Browns Mills' housing stock reflects its history as a lakeside Pine Barrens community that grew around the nearby military base. The area holds a mix of older cottages and ranch-style homes near the lakes, mid-century single-family neighborhoods, and some newer construction, with a notable share of rental housing serving military families. Lots are generally modest, and the community offers a more spacious, wooded setting than the denser suburbs closer to Philadelphia.

Browns Mills is the main residential and commercial center of Pemberton Township, with neighborhoods clustered around Mirror Lake and Lakeshore Drive and spreading into the surrounding pine woods. The community includes the township's schools, shopping areas, and civic facilities, making it a hub for the broader township. Nearby communities include Pemberton and New Lisbon, while Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst borders the area to the north.

Life in Browns Mills is shaped by its Pine Barrens setting and the nearby joint base. Lakes, forests, and outdoor recreation are central to the lifestyle, and the community has a strong military presence, with many residents connected to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. The annual Power in the Pines air show is a signature local event. Residents value the quiet, natural surroundings and the community's welcoming, close-knit character, with Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore within driving range.

Browns Mills is served by the Pemberton Township School District, which operates neighborhood elementary schools, Newcomb Middle School, and Pemberton Township High School. The district serves the township's diverse population, including many military families connected to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Families also have access to Burlington County's vocational-technical programs and nearby private and charter options, with higher education available at Burlington County College and institutions in the Philadelphia area.

Browns Mills is served primarily by automobile, with county roads connecting the community to Route 70, Route 206, and the New Jersey Turnpike. NJ Transit bus route 317 links Browns Mills to the Philadelphia area via the Browns Mills Shopping Center. Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst sits immediately north, and the community's location provides access to both Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore, though most daily travel is by car.

Mirror Lake anchors recreation in Browns Mills, with scenic Lakeshore Drive and opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and lakeside walks. The surrounding Pine Barrens offer extensive hiking, paddling, and wildlife viewing across Wharton State Forest and nearby preserves. The joint base hosts the annual Power in the Pines air show, and county and township parks provide playgrounds, sports fields, and community programs throughout the year.