Camden

A small, but mighty community between the Waterfront district and Interstate 676, Bergen Square has made strides to improve the lives of its residents. “We want the community to be as comfortable and feel as much love as possible,” says Valerie Cooke, a volunteer at The Neighborhood Center. “We host a community baby shower every year for expecting parents to come get showered with love and gifts for their new arrivals. We also host a Thanksgiving flash grocery store that provides everyone with a turkey and sides and a Christmas toy shop that’s donation-based.” Spanning about a 10 by 10 block radius, the walkable streets of Bergen Square feature residential properties cozied up next to neighborhood markets and houses of worship. Locals can walk a few blocks west to take in waterfront views of the Philadelphia skyline or hop in their cars to take Interstate 676 to Center City, which sits just 4 miles across the Delaware River. Given its proximity to the busy Balzano Marine Terminal, Bergen Square sees heavy vehicle traffic heading toward steel dockyard warehouses and waste management facilities along the Delaware River. Otherwise, it’s a relatively quiet community lined with brick and stucco-clad row houses from the 1800s and early 1900s. Street parking is the norm, and sidewalks running along each block make the area pedestrian-friendly. There are several investment properties that are currently boarded up or waiting for a complete renovation, ranging from $50,000 to about $150,000. Renovated townhomes with fresh exterior paint and updated interior appliances, some sitting on corner lots with fenced-in backyards, are typically priced from $150,000 to around $200,000. The Heart of Camden is a community center just south of Bergen Square that provides services to help first-time home buyers become confident homeowners. The Camden community has faced economic and societal hardships in the past, but the county has taken measures to get the area back on its feet. According to CAP Index, Bergen Square receives the highest possible crime score of 10 for all crime categories. To combat this score, the Camden County Police Department has implemented safety measures within the past 10 years, resulting in a 74% decrease in homicides. Within Bergen Square, Joseph’s House provides shelter, food and laundry services to houseless people, and Project H.O.P.E. offers primary medical care for those in need. The Neighborhood Center, a childcare facility in Bergen Square, also does their part to give back. “We provide a community lunch every day from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm to help deter the food insecurity that’s been happening in this area,” Cooke says. “We also have a community garden where anyone who puts in sweat equity can pick out any fruits and veggies they want.” On the west side of Bergen Square is the Waterfront district, which has helped Camden rise from the ashes. Above the port, the city removed a state prison in 2009 and replaced it with Wiggins Waterfront Park, which includes the Riverfront amphitheater. Veronica Woods, a real estate advisor with Daniel Woods Real Estate, says that nearby counties have looked to the success of the Waterfront District for guidance on revitalizing communities. “Camden has really brought a lot of life and jobs back to the community,” she says. In addition to the outdoor concert and performance stage, the nearby Freedom Mortgage Pavilion becomes an enclosed concert venue during the colder months. On the other side of Wiggins Waterfront Park and Marina are the family-friendly Camden Children’s Garden and Adventure Aquarium. Students are served by the Camden City School District or one of the public charter schools in the area. They can begin with a 9-1 student-teacher ratio at Forest Hill Elementary School, which Niche grades a C-minus, before advancing to Collingswood Middle School, which receives a B-minus. Hope Community Charter School welcomes students from kindergarten through eighth grade and is graded a C-minus from Niche. Older learners can attend the first KIPP High School in Camden, a college preparatory school, or Camden High School, which provides an 11-1 student-teacher ratio and receives a C-minus. Aside from a few corner stores, there are very few shops and eateries in Bergen Square. However, locals can head to Black- and woman-owned Booker’s Restaurant Lounge and Grill to dine on fish tacos and sliders on the outdoor patio. There are various takeout spots surrounding the community that include American soul food, Chinese and Puerto Rican cuisine. A few small neighborhood markets are also scattered around Bergen Square. For more dining and grocery options, locals would need to head north to the downtown Camden area or across the Delaware River to the Center City. Commuters can easily access Interstate 676, which wraps around the east side of Bergen Square. Those without a vehicle can take the NJ Transit bus or catch the River Link Ferry from Camden to Penn’s Landing.

One of East Camden’s most historic neighborhoods, Cramer Hill sits along the Delaware River, a skip from downtown Camden and a hop over from Philadelphia. Just beyond what’s known as the gateway into South Jersey, Cramer Hill marks where Camden’s suburbs start emerging. The neighborhood’s namesake, Alfred Cramer, began to form the community in the late 1800s. Over a century later, Tito Santiago, a local Realtor with Garden State Properties Group with over 30 years of experience, describes it as one of the city’s more favorable neighborhoods due to the residents’ strong sense of community and efforts to maintain their homes. “The best area in Camden would be Cramer Hill,” Santiago says. Residents here enjoy waterfront access, local businesses and numerous plans that aim to revitalize and uplift the community, like the Cramer Hill 2023 Neighborhood Plan. The community has a mixed urban-suburban feel, with homes from the late 19th century still intact. Brick rowhomes, bungalows and colonial-style homes sit alongside grid-lined streets. These prices typically start at the low $100,000, with fixer-uppers and vacant lots priced under $100,000. As a result of the Cramer Hill 2023 Neighborhood Plan, renovated homes boasting modern kitchens with stainless steel appliances and new vinyl floors are also popping up, with price tags that range from the upper $100,000s to the mid $200,000s. According to the CAP Index, Cramer Hill earns a crime score of 7 out of 10, well above the national average of 4. However, city crime rates have fallen across the board since 2012, while the 2023 neighborhood plan addresses other issues to combat crime through community-building initiatives, supporting entrepreneurship, and improving infrastructure and the overall environment. The Camden City School District serves the Cramer Hill community, scoring below-average ratings on Niche. Students in the area may attend the C-minus-rated Veterans Memorial Family School for kindergarten through eighth grade. From there, students may go to the C-minus-rated Eastside High School, which is expected to be demolished by Fall 2025. In the interim, students will be relocated to the Cramer School during construction, with the revamped Eastside High opening its doors again in 2029. Camden City students may also apply for charter and renaissance schools in the area, like the Mastery Schools of Camden Cramer Hill Elementary. Rutgers University is also close by and is a driving force of change in the community. Situated along the Delaware River, locals can spend their afternoons at Cramer Hill Waterfront Park. A swath of this park is a protected nature preserve for quiet weekends spent fishing or leisurely walks along the paved trails. Locals can also birdwatch or picnic amongst the open green space with distant views of Philadelphia’s skyline. The park also boasts a playground with swings ideal for after-school playdates. Next door, the Salvation Army Kroc Center boasts a range of amenities and activities like exercise groups and personal training. Members can enjoy the indoor aquatics center and pickleball courts or join an adult or youth basketball league. The center also offers after-school and summer camps. 22nd and Harrison is another small pocket park in the community, home to multiple baseball diamonds and basketball courts. Newer sports facilities like a futsal court are found at the nearby Von Nieda Park. Local restaurants and shops representing the community’s diversity are clustered along River Avenue. Whether for takeout or groceries, the businesses along the road provide food and other essentials. Small businesses like Elena Hair Studio and Flowers by Mendez & Jackel represent the community’s entrepreneurial spirit. More than just a corner store, Cramer Hill Supermarket sells fresh produce and features a fresh meat deli counter. Global flavors range from Chinese to Latin American restaurants like The Hot Spot to Dominican. Residents can grab breakfast sandwiches at Santana’s Bakery and Café before work or enjoy fresh empanadas and other Hispanic pastries. Mary’s Bakery & Restaurant is another favorite for custom cakes and Spanish cuisine. Camden City holds numerous events throughout the year, ranging from Outdoor Movie Series held at differing city parks from June to August to major events like East Camden Multicultural Day in Dudley Grange Park. However, Cramer Hill is also home to numerous houses of worship and community centers, like Sisters of Saint Joseph (SSJ) Neighborhood Center, which holds small community events and offers resources to the community year-round. “We hold ESL classes every week; you just need to bring your ID,” says Karla Estrada, an SSJ Neighborhood Center employee. “We also hold a M.A.M.I.S class on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. It’s like a mom’s support group where you get a little gift like diapers at the end of each session.” Apart from these classes, the center also offers a food pantry, clothing, a notary, and access and assistance in the computer lab. Cramer Hill residents enjoy city sidewalks throughout the community, while various bus stops are scattered throughout the neighborhood. Center City is a mere 4 miles away across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge along Interstate 676, while the heart of downtown Camden’s waterfront is less than 3 miles away. Locals can head to Philadelphia International Airport 14 miles away via Interstate 95, while U.S. Route 130 and 70 are nearby. Residents are less than 2 miles from major hospitals like Cooper University Hospital and Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.

The Central Waterfront is Camden’s main commercial and entertainment district. Industrial centers, waterfront attractions and residential streets sit alongside the Delaware River. “It’s slowly rebuilding itself. A lot of investors are coming in and rehabbing the homes,” says Carol Terrell, a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty who has been selling homes in the area for over 12 years. Philadelphia’s skyline stands tall on the opposite side of the river, and residents are just a 4-mile drive from its central business district in Center City. While the industrial Port of Camden comprises most of the Central Waterfront, a gated townhome community sits in the northeastern corner of the neighborhood. The Royal Court subdivision features colonial-style townhomes with hardwood floors, updated kitchens and narrow fenced-in backyards with room for a small patio. Prices range from around $145,000 to $185,000. Further south, homebuyers will find traditional rowhomes ranging from about $65,000 for a property needing repairs to about $165,000 for a three-bedroom with recent renovations. First-time homebuyers may qualify for the City of Camden’s First Time Homebuyer’s Program, which offers applicants a one-time deferred loan of up to $14,999. Central Waterfront has a CAP Index Crime Score of 10 out of 10, higher than the national average of 4. The Camden County Police Department uses a Unity Policing Model to collaborate with residents, local businesses and government officials to discourage crime and promote safety in the community. The Delaware River separates the Central Waterfront from Philadelphia. Interstate 676 is just north of the neighborhood, and residents can easily drive 4 miles east across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge to Center City, Philadelphia’s central business district. The New Jersey Transit provides local bus service to the community, and Route 452 makes several stops along Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard. Across from the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion is the Waterfront Entertainment Center station, the southernmost station on the New Jersey Transit’s River Line. The rail line connects the cities of Camden and Trenton, making several stops along the way. The Philadelphia International Airport is a 12-mile drive from residents. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade attend Cooper’s Poynt Family School, while teens attend the nearby Camden High School. Both schools earned a C-minus from Niche. The national non-profit Jobs for America’s Graduates works with the high school to keep at-risk students enrolled through graduation, pursue post-secondary education and find entry-level jobs. The high school also has several four-year magnet programs, including the Dr. Charles E. Brimm Medical School. The neighborhood is home to the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University and Rutgers University–Camden is just a mile north. “Rutgers–Camden will continue to be deeply committed to the City of Camden, seeking to develop programs for the good of the greater community in various areas,” says Caroline Brobeil, the Senior Public Relations for the university. The Central Waterfront is largely industrial, meaning that residents travel about a mile north to downtown Camden for shopping and dining. The Victor is an innovative multi-use development in the historic Nipper Building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the former headquarters of the recording company RCA Victor. A variety of flavors are available at Market Street Pizzeria & Italian Bistro and Victor’s Pub, a cozy tavern known for its classic cocktails and pub grub. Local grocers such as Market Gourmet sell the essentials, and Aldi is less than 3 miles east. Wiggins Waterfront Park has a paved promenade that spans over a mile along the Delaware River. The path connects to the Ben Franklin Bridge Pedestrian Walkway, where residents can cross over into Philadelphia. The Wiggins Park Marina is open to boaters from May to October, and the Wiggins Waterfront Riverstage hosts an annual Sunset Jazz Series each summer. The green space also has attractions such as the historic Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial and the Adventure Aquarium, home to everything from penguins to hippos. Next door is the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, which has an outdoor amphitheater and indoor theater where concerts are held throughout the year. In the southeastern corner of the neighborhood is 4th and Washington Park, which was completely renovated in 2019 and has basketball courts, a playground and a spray ground. The city hosts various events on the Central Waterfront, including an annual Fourth of July celebration. The festivities include live music, food trucks and a dazzling firework show that lights up the Philadelphia skyline. Residents are less than a mile west of Cooper University Hospital. The teaching hospital boasts the only Level I trauma center in South Jersey and the only Level II pediatric trauma center in the Delaware Valley. The neighborhood is also home to the headquarters for the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex and New Jersey American Water. Air quality has historically been a concern along Camden’s waterfront, and the city launched the Camden County Air Quality Committee in 2024 to reduce the level of contaminants in the area. The committee launched in response to the American Lung Association’s 2024 State of the Air report, which gave Camden County a C for ground-level ozone pollution.

Situated on the Delaware River's banks, opposite Center City Philadelphia, Cooper Grant in Camden is a scaled-down replica of the former American capital, replete with waterfront parks and historic structures ideal for leisurely strolls on Sundays or weekend excursions. Locals from all over the Philadelphia metro region come to this Camden neighborhood because of its picturesque vistas and attractions. So, all the fun and excitement Cooper-Grant has to offer is just a short stroll away if you live here. Most of the district's buildings, including a former RCA Victor facility, are historic structures from the 1800s and early 1900s that house offices, residences, and cultural institutions. The city is home to Rutgers University's Camden campus. The brick building, which was once used to make record cabinets in the early 20th century, is now home to opulent apartments, ground-floor shops, and dining establishments. According to Zackery Velez, Victor's concierge, other attractions include the Victor Pub, where Frank Sinatra once performed, the Battleship of Camden, and the outdoor entertainment venue, the Freedom Mortgage Pavilion. Velez adds that the biggest attraction in Camden is across the river — Philadelphia. And there is always something to do — the City of Camden has a very robust events calendar. One of the most important landmarks in the neighborhood is Johnson Park. Even though the long-closed Cooper Library in the middle of the park is now home to a Rutgers writing center and design lab, many locals still choose to unwind in the park. You can't help but be mesmerized by the expansive views of the reflecting pool before the steps that lead to a row of inspirational Ionic columns in front of the neo-Classic building. The building is flanked by empty lots, a vacant mid-rise tower, redeveloped warehouse lofts, modern university buildings, and historic brick row houses. The CAP Index crime score in the area is 9 out of 10, well above the national average of 4. Few residential properties have sold in the town recently, making home sales very uncommon. Merely 25% of the inhabitants possess their own dwellings. Red brick townhouses or apartment condos cost between $150,000 and $285,000. Overall, housing costs about $159,000 to $314,000. The Victor Pub serves classic pub fare and cocktails while you watch sports in the old RCA Victor building. You can pick up ingredients from the Market Gourmet to make dinner at home or get tacos or burritos from Fresh Mex, which is located in the same building. The Nuanced Café is located near the Rutgers satellite campus, further down Market Street. Stop by for a green smoothie or a foamy cappuccino. Shopping needs can be met at any of the many corner bodegas or in the shopping mecca of Cherry Hill, New Jersey. At the Adventure Aquarium, stroll through a tunnel filled with sharks and other marine life, wave fins to greet the penguins and gaze down at swimming hippos. The Aquarium is frequently packed since it hosts school field excursions, wedding parties, and proms for nearby high schools all year long. Unwind on benches or take a leisurely stroll along the pathways at RCA Pier or the Community Park playgrounds, fields, and public tennis courts close to the Rutgers campus if you're searching for less congested outdoor entertainment areas. The youngest students in the region begin their schooling at the Cooper Poynt Family School, which serves grades PreK–8. The school has a C-minus grade from Niche. They often attend schools in the Camden City School District. Students usually proceed to the recently reconstructed Camden High School from there. The high school also has a C-minus from Niche. The district has housed a number of magnet programs in the building since the school's reopening a few years ago, including the Creative Arts Academy, the Brimm Medical Arts High School, and the Big Picture Learning Academy. Rutgers-Camden campus has a looming presence in the community and plans to continue fostering the relationship. “Rutgers–Camden will continue to be deeply committed to the City of Camden, seeking to develop programs for the good of the greater community in various areas, including education, economic development, and law and public policy,” says Caroline Brobeil, a Rutgers senior public relations specialist. The school’s roots in the community date back to 1926. The historic Benjamin Franklin Bridge, which is visible from the riverfront, transports PATCO trains and vehicle traffic into Philadelphia, making it possible for people to easily go to work, stores, restaurants and other attractions there, whether they drive or prefer public transportation.

Brushing Pennsylvania and New Jersey’s aquatic border, North Camden serves as a gateway to Center City. The Delaware River encircles half of this small neighborhood, while the Cooper River runs through its east side like an artery. Beautiful views combined with development projects currently in the works are bringing enthusiasm to an area that only 8,000 people call home. Crime has been a concern in recent years, but the Camden County Police Department has taken steps to amend their policing approach. An air of change, coupled with a waterfront location and affordable homes, creates a market for certain buyers. Waterfront parks are one of North Camden’s defining features. “It’s a beautiful area,” says Realtor Carol Terrell of Keller Williams Realty. “There are a lot of parks for children, and they’ve updated the playgrounds.” Pyne Point Park is a great place to bring kids due to its nice playground, ball fields and basketball courts. Folks can also enjoy views of the river from the rocky shore or launch a boat from the dedicated boat ramp. For more breathtaking views, Cooper’s Poynt Park is a short walk to the western waterfront. While the kids are burning energy at the fenced-in playground, relax in the wide-open field and stay to watch the sunset behind the Center City skyline. North Camden is also home to some unlikely attractions. On the west side sits the Adventure Aquarium, complete with a clear tunnel surrounded by sharks and other creatures. For live music outdoors, residents benefit from their own venue on the water: the Fredoom Mortgage Pavilion. International acts pass through Camden to play here. Also nearby is the Walt Whitman House, for Literature buffs to peruse. Most homes in North Camden don’t look much different than they did a century ago. Though many rowhouses and twins could use some renovations, these late 18th and early 19th-century homes retain their architectural qualities and are great investment opportunities. The average price for a home in North Camden is $130,000, significantly lower than the national average. Homes tend to spend more than 50 days on the market, so most people don’t have trouble finding a home in the neighborhood. “I recently sold a home there with a beautiful view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the Center City skyline,” says Realtor Patrick Gorman of MainStreet Realty. Some homes have incredible views, thanks to the waterfront location. There aren’t many opportunities for shopping in the immediate area. The Market Gourmet supermarket sits adjacent to Johnson Park on the southwest end, making it less than a mile walk for residents living closest to the water. Cherry Hill Mall is a short drive east, where locals will find upscale retailers in a modern setting. While there aren’t many restaurants either, Tony & Ruth’s Steaks is a popular spot. Known for their breakfast and cheesesteaks, longtime residents have been coming to the restaurant for years and are remembered by name, giving it a real authentic vibe. Students in North Camden can attend class within the Camden City Public Schools system. Cooper’s Poynt School, rated C-minus by Niche, offers kindergarten through eighth grade education. Camden High, which earns the same grade from Niche, has been around since 1891. For higher education, Rutgers University’s Camden campus is in the center of the community. Being so close to Center City is one of the main reasons people choose to live in North Camden. Whether they plan to drive or take a NJ Transit bus, commuters can get there in minutes. Folks can even cross the Benjamin Franklin Bridge from the walkway. Crime in North Camden is significantly higher than the national average and is a point of concern. According to CAP Index data, residents are far more likely to be the victim of a violent crime or theft compared to national rates. To curtail crime and involve the community, the County has implemented a Unity Policing program. This new method aims to introduce de-escalation and empathy into area policing practices. “It’s not like it used to be,” says Gorman. “It’s significantly better and people can move there and raise a family. I have a lot of hope for North Camden.”

Amid a transformation that’s improved its fortunes, Downtown Camden is an example of how a former manufacturing city can grow and adapt in the 21st century. Situated along the Delaware River across from the vibrant streets of Philadelphia, mid-rise buildings and the Central Waterfront District form a gateway into New Jersey via Interstate 676. While Rutgers, local government jobs, health care systems, and the Port of Camden contribute significantly to the city’s economy, visitors from around the metro region come to the city’s Central Waterfront District next to downtown. Veronica Woods, a real estate advisor and investor with Daniel Woods Real Estate, says local officials in nearby Chester have looked to Camden for guidance on revitalizing its community. “People make a lot of comparisons” between the two communities, Woods says. “They’ve both been economically depressed areas. But [the Camden waterfront] has brought a lot of life and jobs back to their community,” Woods says. Rutgers University’s Camden campus occupies a large downtown section, serving as a driving force of change in the community. “Rutgers has invested quite a bit into their infrastructure and surrounding streets in the area,” says Michael Carr, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Initiatives like the Cooper Street Gateway Project aim to create a versatile open space for the public while keeping the area’s historic charm intact. Among the university buildings and facilities, law firms and government offices draw working professionals to the area throughout the day. Few people live downtown, although redeveloped apartment buildings and rowhouses from the 1800s and early 1900s constitute about 10% of the property downtown, with properties that can sell for under $100,000 and reach the low $200,000s. However, according to the CAP Index, Downtown Camden has a crime score of 10 out of 10, well above the national average of 4. Yet Rutgers and many local nonprofits aim to negate crime in the area through educational, recreational and entrepreneurial initiatives. The Camden City School District serves the community, scoring below-average ratings on Niche. Elementary and middle school students may attend the C-minus-rated Cooper’s Poynt Family School. This school also offers a youth services program called The Connect, offering accessibility to free health and social services. Although Camden One provides the ability to apply for differing charter and renaissance schools, older students may attend the C-minus-rated Eastside High, which has plans to open a newly rebuilt campus in 2029, with students attending the Cramer School until then. Rutgers University also has numerous initiatives that aim to create “academically enriching and rigorous programming for students in grades K-12and developing educational pathways to increase the number of Camden City students seeking post-secondary education,” says Caroline Brobeil, Rutgers Senior Public Relations Specialist. Initiatives range from after-school and summer programs through Rutgers-Camden Ignite to the downtown LEAP Academy University Charter School. Located along the Delaware River, Wiggins Waterfront Park offers outdoor escapes. Locals can gather for waterfront picnics, explore the Adventure Aquarium, or enjoy live performances at the Wiggins Waterfront Riverstage or neighboring Freedom Mortgage Pavilion. It’s also common to see boaters heading out on the water for a leisurely afternoon. One mile away, North Camden Community Center offers indoor basketball courts, baseball fields, and an outdoor community pool. Nearby, the Salvation Army Kroc Center offers even more amenities like indoor pools and sports courts. Roosevelt Plaza Park is the only open green space in downtown Camden. It is across from City Hall and serves as a relaxing lunch spot during the workday. It’s also home to the city’s Spring Lunchtime Concert Series, where residents can enjoy live music every Tuesday from April to May. Roosevelt Plaza has also hosted events like Latin Night En La Plaza, one of the events hosted by Connect the Lots, which aims to bring community to the city’s underutilized public spaces. Yet Wiggins Waterfront Park is the go-to spot for the city’s most significant events, ranging from multicultural to art festivals. Various eateries are scattered amongst the urban landscape. Camden Arts Yard, a popular beer garden, attracts students and professionals with live DJ performances and a vast selection of beer and craft cocktails. Camden Diner is a neighborhood staple for brunch, while Nuanced Cafe serves up delightful green smoothies and frothy cappuccinos. They also host periodic community events like Coffee with a Cop and the Value in Our Village children’s book readings. Diverse cuisine and take-out restaurants range from pizza and wings at A Little Slice of New York to tacos and empanadas at Latin American Restaurant. Local businesses range from flower shops and bookstores to mini-marts. Nearby Market Gourmet is the go-to spot for weekly groceries, while ACME Markets is 4 miles across the river for a more extensive selection. Locals can also head to Philadelphia or Cherry Hill for major retailers. The historic Benjamin Franklin Bridge is visible from the waterfront, carrying trains, pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicle traffic into Philadelphia. Bus routes run throughout the community, with stops along Market Street, Third Street, and more. Residents can also head to Walter Rand Transportation Center Station or City Hall to catch the Red Line into Center City. A 12-mile drive along Interstate 95 leads to Philadelphia International Airport, while other nearby roads include Interstate 676. In case of emergencies, Cooper University Hospital is less than one mile away.