I'm trying to decide or figure out the following for a potential move
to Mount Laurel New Jersey:

metro vs. suburbs: cost of living vs. commute time
Can I take the train to work (Mount Laurel, NJ)
Are there parks where I can walk, hike or bike ride on paved or gravel trails?
Live in NJ or another state and commute?
Is it feasible to live somewhere between the shore and work? 
Are there any lake communities with townhomes or condos in the area? 

I currently live in NC and am entertaining a job offer. I would be
working in Mount Laurel, NJ. I have never been there and do not know
if it is more metro or more like a suburb. I have a townhouse and
would be interested in another townhouse or condo. I like the idea of
living in a place where I can walk to the store, restaurant or movie
theater. However, if it's too expensive then I would consider moving
out to the burbs. I'm wondering what parks exist and if I can walk,
hike or bike on paved or gravel trails. I'm also wondering if there
are nice little shore towns (not Atlantic City) and if it's feasible
to live inbetween work and the shore or at least near a route that
would get me to the shore. If I can't get to the shore then maybe
there is a lake community? I'm single and not moving a family with me
to this area.

I'm not a google researcher.  But I work in Mt Laurel, and I'm a
Burlington County native.

I can't make your decision for you, but I can give you some basic info to help you.

First, Mt. Laurel is a suburb of Philadelphia, PA (about 18 miles
away).  Once a mainly agricultural area, it saw rapid residential and
commercial development after World War II.  It is a fairly large
township consisting of housing developments, office parks, commercial
centers.  There is no town center to speak of.

Second, it is at least 54 miles to the Jersey Shore.  (That is the
distance to Atlantic City).  There are many beautiful shore towns that
are located to the  north and south of A.C.  Housing prices at the
shore are currently at astronomical levels.  "Going down the shore"
for the day, weekend, week or season (if your schedule permit) is a
very popular summertime activity.

Third, most likely, you will not be able to take the train to work. 
There is no passenger rail service in Mt. Laurel.  There is the
RIVERLINE that runs from Trenton to Camden, and the PATCO High Speed
line that runs through Camden County (south of Burlington County) into
Philadelphia.  There is a bus system (www.njtransit.com) that serves
all areas of NJ.

Fourth, many people live to the south and east of Mt. laurel.  This is
closer to the Jersey Shore. Housing prices tend to be higher in Mt.
Laurel, so people move farther out where housing is cheaper.  (I
believe the cost of living will be much higher for you here than in
North Carolina. I hope the salary offer is very good).  I live to the
north and west.  That is a good place too.

I suggest you take a look at the offical Mt Laurel web site: www.mountlaurel.com

Also, find a good relocation Realtor to answer specific housing questions.

Thank you "philnj". You're information is very much appreciated! I am
worried about the cost of living. If I can't get the salary to work
with my budget then I will have to drop everything.

If anyone else out there has anything to add that would be great!