Rural charm but close to Philly in Pittsgrove Township Salem
Homebuyers looking for some country-style peace and quiet should consider Pittsgrove, New Jersey, which is located 36 miles south of Philadelphia. “It’s so serene out there since it’s away from the city,” says Justin Lloyd, a local Realtor from a family-owned brokerage that has been serving the area for over 50 years. “It’s like you’re in the sticks and has a great country feel even though you’re up in Jersey.” While the neighborhood is friendly, the large lots allow residents to have plenty of privacy or have a horse or cattle farm. Even though Pittsgrove is moving away from its agricultural roots, it is still very rural in many ways.
Multiple housing styles from 1900s to now
Homes in Pittsgrove include everything from renovated colonials to farmhouses to ranch-style homes. Housing prices range from $129,000 to $842,000, with some dating back to 1900 and some new construction built as recently as 2023. “The housing differs from street to street. It’s a good spread and not one uniform style,” Lloyd says. “It’s also a really quick market up here with the little ranchers and just about everything else, including the land, selling fast.” The homes average 2,100 square feet and sit on 129,373 square-foot lots. According to Nancy Kowalik, the founder and owner of the Nancy Kowalik Group, homes in the area are required to be on lots that are at least 1-2 acres. Popular design elements include tidy rows of windows paired with country front porches and long driveways. Lush green lawns are surrounded by mature trees, which offer shade and privacy. Perhaps one of the most positive features of the community is its crime score. CAP Index gives the community 1 out of 10, which is significantly low; the national average is 4 out of 10.
Schools have a low student-to-teacher ratio
Students in the neighborhood can attend school in the Pittsgrove Township School District, which has a B-plus Niche grade. The student-teacher ratio in the district is 13 to 1. Upper Pittsgrove School, the local elementary school, received an A-minus rating from Niche. The school offers a STEM-focused curriculum with extracurricular activities, including everything from art club to yearbook club. Pittsgrove Township Middle School is another option that received a B-minus rating from Niche. They offer student opportunities like the ukulele club, National Junior Honor Society and cross country. Arthur P. Schalick High School received a B-plus rating from Niche and offers both AP classes and access to career training programs. More than 20 colleges and universities are local to the community, including Rowan College, Wilmington University and Salem Community College.
Multiple parks and golf courses provide outdoor recreation
Parvin State Park features plenty of local flora and fauna, surrounded by a rich history and plenty of amenities. The campsites are ideal for spending time in the great outdoors. Joggers, hikers and bikers will find the 15 miles of trails the perfect challenge. Activities aren’t limited to land — boat or fish at the park’s lake while taking in the dogwoods and magnolias. Those seeking an ideal spot to sunbathe, swim or picnic should take advantage of Alliance Beach, a tucked-away experience along the Maurice River. Another popular destination is Lake Garrison. This former cranberry bog was transformed in 1935 to accommodate families that did want to make the trip to the New Jersey Shore. The park has seasonal residents from March to November and has several outdoor activities, including swimming, boating and fishing. The Pittsgrove area has a wide variety of golf courses, including the public Running Deer Golf Club, which features challenging terrain. Golfers may expect the kind of meticulous maintenance they'd find on a private course at this club, which is well-known for its tranquil, picturesque setting. Another alternative is the Centerton Golf Club, established in 1962 and located within Parvin State Park. Their four sets of tees are a challenge for every skill level.
Local eats range from comfort food to handmade pizza
Danny’s Pizza Pizzazz features pizza made with hand-peeled garlic and homemade sauce. Steakouts Homplate Pittsgrove is a bar with patio seating. This eatery is a must-go for fans of comfort food. The seafood or steak dishes are paired with seasonal farm-to-table vegetables. One of their weekly specials is 75-cent wings on Mondays. Wine connoisseurs can sample New Jersey-made wine at Monroeville Vineyard & Winery. To allow sampling, 51% of the grapes must be grown on the premises. Family-owned, this vineyard proudly produces Chambourcin, Cabernet Franc, Gruner Veltliner and Chardonnay to be enjoyed in one of their tasting rooms. Many of the local farms have farm stands and allow patrons to pick their own fruit during blueberry and apple season. During the fall, many of the same farms offer hayrides and pumpkin patches. Residents can pick up their groceries from local spots like Morgan Mini Mart. Other retail and grocery shopping must be done in nearby Deptford, a 25-mile trip or Philadelphia.
Route 40 and Route 55 connect to major cities
Pittgrove is a car-dependent area. Route 40 can take residents to Wilmington, Delaware and Route 55 leads to Philadelphia. NJ TRANSIT provides seven bus stations in the neighborhood. The Wilmington, Delaware stop (35 miles) and the Philadelphia site are the closest Amtrak stations.
