Riverton offers riverfront views and historic charm
The borough of Riverton was founded in 1851 by 10 Quakers who worked in Philadelphia and wanted an escape from the city along the Delaware River in New Jersey. Today, the community has a population of nearly 3,000 and still offers a historic feel. “History is at the heart of what makes Riverton a charming place,” says Roger Prichard, the county historian, who has lived in Riverton for more than 30 years. “There are many places in town where every place you look, you’re looking at something at least 100 years old.” While the founders used to take a steamboat to Philly for work, the pier they used is now a local yacht club on the river, an area where locals enjoy going for walks.
Tree-lined streets with historic homes and newer builds
The Arbor Day Association has designated Riverton as a Tree City USA since 1989. “In Spring through fall, the streets are a tunnel of green. The branches from one side meet the branches from the other side,” Prichard says. The borough’s leafy grid-pattern streets are lined with single-family homes on mostly quarter-acre lots, and the median sale price is around $440,000. Victorians and Colonial Revivals date back to the mid-1800s to the early 1900s, with some facing the river. Similar styles built in the 2020s offer the same exterior aesthetic but with modern interiors. Some areas also feature midcentury ranch-style homes and Cape Cods.
Students walk or bike to well-rated schools
Riverton School serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade and receives a B-plus grade from Niche. Because the school is close to homes, Prichard says virtually all kids walk or ride their bikes there in the morning. Students are also close to Cinnaminson High School, which receives an A-minus grade. The high school offers a dual credit program, allowing students to take high school classes that also count as college credits through Rowan College at Burlington County.
Locals hang out by the Delaware River and have fun at the local park
Palmyra Promenade Park on Bank Avenue offers a space to relax in the grass or on a bench while taking in views of the Delaware River. “Bank Avenue is where most people in town go to walk along the river,” Prichard says. “It’s sometimes difficult to drive on it because so many people are walking on it and pushing strollers.” The long, grassy riverfront is also a popular spot for kids to hang out. “In the summer, it’s not unusual to see a kid go by on a bike wearing a backpack with a fishing rod sticking out,” Prichard says. “You’ll go down to Bank Avenue, and there are kids fishing.” Kids also have fun on the playground at Riverton Memorial Park, which also has ballfields used for youth leagues, along with basketball and tennis courts. Locals can also become members of the Riverton Country Club, which offers a private golf course, swimming pool and clubhouse with fine dining.
Local restaurants in the town center
Restaurants are in the town center around the intersection of Main Street and River Road. Locals may start their mornings with breakfast at The Early Bird or Revive Café. It’s just across the street from Milanese Pizza. A Victorian-style gazebo sits on the brick sidewalk just outside the pizza restaurant, where locals can enjoy a cool summer treat from Nellie Bly’s Olde Tyme Ice Cream Parlour. For everyday shopping needs, there are several big-box retailers within driving distance, including ShopRite, about 2 miles away.
Sailboat racing at Riverton Yacht Club and a Fourth of July event
The Riverton Yacht Club is the Delaware River’s oldest yacht club, founded in 1865. The club primarily focuses on sailboat racing and hosts two races a week from April through August. “On a typical summer racing night, there will be 20 to 35 sailboats under sail on the river, and you’ll see lots of people on the riverbank picnicking to watch the sailboats and the sunset,” Prichard says. The club also offers sailing classes for kids. One of the biggest events of the year is the community's Fourth of July event. The borough puts on a parade that starts at the yacht club and runs up Main Street. The event also features a kids’ downhill box car race, a raft race, a pet pageant and a celebration at Riverton Memorial Park.
Locals drive or take the train to Center City Philadelphia
Center City Philadelphia is about 10 miles away, and there are several ways to drive there, all of which take approximately 30 minutes. Riverton is close to the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge, which crosses the Delaware River to Interstate 95, which leads to Center City. Commuters can also take U.S. 130 to Camden and cross the river from there. Public transportation is also an option. New Jersey Transit’s River Line has a stop in Riverton, which leads to a station in Camden. From there, commuters can hop on a PATCO train to Center City. The whole ride takes about 45 minutes. For longer trips, travelers can take an Amtrak train in Philadelphia or catch a flight out of Philadelphia International Airport.
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Written By
Nicolas Stuart
