Your home will probably be your biggest-ever investment, so if you are considering buying a home in South Jersey, it makes sense to think of it as an investor.

When looking for a home, figuring out whether to rent or buy can be tricky. There are many factors at play and trying to time the housing market is difficult.

However, there are mathematical ways to evaluate each city, so you can make an informed decision. released the 50 best and worst ZIP Codes to buy a home in New Jersey.

Based on the latest Census Bureau data for cities with a population of 60,000 or more, the rankings were determined by calculating the price to rent ratio.

The price-to-rent ratio is the median home value divided by the median annual rent and serves as a benchmark for understanding whether it is better to rent or buy in an area.

When home prices rise significantly faster than the local rents, the ratio will rise - indicating a possible housing bubble where it may be better to rent.

A ratio under 15 indicates that it is likely more affordable to buy, and ratio over 20 are likely better to rent. By that analysis, statewide, the best place to buy a home is Camden with a price to rent ratio of 8.2. The worst place to buy in New Jersey if you are relying on price to rent ratio is Stone Harbor at 91.5.

Using the same analysis from, here are the best and worst places in South Jersey to buy a home and its overall state ranking.

Best places in South Jersey to buy a home:

#19 - Mays Landing (14.0)

#21 - Northfield (14.1)

#25 - Absecon (14.9)

#30 - Vineland (15.3)

#40 - Millville (16.2)

# 50 - Linwood (16.8)

Worst places in South Jersey to buy a home:

#1 - Stone Harbor (91.5)

#4 - Beach Haven (61.0)

#8 - Sea Isle City (51.6)

#9 - Ocean City (49.2)

#42 - Longport (37.2)

#45 - Margate (36.9)

#50 - Wildwood (35.1)

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