An established suburb with a historic amusement park
Clementon, a South Jersey suburb 18 miles from Philadelphia, was established in 1925 and developed throughout the mid-20th century. Here, locals will find outdoor adventure with four small lakes, a 12-acre wildlife preserve and a historic amusement and water park. Plus, Clementon’s got that small-town feel, according to Kenneth Weidler, broker associate of BHHS Fox & Roach-Washington-Gloucester. “People might look at Lindenwold to the north for the train access, but they’d look at Clementon for the town aspect,” Weidler says. Weidler has sold homes across the region for 16 years.
Rollercoasters by the water at Clementon Park
Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Clementon’s many water and land activities. First opened as a trolley park in 1907, Clementon Park is one of the oldest operating amusement parks in the country and gives the town name recognition across the region. All summer, locals get their thrills on Hell Cat, a wooden roller coaster, the 85-foot Thunder Drop, and other height-based rides, along with various family-friendly rides and an arcade. Visitors cool off on one of Splash World’s eight water rides, including twin 60-foot slides, a wave pool and a pirate ship water playground. Outside the amusement park, hikers will enjoy Signal Hill Tract, a pine-tree-covered hill with miles of walking paths. Locals go fishing and enjoy the water views at Silver Lake, part of a 15-acre park bearing the same name. Anglers will also want to check out the trout-stocked Rowands Pond, which comprises 12 acres of preserved habitats and the country’s first recycled plastic spillway.
Established, mid-20th century homes scatter the community
Clementon Lake is the heart of town, with Clementon Park & Splash World on one side and homes on the other. Many homes are small ranch-styles, Cape Cods or bungalows surrounded by ivy-covered old oak trees and towering maples. A few homes are along East Atlantic Avenue, offering backyard views of Clementon Lake and the amusement park across the water. Additional housing options include Tudor-style townhomes built in 1972 in the Heritage Square subdivision or Garrison Colonials with a built-in, two-car garage. Houses are set back from the road, with driveways and sidewalks in most areas. Home prices here are some of the lowest in the area, with prices as low as $145,000. Higher-priced homes can cost nearly $450,000.
Clementon has ample holiday events
Special events like a St. Patrick’s Day party or December tree lighting help bring people together in Clementon. Locals decorate their homes with their best holiday décor to win the Halloween or Christmas house-decorating contests. The town-wide yard sale happens in May. Residents form teams for the Clementon Day scavenger hunt each June.
A trip to Clementon Lake Plaza
Clementon has a clear town center where Berlin Road, Erial Road and Atlantic Avenue converge into retail space. Along with a hair salon, the post office, a Dollar General and a thrift store, locals have a wide selection of dining options at Clementon Lake Plaza. Residents grab a smoothie or waffles at The Happy Boost. For authentic Salvadoran pupusas and fresh-made horchata, they try El Tortogoz. Scotto’s Pizza has buy-it-by-the-slice New York-style pizza. And for something quick, 92 Chicken offers takeout Korean-style fried chicken. Produce Junction sells fresh produce, veggies and various plants. And Save A Lot is off Blackwood-Clementon Road, offering a big-box grocery option.
Nearby schools have a robust list of extracurriculars
Pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade students attend Clementon Elementary School, the only school in the Clementon School District. The school is home to just over 500 students and has an overall B-minus on Niche. After eighth grade, students head to Overbrook High School in neighboring Pine Hill. Students at Overbrook can join various extracurriculars, including the Video Production Club, Multicultural Club, Drama Club and Coding Club. Niche gave the high school an overall B-minus.
Hopping on the NJ Transit or heading to Lindenwold Station
NJ Transit serves Clementon, and there are several bus stops along Berlin Road and Gibbsboro Road. When locals commute into Philadelphia, they have an 18-mile trip up Route 30. If commuters prefer to take a train into the city, Lindenwold Station is about 2 miles from Clementon’s heart. The Jefferson Stratford Hospital is 2 miles away if there’s an emergency. And when locals need to catch a flight, the Philadelphia International Airport is about 21 miles away.
Photography Contributed By
Carmen Gerace
Video By
Jonathan Bradley
