A city on the western edge of New Jersey’s pine barrens
The city of Atco is a geographic gateway to the Pine Barrens, situated on the edge of the southeastern New Jersey landmark. The city sits west of Berlin, and its western half is divided by White Horse Pike, which runs from Philadelphia to Atlantic City and is designated as Route 30. Much of the city is comprised of single-family homes on residential streets, and the landscape gradually becomes more rural the farther east the city goes. It then blends into the pinelands, which take up much of southeastern New Jersey and are separated into multiple state forests and preserves. However, Atco’s spot on the eastern reaches of Camden County doesn’t exclude it from having an identity of its own. “It’s a small town,” says Danielle Moore, a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty. “They’re definitely trying to build up the area. There’s a great brewery in town, some newer restaurants and things like that. If you’re driving down White Horse Pike, you drive right through it.”
Atco
Atco
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Thousands of acres of pinelands just east
The New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve sits east of the city and is one of the state’s most prominent geographic features. In total, the Pine Barrens span over a million acres of land. The Wharton State Forest is part of the expanse and occupies the section of pine barrens just east of Atco, encompassing almost 123,000 acres by itself. In southern Atco, Marilyn Beard Trailhead Park provides access to Wharton State Forest and visitors can hike trails and keep an eye out for wildlife. Anglers can cast lines on multiple tributaries, including Hays Mill Creek. The creek feeds into Atco Lake, where locals can walk the surrounding trails or fish in the lake. Ritter Field Sports Complex offers several baseball fields alongside a playground, roller hockey rink and a basketball court.
Atco
Atco Lake is a popular spot for fishing in the area.
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Architectural variety on Atco streets
Atco is primarily made up of single-family homes, which often sit on streets branching out from White Horse Pike. Homes have a median price of about $335,000. “There are a few complexes where there are some townhouses,” Moore says. “It’s mostly average, modest homes. Nothing crazy.” Properties have a range of architecture, including ranch-style homes, Cape Cods, colonial-style homes and bungalows. Single-family homes typically range from $350,000 to $500,000.
Atco can receive significant rainfall each year, which oftentimes amounts to higher than the nationwide average.
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Atco
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Dining out along White Horse Pike
Residents can head to White Horse Pike in western Atco to dine out. The thoroughfare is lined with restaurants ranging from international fare, like Asian and Italian food, to classic pubs and taverns. Several breweries are also on or close to the road. “There are some good restaurants,” Moore says. “There’s some good Mexican food and some great Italian in the area. There are plenty of places to go eat within a 10-to-15-minute drive.” Central Berlin is less than 3 miles from central Atco, offering more dining and shopping options. Grocery shoppers can head to the Atco Food Company in the northern part of the city or to a ShopRite and Walmart in Berlin to pick up goods.
Residents of Atco can head to Brotherton Brewing Company.
Atco residents come to nearby ShopRite of Berlin for their grocery shopping.
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Annual fundraisers in the surrounding area
Over 10 miles east of Atco, at Paradise Lakes Campground, the Atco Battles Alzheimer’s event has continued for more than 10 years. The fundraiser takes place in the spring and consists of live music, games and more. “There are some other local events,” Moore says. “Waterford Day tries to get the community out. They have vendors on the street, and the breweries and restaurants are all open later that night.” Residents typically head into Philadelphia for more local events. “Really, if anything’s going on, we go into the city,” Moore says. “Philadelphia is our city and there are tons of things that go on there.”
Education split between two school districts
Students can begin at a trio of schools in the Waterford Township School District, which receives a C-plus from Niche. The three schools span pre-kindergarten and kindergarten; first and second grade; and third through sixth grade, respectively. From there, kids can move on to the Winslow Township School District, rated a B-minus by Niche, for its one middle and one high school. Nearby private schools include South Jersey Christian Academy, which has yet to receive a score from Niche. Vision Baptist College sits less than 3 miles west in Berlin, while Camden County College is about 10 miles west.
Waterford Elementary School serves the student population of Atco.
Winslow Township Middle School has a student teacher ratio of 10 to 1.
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Traveling around the Atco area
Route 30 runs through western Atco, linking it to Berlin. The Atlantic City Expressway is less than 7 miles south and is residents’ main path to Philadelphia, which is about 30 miles northwest of Atco. “It’s easy to get down to Atlantic City or North Philadelphia in either direction,” Moore says. “It’s an easy commute.” Trenton sits about 40 miles north of the city. NJ Transit buses provide public transportation along White Horse Pike.
Crime rates in Atco
According to the most recent FBI crime statistics, the frequency of violent offenses slightly declined in Atco from 2022 to 2023, while that of property crimes slightly increased.
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