-arrival and newcomers orientations.

Resale certificates and attorney review

New Jersey requires a certificate of smoke alarm compliance before a one- or two-family home is sold, leased or changes occupancy. The full name covers smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and a portable fire extinguisher, and the owner gets it through the town where the home is located. Some towns also require a certificate of occupancy or other resale inspections, so ask the municipality early.

If a real estate licensee prepares your purchase contract, it includes a three-business-day attorney review period after delivery of the fully signed contract. If you're buying from out of state, choose a New Jersey real estate attorney before you make an offer so the review isn't rushed.

How Cathy supports relocation

Cathy Walters offers corporate and military relocation support, with trusted professionals and local resources. She holds a Corporate Relocation Certificate (Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, 2024) and is a Certified Corporate Relocation Agent (2023). Her military ties are personal: she is the life partner, mother, sister and granddaughter of service members.

She has lived in South Jersey since 1984, including 15+ years in Cherry Hill and 10+ years in Mount Laurel, and serves Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Salem, Cumberland and Mercer counties. She can explain how areas differ on taxes, commute routes and property types, and connect you with attorneys, inspectors, insurance agents and mortgage professionals. If you'd like a referral, Cathy often works with Bradley Brondt, Branch Manager (NMLS 242550), The Brondt Cook Group at Acre Mortgage and Financial, Inc., in Cherry Hill. You're free to choose your own lender.

Relocation checklist for South Jersey

• Ask your employer or relocation company what support and timelines your package includes.
• For military orders, contact the JB MDL Government Housing Office and check orientation dates.
• Map your commute: PATCO, River LINE, Atlantic City Rail Line or driving routes.
• Look up assessed values and taxes for addresses you're considering.
• Line up a New Jersey real estate attorney before you make an offer.
• Ask the town about its resale certificate and inspection requirements.
• Book your MVC appointment so you meet the 60-day transfer deadline.