PCS orders to Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst can move fast, and choosing where to live off base can feel like one more hard call. If you want short drives and a quieter, semi‑rural setting, North Hanover is a popular choice for military families. In this guide, you’ll get a clear picture of commute times, housing costs, BAH fit, schools, daily life, and a simple checklist to make your move smoother. Let’s dive in.
Why choose North Hanover
North Hanover is a small Burlington County township next to parts of JB MDL, with a population of about 8,100 residents as of 2024. U.S. Census QuickFacts confirms the township’s size. Many addresses, especially in the Jacobstown area, sit a short drive from McGuire and Fort Dix gates. Public transit is limited here, so most residents rely on a car for daily life and commuting.
Commute basics from Jacobstown
Many North Hanover addresses are roughly 3 to 10 miles from McGuire. Examples from local listings show about 7 to 15 minutes by car, with some Jacobstown addresses reporting 5 to 10 minutes depending on the gate and traffic. Use mapping the week before you arrive to verify your specific route and timing. Local driving remains the most practical way to reach work centers on base.
Key routes and gates
Route 68 is a primary access highway to Fort Dix and connects with local county routes like CR 528, CR 545, and CR 537. You’ll likely use some mix of these roads to reach your work center. Review current installation access and gate guidance before you drive near base property. Learn more about Route 68’s role as a Fort Dix connector.
Transit options
Public transit in North Hanover is limited compared with other parts of Burlington County. Most families plan for car ownership or carpools. For county context, see Burlington County’s transportation overview.
Housing office help
The JB MDL Government Housing and Housing Referral office is a great first call when you’re planning an off‑base move. The team can advise on commute routes, temporary lodging, and BAH‑aligned options near the base. Start early with the JB MDL Housing Referral page.
Housing costs and BAH fit
Third‑party home‑value indexes report typical North Hanover prices in the mid hundreds of thousands, and the township is part of a generally higher‑cost New Jersey market. Inventory and pricing shift through the year, so compare current listings against your BAH and timeline. If you plan to buy, factor in property taxes, homeowners insurance, and any association dues when you set your budget.
Rentals and deposits
Around JB MDL, apartments, condos, and townhomes are often more available than single‑family rentals at common BAH levels. The housing office advises that off‑base rentals typically require a deposit of about 1 to 1.5 months’ rent plus first month’s rent. Get current guidance from the JB MDL Housing Referral office.
Check your BAH
BAH varies by pay grade, dependency status, and locality. Do not rely on a rule of thumb. Use the Defense Travel Management Office’s official lookup to confirm your exact entitlement and understand rate protections. Start with the DTMO BAH finder.
Property taxes in context
New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the country. In Burlington County, typical effective rates often fall around the mid‑2 to low‑3 percent range of assessed value, though bills vary by township and school shares. Review recent tax bills and assessed values for any property you’re considering. For statewide context, see the New Jersey property tax calculator.
Schools and services
Public schools overview
For families living in North Hanover, the North Hanover Township School District serves PreK through 6th grade. Endeavour Elementary is located on JB MDL, and older students in grades 7 through 12 typically attend the Northern Burlington County Regional School District. Always verify your specific address and assignment with the district before you sign. Find district information on the North Hanover Schools website.
Childcare and family support
JB MDL provides family readiness resources and on‑base childcare options through its Child Development Center and Family Child Care providers. If you expect waitlists, contact the Housing Referral and Family Support services early in your PCS timeline to explore temporary solutions and next steps. Start here: JB MDL Housing and off‑post guidance.
Healthcare access
TRICARE beneficiaries can use the on‑base clinic at McGuire for many services. Nearby community hospitals and clinics serve the area as well, including specialty centers such as Deborah Heart and Lung Center in the Browns Mills area. Confirm primary‑care availability and referral requirements when you arrive.
Daily life and amenities
Neighborhood vibe and homes
North Hanover offers a semi‑rural feel with village pockets near Jacobstown, plus a mix of single‑family homes and some townhome or condo developments. Owner and renter shares vary by neighborhood block. For a data snapshot, see Census profiles for North Hanover.
Shopping and errands
You’ll find everyday groceries, pharmacies, and services in nearby towns like Wrightstown, Pemberton, Lumberton, and Mount Holly. Popular area stops include Columbus Farmers Market and Pinelands recreation areas. Plan to drive a few minutes for big‑box retail and larger grocery stores.
Utilities and internet
Addresses in North Hanover can vary between public water and sewer or well and septic. Internet speeds and providers can change by street. Verify utility details and ISP coverage for each property, and set up accounts before your HHG arrives.
Noise, training, and safety
Living near an active joint base can include periodic aircraft overflights and training noise. If you want crime data, use the New Jersey State Police Uniform Crime Reporting portal and local police reports for current, neighborhood‑level information. Review the NJSP crime data portal.
Quick PCS housing checklist
- Contact the JB MDL Housing Referral office to discuss on‑base waitlists and off‑base deposit norms. Use the housing guidance page.
- Check your exact BAH by pay grade and zip with the DTMO BAH lookup.
- Verify school assignment and enrollment steps with the North Hanover Township School District.
- Ask sellers for the most recent property tax bill and assessed value. Use statewide context from the NJ property tax calculator.
- Include a military clause in any lease. The Housing Referral office can advise on standard wording.
- Confirm your commute to your specific work center and preferred gate a week before arrival. Example listings show short drives from Jacobstown to McGuire, such as this Jacobstown address commute example.
If you want local guidance on North Hanover neighborhoods, timelines that match your report date, and help comparing on‑base versus off‑base options, reach out to Carla Z Campanella for buyer representation or rental support. Our team combines neighborhood‑level expertise with responsive, military‑savvy service.
FAQs
How far is North Hanover from McGuire on JB MDL?
- Many Jacobstown addresses report about 7 to 15 minutes by car, though some drives are closer to 5 to 10 minutes depending on the gate, traffic, and exact address. See a local example with short drive time.
Will my BAH cover rent near North Hanover?
- It depends on your pay grade and the property type. Use the DTMO BAH lookup to compare your entitlement to current rentals and discuss specifics with the JB MDL Housing Referral office.
Which public schools serve North Hanover addresses?
- PreK to 6th grade is served by the North Hanover Township School District, and grades 7 to 12 typically attend Northern Burlington County Regional; always verify assignment with the district.
How high are property taxes in Burlington County?
- New Jersey taxes are comparatively high, and county effective rates often fall around the mid‑2 to low‑3 percent range. For context and estimates, see the New Jersey property tax calculator.
Is public transit a realistic commute option from North Hanover?
- Public transit in this part of Burlington County is limited. Most residents use a private vehicle or carpool; see county context on Burlington County’s overview.
Who can help with off‑base housing at JB MDL?
- Start with the JB MDL Government Housing and Housing Referral office for on‑base availability, off‑base referrals, and deposit guidance.
