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Installation Guide

Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

Joint Base Wrightstown, New Jersey

Off-Base Living

Top neighborhoods near Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

Wrightstown / New Hanover Township

The communities immediately surrounding the base offer the shortest commutes. Wrightstown is a small borough with some commercial services; New Hanover Township has quiet residential streets popular with military families.

5–10 min to main gate

SuburbanMilitary communityAffordable

Bordentown

A charming small city on the Delaware River with a walkable historic district, excellent restaurants, and a revitalized arts scene. About 15 miles from the base, Bordentown offers more character than typical suburbs.

20–25 min to main gate

HistoricWalkableFamily-friendlyWaterfront

Mount Holly

Burlington County's historic seat offers a quaint downtown with independent shops and restaurants, affordable Victorian homes, and access to the South Jersey outdoor recreation network.

15–20 min to main gate

HistoricAffordableWalkableFamily-friendly
Schools

Burlington City School District / Pemberton Township Schools

The base draws from Burlington County's diverse school options. Pemberton Township serves families closest to the base with an active military-focused community. Many families choose private schools or move to towns with higher-rated systems like Bordentown Regional or Moorestown.

What families should know

  • Bordentown Regional High School has strong academics and a notably active community
  • Burlington County Institute of Technology (BCIT) offers exceptional vocational and technical education
  • Moorestown Township Schools, about 25 miles away, is consistently one of New Jersey's top-rated districts
Things to Do

Life around Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

Entertainment

Six Flags Great Adventure

New Jersey's premier theme park is just 20 minutes from base in Jackson, featuring Kingda Ka (world's tallest coaster), Safari Off Road Adventure, and Hurricane Harbor water park.

Attraction

Grounds for Sculpture

A world-class 42-acre sculpture park in Hamilton, NJ, combining over 270 sculptures by major artists with elaborate landscaping and the Rat's restaurant—one of New Jersey's finest.

Dining

Lahiere's Restaurant (Princeton)

An institution in historic Princeton, serving refined continental cuisine near the Ivy League campus and Princeton's excellent shopping, museums, and gallery district.

Outdoors

Jersey Shore (Point Pleasant Beach)

The classic Jersey Shore boardwalk at Point Pleasant is about 45 minutes from base, offering Atlantic Ocean swimming, Jenkinsons Amusements, arcades, and fresh seafood.

Shopping

Crossings at Bellevue Shopping Center

A large outlet and retail complex in Swedesboro, NJ, with dozens of brand-name stores at discount prices, easily accessible from the base.

Outdoors

River Line Trail (Delaware River)

A multi-use trail following the Delaware River from Trenton to Burlington, passing historic canal locks, riverside parks, and charming small towns ideal for cycling and kayaking.

Housing Market

Buying or renting near Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

Home Prices

$310,000–$460,000

Typical Rent

$1,600–$2,400/mo

South Jersey's housing market is more affordable than the Philadelphia suburbs across the river or the New York metro corridor to the north. Military families find good value in Burlington and Ocean counties. New Jersey's property taxes are famously high and must be factored into any purchase decision.

Popular neighborhoods: Bordentown, Hainesport, Moorestown

Buying near Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst with a VA loan: $0 down and no PMI. Estimate your allowance with the BAH calculator, follow the PCS checklist, and read the full VA Loan Guide before you go under contract.

Orders to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst?

Get pre-approved before you arrive. A VA loan specialist can have your numbers ready this week.

Call (719) 259-2246