Medford, NJ: A rural community with a picturesque downtown

What you will find

The numerous lakes, streams and cranberry bogs that run through Medford characterize many of the residential communities. The neighborhoods are named after the lakes that surround them, including Centennial Lake, where some of the largest homes are found. Other lake communities are dotted with log cabin-style homes, but not as many as in Medford Lakes, a quaint community that sits like a donut hole in the middle of Medford Township.

Of the cabins, Mrs. George, Weichert’s agent, said, “People either love them or hate them. They have to decide whether they can live with the inconveniences in exchange for all that charm.”

While log cabins may not suit all tastes, many buyers are showing interest in lake properties, which are not easy to find, Ms. George said, noting that “if people have something on the lake, they don’t get rid of it. .” Most lake communities have their own associations, giving local residents who join access to the lake beaches and clubhouses.

With its forested areas and open farmlands, Medford has avoided some of the excessive development of nearby townships like Cherry Hill and Mount Laurel, although keeping it that way has been a struggle, said Mr. Watson, the mayor. Since 1970, the township’s population has tripled, and the state’s continued mandate to build more affordable housing has led to lawsuits and much debate in Medford. To comply with the latest negotiated settlement, the municipality is adding 1,000 new homes, about a quarter of which will be affordable housing, the mayor said.

“I wish none of those houses had to be built and it could have remained farmland,” said Mr. Watson, 64, a lifelong resident of the township. “While I’m not happy with this whole development, it’s a lot less than what we’ve ever had to deal with. We tried our best.”