It's not much less competitive, if at all, on the Jersey side. I would never rent an apartment in the suburbs - you're basically trading in all the good parts of the city without getting any of the real benefits of the burbs. We made the move years ago to Collingswood because we wanted space and peace & quiet without sacrificing proximity to our favorite spots in the city.

If you do decide it's what you want, stick with Collingswood, Haddon Township, or Haddonfield. There's really not a point in any of those towns where you're not walkable to a PATCO station. Although, word to the wise, you will start driving even the short 1 mile to the PATCO after a few months of living in the burbs.

1 bedrooms in the newest buildings around here are going for around $2000. Row homes in Collingswood go for anywhere from $2000-$2700.