Is Medford Lakes safe?
Medford Lakes, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Medford Lakes as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Medford Lakes
“Go. Medford Lakes is an exceptionally safe, serene residential community tucked into the Pine Barrens, celebrated for its historic log cabin homes and picturesque lakes. Violent crime is virtually nonexistent, and visitors can stroll or paddle through the quiet lakeside streets without safety concerns.”
About the area
Medford Lakes is a unique, secluded borough in Burlington County defined by over twenty interconnected lakes and rustic log cabin architecture. Originally developed as a resort community, it now serves as a quiet, affluent residential enclave surrounded by pine forests.
- Wooded / Pine Barrens
- Quiet & Lakeside
- Historic Log Cabins
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Medford Lakes
Walk score: 24/100 · Bike score: 42/100
There is no municipal bike-share system, but the flat, low-speed residential lanes are widely used by locals for leisure cycling despite lacking dedicated bike lanes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are near zero, ranking among the safest municipalities in New Jersey
- High homeownership rate above 90% and high median household income exceeding $130,000
- Tranquil natural setting with private beaches, quiet wooded lanes, and minimal traffic
- Strong community cohesion and active neighborhood watch presence
Cons
- Most lakes and beaches are privately maintained for resident members of the Colony Club
- Roads can be winding, narrow, and unlit after dark, requiring careful driving
- Extremely limited public transit, requiring a personal vehicle for practically all needs
- Sparse commercial district with very few dining or retail options within borough limits
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is not a notable presence in Medford Lakes. The borough is purely suburban and residential, with social support and shelter services centered in larger hubs like Camden or Mount Holly.
What Medford Lakes is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene, filled with residents walking dogs and joggers navigating shaded lakeside roads with complete safety.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and family-oriented, with occasional recreational paddlers on the lakes and light local vehicle traffic.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential dusk with minimal noise, where evening strolls along neighborhood lanes are pleasant and very safe.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely dark and silent due to the dense tree canopy and limited streetlights, though serious crime remains exceptionally rare.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is virtually nonexistent within Medford Lakes. NJ Transit bus route 406 serves parts of adjacent Medford Township, and the nearest commuter rail access is the PATCO Speedline in Lindenwold, roughly a 20-minute drive away.
Parking is free and easy, primarily along commercial business lots on Stokes Road or residential driveways; street parking is generally unrestricted on residential roads but shoulder space can be narrow.
Things to do in Medford Lakes
- Admire the unique historic log cabin architecture while driving or walking down Stokes Road and local side lanes
- Canoe or kayak along the scenic Medford Lakes waterways (where public access points permit)
- Enjoy breakfast or sweet treats near the historic Vaughan Community House and local shops along Stokes Road
Local favorites
- P.J. Whelihan's Pub & Restaurant · American Restaurant & Sports Bar · 4.4★ (1850)A popular neighborhood gathering spot just outside borough lines serving wings, burgers, and craft beers.
- Medford Bagel Shop · Bagel Shop · 4.5★ (420)A beloved local breakfast joint serving freshly baked New York-style bagels and breakfast sandwiches.
- The Lower Forge Brewery · Brewery · 4.7★ (210)A nearby craft brewery in neighboring Medford offering small-batch ales and a welcoming tasting room.
Neighborhoods near Medford Lakes
Common questions about Medford Lakes
Is Medford Lakes safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Medford Lakes a good place to live?
On safety, Medford Lakes scores 95/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Medford Lakes?
Walk score 24/100 and bike score 42/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Medford Lakes are safer?
Medford Lakes scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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