Your Vineland NJ Moving Guide

Could Vineland be your utopia? That’s what one founder hoped. From agricultural land sprouted a thriving community that today is one of the best places to live. For some, Vineland, New Jersey, does have all the right ingredients. Get to know this South Jersey community to see if it has the recipe for your version of a fulfilling lifestyle.

About Vineland

Find Vineland in the agricultural plains of South Jersey. Situated about halfway between Philadelphia and Cape May, those who drive to Ocean City likely pass through it on Highway 55.

Vineland’s history is a fascinating tale. It was born from one man’s audacious dream of an alcohol-free utopian society, a vision that led to the town’s prohibition on alcohol sales. Additionally, early homeowners were mandated to build a home within a year of purchase and cultivate acres of land annually. 

Ironically, the soils around Vineland were perfect for growing grapes. But instead of wine, locally grown vines were used to make Welch’s Grape Juice. 

Vineland’s lands have been a source of abundant agricultural wealth. The city earned the nickname “Egg Basket of America” due to its huge poultry industry. Almost a million eggs passed through daily at one point. The local Poultry Laboratory even invented the fowl pox vaccine, a testament to the city’s agricultural prowess. 

The 207 days of sunshine and average annual temp of 64F make it a great place to grow things. Surrounded by lush and high-producing family and commercial farms, Modern Vineland is a garden city. Money Magazine has twice listed it as one of the best places to live in New Jersey.

Other local claims include being home to Progresso Soup Company and its leadership in glass making. The locals also intentionally grow dandelions. the quirk is celebrated at the town’s annual dandelion festival and dandelion dinner.

Vineland is home to around 60,000 people, and that figure hasn’t changed much over the last few decades. Part of that is the city limits, which haven’t expanded and are well filled in. Even at just 60,000 people, Vineland is the region’s largest city. 

Moving to Vineland is a way to relish small-town living without sacrificing access to major metropolitan areas. Philadelphia is about 40 miles away, while New Jersey’s playground, Atlantic City, is 36 miles west. 

As for those liquor laws, Vineland does allow the sale of packaged beverages between specific hours.

Vineland Cost of Living

New Jersey isn’t exactly known as an affordable state. Still, Vineland proves you can live in the northeast with reasonable living expenses. It’s 14% more affordable here than in the US and 29% more than the New Jersey average. 

Locals do typically spend more on groceries and utilities. But, they save in many more areas. In particular, locals save about 30% on current home costs. Transportation is also about 40% less than what you’d expect to pay living in New Jersey.

Vineland Real Estate

Do you dream of owning land where you can grow a lush garden? Moving to Vineland delivers in a big way. Find working farms to start your own business. Or, find an executive home with space to plant your own grapevines and tomatoes. The housing choices include beautifully designed historic brick homes and more moderate developments. 

Best of all, Vineland’s real estate prices typically fall under the New Jersey average. As of March 2024, the median sold price was $290,000. The region had 231 homes for sale, ranging from $7,500 for a quarter-acre lot to $1.9 million for a 26-acre lot. See current homes for sale in Vineland to get a better idea of where the market is today.

Where to Work in Vineland

The sandy soils that made Vineland suitable for agriculture set up today’s economy. Agribusiness-related companies dominate the job market. Nationally leading brands, like Tyson Foods and Hanover Foods, are top employers. But behind them are many smaller producers. These include the largest farmer’s cooperative in the Vineland Produce Auction and family farms. 

However, Vineland also has a strong infrastructure and industrial parks that encourage manufacturing. Those same sandy soils are excellent for glass manufacturing, partly why Corning is here. 

Tap Into Education 

Vineland Public Schools runs 14 schools that educate around 10,000 students each year. The classrooms have an impressive 14:1 student-teacher ratio. Additionally, three K-8 private schools are in Vineland. Two are religious, and one is non-sectarian. 

Cumberland County College ranks among the nation’s best community colleges. It has 125 career and technical training programs, which can lead directly to work or transfer to other four-year programs. 

The Cumberland County Technical Education Center is run by the school system and college together. It focuses on training for local jobs and offers academic and technical coursework. 

Healthcare Access

Inspira Health Network operates a 262-bed inpatient hospital in Vineland. It’s part of a larger medical campus serving Cumberland County residents’ health needs, making Vineland a regional hub for medical care. Locals have immediate access to diagnostic and ambulatory care. Additionally, the facilities treat a range of cancers and meet medical infusion needs. So a move to Vineland doesn’t mean traveling farther for quality healthcare access.

Things to Do in Vineland

Want an interesting experience? Delsea Drive-In on Route 47 is one of two drive-in theaters still operating in New Jersey. The state originated the concept, so it’s fitting that at least one is still showing movies. 

Perhaps Vineland’s most dominant resource is “green.” It’s in the farms surrounding the city and the 18 parks and recreational areas. Over the decades, Vineland has preserved vital natural areas as parks and preserves, making it easy for town residents to play or unwind outside.

Outside city limits are the Union Lake Wildlife Management Area and Parvin State Park. At these facilities, you can go boating, camping, and hiking. And if you’re willing to drive, you can have a fun day at the beach. Historic Cape May is slightly over an hour’s trip by car.

While no wineries are growing in town today, several are a quick drive from town. Visit Bellview or Coda Rossa to see what the South Jersey soils can produce. 

Golfers will be delighted to find four courses in and immediately around Vineland. Eastlyn Golf Course was recently redesigned and always impresses with its immaculate grounds. Running Deer Golf Club’s competitive course has hosted US Open qualifying tournaments. Its forested surroundings show that you can have a relaxing, peaceful game yet challenge your skills. 

Enjoy classic small-town festivals that are equal parts Americana character and charm. In November, Holiday Parades cruise down Landis Avenue. Vineland highlights its local culture with Founders Day, Puerto Rican, and Greek Festivals. The Cruise Down Memory Lane is especially popular. The vintage and classic car festival draws out-of-towners who love antique cars. 

Landis Avenue is impressively unique for a Main Street. Its founder wanted it to be 100 feet wide and a mile long. The tree-lined avenue features a historic theater, retail stores, offices, and dining. Best of all, it’s designed to be highly walkable, which is part of the reason transportation costs are much lower living in Vineland.

The Palace of Depression may not sound like a place you’d want to visit, but this historic Vineland landmark has a fascinating history. An eccentric former Alaska gold miner built the “Strangest House in the World” out of junk and discarded materials. The house you see today is a recreation, built and restored using volunteer efforts. 

Moving to Vineland

Does Vineland look perfect to you? It’s hard to believe you can find such an affordable place to live in New Jersey, but it is possible! Best of all, it’s a small town with less traffic, friendly people, and a quirky culture. Come explore moving to Vineland with a local real estate agent.