Realtor Q&A: It’s Time to Talk About Collingswood, NJ

Photo credit: iStock/travnikovstudio

Nowadays, it seems like foodie culture has infiltrated all facets of society — Instagram, socialization, and, yes, even the real estate scene. A Top Chef-worthy kitchen is one thing, but a roster of restaurants within walking distance of your home has become a real selling point. One place that’s caught our eye? Collingswood, New Jersey. We’re not the first ones to tout Collingswood’s impressive walkability and top-notch restaurant scene, but if you’re interested in making a move — and you have a healthy appetite — it’s a neighborhood to top your list. 

To aid your home hunt, we consulted three local Coldwell Banker Preferred affiliated sales associates. Here are their best home-buying tips.

What’s the average price range for residences in Collingswood?

Anna De Cristofaro: The average sale price for this town ranges from $150K to $300K.

Who is moving to Collingswood?

De Cristofaro: Because of the price range in Collingswood, a lot of first time buyers and young couples are drawn to this area. They seem to like the price range of the homes, the lifestyle this town offers and the access to public transportation [such as the] Patco Speedline to Philadelphia. We do see buyers relocating from the Philadelphia area, north Jersey, surrounding towns and some even from NYC.

Nahrin Borden: Collingswood is a multicultural town. Not only do we get families from New York and Philadelphia, but also from many foreign countries.

What attracts them to the area?

Mary Beth Oates: Collingswood offers people coming from the city a suburban feel while still maintaining the walkability that one has in the city. The short commute time to Philadelphia is also appealing to most buyers.

De Cristofaro: The vibrant downtown with great restaurants is definitely one thing the locals — and not only the locals — seem to enjoy! You can find a variety of gourmet restaurants and cuisines on Haddon Ave. and a rich calendar of events that appeals to all different age groups. Events like the well-attended famous Farmers Market, from May to November, Restaurant Week, numerous street fairs, the Book Festival in October, the Crafts and Fine Arts Festival in August, the Jazz Series at the Collingswood Community Center and the largest Holiday Parade that takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving. There is plenty to do, indeed!

What kinds and styles of residences should homebuyers expect? Are there any compromises or surprising benefits readers might not know about?

Oates: The styles of residences in Collingswood vary from historic colonials to twins to newly-built townhomes and condos in the Lumberyard section of town.  We really have something for everyone.

Borden: Beautiful, and large Victorian houses is what you will see the most. These houses reflect elegance, love, and good taste. There aren’t any disappointments or hidden surprises. Collingswood is a family-attracting town, and you will know what I mean when you visit this amazing place in-person.

Is there a sense of community within Collingswood? 

Oates: There is a strong sense of community in Collingswood that directly relates to the various community events that are held throughout the year including the farmers’ market on Saturday mornings, the art and music festivals that are held every other Saturday, the various shows that are held at the quaint Collingswood Theater and the town center which is booming with retail boutiques and restaurants.

It seems like Collingswood is experiencing a major retail and restaurant boom. What are the local favorites?

De Cristofaro: There are at least a dozen of great restaurants on Haddon Ave.: Sapori Trattoria Italiana (Creative Italian cuisine), The Tortilla Press (Modern Mexican), Bistro di Marino (casual Italian), Nunzio Ristorante Rustico, Il Fiore, That’s Amore with a chef’s table, IndeBlue (Indian cuisine), Thai Basil Asian Cuisine, Zeppoli Italian Sicilian cuisine and El Sitio Grill & Café’ Steakhouse. All well patronized!

Borden: There are so many favorites. In Collingswood, shopping is truly a work of art. Downtown Haddon Avenue is one of the best shopping areas in southern New Jersey. The wide variety of specialty shops and beautiful surroundings are truly a breath of fresh air. You’ll find everything from fine art and crafts to gifts and home fashions in our designer boutiques, high-end consignment shops, and antique galleries.

Can you talk about Collingswood’s walkability?

De Cristofaro: Well, people meet for lunch and end up spending the whole afternoon window shopping along Haddon Ave., attracted by the large variety of small shops. There is something wonderful about sitting outside a restaurant or coffee shop and seeing other people walking by, chatting, and enjoying themselves. It puts you in a happy mood

Borden: Everything is within walking distance, whether you are visiting for the first time or simply reside in Collingswood, you need not to worry about parking because everything is close by. Collingswood is all about celebrating life, its community and visitors at all times.

How should potential homebuyers approach the home hunt in Collingswood? What strategies do you implement with your own clients?

De Cristofaro: The affordable housing prices attract a lot of first time buyers and those who are looking to downsize to a more manageable-sized home. The majority of the houses are not “grand,” though you can find some large single-family homes or a grand Victorian facing Knight Park. Educating my buyers on the type of homes they can expect to find in Collingswood and surrounding areas is a key first step I take to ensure that their expectations are where they need to be. Most buyers, of course, want a nice home, but they are also buying the lifestyle this town offers — the walkable downtown with the shops and restaurants and all the activities and events.

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

These interviews have been condensed and edited for length.