Fieldsboro

Fieldsboro residents know that White Hill Mansion is haunted, but the property’s “moonshiner spirits” are what keep this historical landmark alive and well. The Field family, the original owners of White Hill, gave the borough its name – a testament to the local lore that even the Travel Channel’s “Ghost Hunters” couldn’t resist. Between haunted tours and free showings of “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” the former speakeasy does well for itself. But the irony lies in the township’s otherwise laid-back, suburban feel, demonstrated by its verdant cul-de-sacs and expansive farmland.

Despite White Hill Mansion’s 300-year legacy, most homes found in Fieldsboro are less than 30 years old. The predominant architectural styles tend toward single-family detached homes with a median cost of $450,000. Populated pockets of residential streets are lined with classic Ramblers and Cape Cods, intertwining with the occasional log cabin or Colonial Revival. Along the sidewalks of Meadow Run Lane, homes with private driveways and garages feature shingled roofs, vinyl siding and a minimum of four bedrooms at 2,500 square feet. Townhomes and duplexes are also abundant in Fieldsboro, ranging anywhere from $200,000 to $600,000. Find tight-cut lawns and roads edged with cobblestone in the suburban developments located between Route 130 and Crystal Lake, or head closer to Mansfield Township for sprawling cornfields and larger properties with acres of rolling hills.

The Mansfield Township and Bordentown Regional school districts are nearly equal in proximity to many residents of Fieldsboro. However, official district lines send students to Bordentown alongside Bordentown’s city and township families. Clara Barton Elementary School earns a B+ on Niche for its above-average academics and attentive teachers. MacFarland Intermediate School (grades 3-5) ranks the same and provides students with fun activities year-round, like the annual Sweetheart Dance in February. Bordentown Regional Middle School has its own sports leagues in soccer, field hockey, basketball, cheerleading, wrestling, baseball and softball. Bordentown Regional High School, also a B+ on Niche, partners with Rowan College at Burlington County in a dual enrollment program, allowing students to complete associate degree courses prior to graduation.

With a 30-mile commute to Philadelphia and 65 miles from New York City, Fieldsboro offers small-town solace for locals working in nearby epicenters. Bordentown Station, a mile north of the neighborhood, connects to the NJ Transit River Line, a daily light rail service carrying passengers south to the Camden waterfront and north to the capital city of Trenton. Fieldsboro also provides easy access to Routes 130, 295, 206 and the New Jersey Turnpike.

“Bordentown is a big hub because of the restaurants,” explains Richard Lynch, a local Realtor, councilman and 40-year resident of Fieldsboro. “There’s Tindall Road Brewing Company in the downtown area, and the light rail can take you to the Camden waterfront.” Overall, Bordentown’s amenities compensate for Fieldsboro’s scarcity of retail shops. But the neighborhood’s ACME Commons sits in the heart of town and supplies locals with most grocery and household staples. Mario & Frank’s Restaurant and Pizzeria occupies an Italian Revival villa on the corner of Washington and 4th, complete with outdoor seating and a menu stacked with both classic Italian and American fare. The Cool Cricket is a local dive bar and a staple of Fieldsboro where Barbeque Tuesdays and Wing Wednesdays complement happy hour specials, pool tables, darts and shuffleboard.

Outdoor recreation plays a large role in Fieldsboro’s appeal as well, with Crystal Lake Park occupying a large portion of the township. More than 370 acres of greenery include hiking, biking and equestrian trails, while Crystal Lake itself is a hot spot for fishing and boating. The Delaware River Heritage Trail has its main access point within the park, a paved trail following the Delaware River corridor and leading straight into Bordentown. Legion Field Commons is tucked between residences off Washington and 2nd and has a baseball diamond, soccer field and basketball court. Hedding Park, closer to Mansfield, has a similar setup but features additional tennis courts and a wide-open field.

“Fieldsboro is open—the streets are wide, it’s right on the river, and it has much to offer,” Lynch says. “There have been a lot of younger people moving in, a lot of houses rehabbed and new construction developing over the last 10 years.”

Written By

Dana Chesser

Photography Contributed By

Chris Pirone

Video By

Khalil Chisholm