Franklin Township Gloucester

Secluded by farmland and pine trees, the small villages and hamlets of Franklin Township in Franklinville, New Jersey, offer a peaceful community for those who appreciate the South Jersey countryside. The area is mostly agricultural, stretching from metropolitan Philadelphia to the beaches of Atlantic City. Located in Gloucester County's far southeast, Franklin Townships cover an area of approximately 56 square miles. Vineland, a community just a short distance south, has a population that is more than three times that of its neighbor to the south. As a result, Vineland serves as an economic and cultural hub for a region roughly 30 miles from Philadelphia's downtown. Franklin has a lot of character because of its diverse housing stock, which includes both older and newer dwellings, as well as its many parks, vineyards and family-friendly eateries. According to Nancy Kowalik, the founder and owner of the Nancy Kowalik Group, the neighbors have a strong bond. “The community looks out for each other,” she says. “It is a community of people who are doers.” Franklin features a wide variety of homes from throughout the 20th century. Midcentury ranch-style homes, split levels and Cape Cods range between $350,000 and $600,000. Contemporary colonial revival homes with three or more bedrooms and attached garages on acre-large lots can rise to $700,000 at higher price points. And, there are some 100-year-old farmhouses scattered around the community. Housing prices sit at $165,000 and $865,000. Homes in the area average 2,200 square feet on lots of 50,000 square feet. The CAP Index crime score for the area is 2 out of 10, which is lower than the national average of 4. The Franklin Township School District provides a literacy program for students in grades K-8. Mary F. Janvier Elementary School (K–2), Main Road School (grades 3–4) and Caroline L. Reutter (grades 5–6) make up the small school division. While Main Road and Reutter both receive C grades, Janvier receives a B-minus from Niche. Niche gives Delsea Regional Middle School a B and Delsea Regional High School an A-minus; after elementary school, students can continue their education at either of these schools. Niche confirms Delsea's stellar reputation by placing it as Gloucester County's number two public high school. There are six colleges and universities near the neighborhood, including Rutgers University-New Brunswick. Nature trails and small parks around lakes are popular spots in this rural region, where residents can unwind with a picnic or drop a line in the water. On hot summer days, guests can cool off by paddling in kayaks at Malaga Lake or Lake Garrison, near the Malaga town center and the Gaetano Indoor Soccer facility and the Franklin Township Youth Soccer facilities. The SK8 47 Skating & Fun Center, located on Delsea Drive, is another local hangout where people come to skate and have fun. The historic Franklinville Inn is known for its prime rib dinners and relaxing cocktail lounge atmosphere. The inn dates back to the colonial era when the area was named Little Ease and was known as a rest stop between Philadelphia and Cape May. A little farther into the countryside, the Coda Rosa Winery cultivates grapes for the dry red and sweet white wines served in its tasting room. The Franklinville area also includes several casual eateries and restaurants, such as Carollo’s Family Restaurant and Pizzeria, which are located in a low-slung shopping center with an Italian deli and convenience store. Waterfront dining at the Lake House features chops and craft beers, while Cap’N Cat Clam Bar serves up seafood. This New Jersey clam bar is unlike any other because customers are welcome to bring their own potatoes, veggies, and other condiments to go with their shellfish. The Gloucester Premium Outlets and the Cumberland Mall provide retail shopping options, while there are several ACME Markets and ShopRites to grab groceries. There are many commuting options in the community. New Jersey Transit, Suburban Transit and Somerset County Transportation all provide bus services in the area. There are two bus stops in the neighborhood: one at Route-47 and Pennsylvania Avenue and another at Route-47 200' S Of Elmer Street. Drivers can access New Jersey routes 55, 47 and 40. New York City is 115 miles away, while Trenton is 60 miles away. Philadelphia is a 30-mile trip, and Atlantic City is 42 miles away.