Bridgeton is the county seat and one of the major cities in Cumberland County. The city is known for its historic homes, diverse population and locally owned businesses downtown. “The people are great in this area,” says Randi Galan, owner of the Randi Galan - State Farm Insurance Agency. She’s been a local business owner for eight years and is a Greater Bridgeton Chamber of Commerce board member. “I know New Jersey gets a bad rap, but that is based on the northern part of the state. The southern half is a completely different beast. Vineland and Millville have a different feel than Bridgeton. I’m used to a place that’s more diverse and with more country, and I think that makes Bridgeton the perfect place.”
Manufacturing and agriculture have driven Bridgeton’s economy since the early 1900s, though there was a decrease in manufacturing plants when many closed in the 1980s. Today, people commute into Bridgeton from surrounding townships to work at Inspira Health Center Bridgeton or the Southwoods State Prison — New Jersey’s largest state prison.
Bridgeton is the county seat and one of the major cities in Cumberland County.
The city of Bridgeton was founded and established in 1686.
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Restored historic homes and others waiting to be fixed up
The city had a residential boom in the early 1900s when workers moved in for manufacturing jobs. Many homes from this period are still standing, with Victorian and Federal designs. Other properties have bungalows or ranch-style homes. The median home price is $245,000, much lower than the $406,100 national median reported by the National Association of Realtors.
“If somebody’s moving here, you really get your pick of home types,” Galan says. “You can live in a country home and have a lot of property. If you’re into historic homes, there are ones that have been restored, and there are some old Victorian homes that could be restored, for someone who might want a fixer-upper.”
Enjoy a summer afternoon under covered front porches of bungalows on residential streets in Bridgeton.
Historic Victorian style homes add charming character to quiet Bridgeton streets.
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Free trips to the zoo and celebrating local culture
Most of Bridgeton’s recreation spots line Mayor Aitken Drive, including the Cohanzick Zoo — New Jersey's only municipal zoo. Admission is always free, and Boo! At the Zoo! is a popular event held every October. Families dress up for trick-or-treating and pick up snacks at food trucks. Bridgeton City Park features multiple baseball fields and Sunset Lake in the north, where visitors kayak and birdwatch. The paved basketball courts and large dog park are on the other side of Mayor Aitken Drive.
“A unique thing about Bridgeton is that it has a large population of Hispanic residents,” Galan says. “There are a lot of Mexican restaurants and a strong cultural heritage.” Galan highlights the Cinco de Mayo festival as one of Bridgeton’s biggest events. Vendors sell tasty dishes, and visitors listen to live music as they stop by the beer garden or family play area. The Bridgeton Holiday House Tour is another popular event, where tourists from across southern New Jersey visit to walk around downtown Bridgeton and see roughly 20 historic homes decorated in twinkling lights and bows for Christmas.
Near Hopewell Township, some residents at the Cohanzick Zoo exemplify the chill lifestyle.
Perfect your jump shot on the basketball courts at Bridgeton City Park.
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Driving to Philadelphia or Vineland
Most residential streets are lined with sidewalks, and NJ Transit buses take commuters to Millville and Vineland. Anyone who works in Vineland or wants to shop at the Cumberland Mall has a 12-mile drive along state Route 56. Drivers connect onto Veterans Memorial Highway to commute 50 miles north to Philadelphia or the Philadelphia International Airport.
The Cohansey River can pose a flood risk during heavy rain, but most flooding occurs on roads. The American Littoral Society installed shallow trenches filled with sandy soil and native plants to soak up water along critically affected roads.
Cumberland Mall offers tons of shopping options a short trip from Downe Township.
NJ Transit runs buses in Upper Deerfield Township to help you get around.
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Shopping local is easy in Bridgeton
Downtown Bridgeton has most of the city’s restaurants and locally owned shops, many of which line Laurel and Pearl Streets. “Bridgeton, for the most part, has mom-and-pop stores. If you want big box stores, you go to Vineland, but you go downtown if you want to go to a store that’s owned by a friendly local who will take the time to get to know you and help you.” For farm-fresh produce, Bridgeton is close to the Greater Bridgeton Amish Farm Market, which houses permanent vendors, a deli counter and the Bridgton Cafe. The store is open Thursdays through Saturdays.
According to the most recent New Jersey State Police annual reports, the Bridgeton Police Department had a 27% increase in reported crimes between 2021 and 2022. The rate per 100,000 people was less than Millville but more than Vineland in 2022.
The Amish Farm Market offers a wide selection of local meats and produce to Hopewell folks.
Get a fresh cut in Bridgeton at Clint's Barbershop on N. Laurel Street.
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Earning college credits at Bridgeton High
Bridgeton City School District has 12 schools and earns a C from Niche. In 2024, the district partnered with Rowan College of South Jersey to create a collegiate program for students at Bridgeton High School, which gets a C. Students can enroll in the program to earn an associate degree and high school diploma simultaneously.
Bridgeton High School offers students dual enrollment programs with Rowan College of South Jersey.
Bridgeton High School receives an overall C grade from niche.com.
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Churches and the city support the community
Bridgeton has one of the highest poverty rates in Cumberland County. Local churches, such as St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, offer food pantries and charity thrift stores. The Cumberland County Code Blue Warming Center operates from November through April to help individuals experiencing homelessness get shelter during below-freezing temperatures. Bridgeton usually has humid summers and mild winters with minimal snowfall.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, offer food pantries and charity thrift stores to its residents.
Thrift a new outfit in Bridgeton at Bridge the Gap Thrift Store on S. Laurel Street.
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Written By
Rylee Doyle
Photography Contributed By
Jesse Roehrer
Video By
Christine Tranchina
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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