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Q&A: How to Land Your Dream Home in Moorestown

Many neighborhoods harbor hidden gem status, flying under the radar while residents become frightful about being discovered. Moorestown, New Jersey is not one of those towns. Having won “Best Place to Live” by Money magazine back in 2005, Moorestown is an area that, frankly, is known for its charm and community — even 10 years after the nod.

Because of its popularity, it’s essential to know all the ins and outs before making a move in the real estate market. To ensure you’re prepped and informed, we’ve consulted two local Coldwell Banker Preferred affiliated sales associates to share their best home-buying strategies, as well as their favorite aspects about Moorestown.

Who is moving to Moorestown, New Jersey? What is attracting them?

Louise Carter: Families are the primary clients, but there are also young adults looking for a secure real estate investment and Moorestown residents moving up or downsizing.

What is average price?

Vickie Sewell: For 2015, as of today, it’s $588,255.

What kinds and styles of homes should potential buyers expect?

Sewell: We have grand old houses on Main Street, Chester Avenue and Central, Oak and Maple. They’re the big, beautiful Victorians and early Colonials. We have a Toll Brothers development on the east end of town that is mostly Colonials. There are also several different types of townhomes. And then we have split levels and ranches, but predominately, I’d say we are a Colonial town.

What’s the food scene like? Are there many restaurants? Is there a town favorite?

Sewell: There are wonderful restaurants on the main streets. We have several Italian restaurants, like Maurizio’s. We have Thomas’ which serves continental food. We have Chinese and Japanese at Akira. We have the Healthy Garden that has great salads and sandwiches—really healthy food. Meanwhile, at the mall, there is Harvest, Osteria and Distrito.

Moorestown is often lauded for its draw for families. How are the schools?

Carter: We have six schools: three elementary, one upper elementary school, one middle school and one high school. All the schools have received numerous commendations, with the high school and the elementary schools receiving prestigious National Blue Ribbon status.

In addition there are private schools including Our Lady of Good Counsel School, grades P-K through 8th grade and The Moorestown Friends School, grades P-K through 12.

What kinds of community involvement are there? Are there any exciting annual events?

Carter: We have Moorestown Day in the spring and autumn. The Moorestown Community House is available for all events including weddings and private parties.  The Historical Society hosts a ghost tour for Halloween. We have a Fourth of July parade that ends at Stokes Hill with a bonfire. We also have Candlelight Night and a holiday parade, complete with Santa Claus.

Sewell: The library system in Moorestown is wonderful. We have an outstanding library. I often take out-of-town buyers to the library to meet the children’s librarian. They have programs for children that are just great and fill up quickly. It’s very special and I have had so many people thank me for telling them about it.

Because the area is so popular, what strategies would you suggest implementing so homebuyers get the best value?

Sewell: If you want to live in Moorestown, then you might have to step up to the plate a little more. Generally speaking, the homes in Moorestown are going to be more expensive — not all of them, of course. That doesn’t mean the other communities aren’t lovely communities to live in.

For more information about buying or selling a home in the communities of the Greater Philadelphia area and the Delaware Valley, including southern New Jersey and northern Delaware, visit Coldwell Banker Preferred online at www.coldwellbankerhomes.com

This interview has been condensed and edited for length.