Situated on U.S. 30 between Windslow and Waterford townships, Chesilhurst is a small, close-knit community with a history that dates to 1887 when it was incorporated as a borough. Chesilhurst takes pride in its people, recognizing a pastor, a farming couple, a self-starting woman who built her own home, and a former mayor and town council member on its website — all Black citizens, many of whom moved to the borough in the 1940s and 1960s for a new life. Farmers sold produce in Philadelphia on the weekends, and the pastor started as a custodian at a local public school. “This is a town where everyone knows each other. It’s only 2 miles across,” says Realtor Maryann D’Agostino with Bruce Associates, who’s lived in nearby Strafford for 25 years and has been selling real estate for almost twice that amount. “When people move to Chesilhurst, they stay. Everyone feels welcomed, like family.”
Chesilhurst is also slow growing, with most homes built in the 1970s and not much new construction in town. Properties are often wooded with homes carved out of the New Jersey Pinelands on a half-acre or more of land. “You get a sense of seclusion in Chesilhurst because it still has that rural quality,” says Chris Twardy, a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox and Roach-Mt. Laurel. “You must drive 15 minutes to get to a grocery store or doctor’s office. What it lacks in convenience, it makes up for in more acreage and community.” With only nine businesses in town, a police department and a municipal court, neighbors rely on each other. They also take pride in what they do have, including the parks, eateries and markets nearby.
Rural New Jersey has plenty of space so Chesilhurst homes feature large lots.
Chesilhurst is a rural neighborhood set among dense forests and connected by two-lane roads.
1/2
Coveted homes that seldom go on the market
Most homes in Chesilhurst are ranch-style houses that list for $250,000 to $400,000, offering open floor plans, dining rooms, full basements and extended backyards. Many have been fully renovated with upgraded kitchens and bathrooms. Most are surrounded by woods, and deer sightings are common as they pass through yards. “Very few properties go on the market here,” D’Agostino says. “In the last six months, there have only been six sold.” A mobile home park also occupies one corner of the borough. Two- and three-bedroom manufactured homes here sell for between $55,000 and $100,000. “This is not a transitional community. Most people live here until they can’t, which says a lot about the town.”
Older ranch homes can come in many styles and colors in Chesilhurst.
Manufactured homes are a popular option for those saving money in Chesilhurst.
1/2
Italian eateries and Berlin shopping centers along U.S. 30
Diners who remember the Rat Pack or crave the ambiance of an old-time supper club will find both at Graziano’s Italian Ristorant on U.S. 30. Here, portraits of Frank Sinatra and signed photos of Don Rickles, Liza Minelli and other celebrities and politicians hang from the walls. Lighting is low, and the food is upscale and uncomplicated. Down the street, Elis’s Pizzeria and Family Restaurant is the casual alternative, with Italian favorites are on the menu and large tables both inside and outside for families to eat comfortably. Housed in an old-world stucco building, Amalthea Cellars Farm Winery offers tastings on the patio and a VIP Club with member discounts and invitations to exclusive events. Grocery stores like Walmart, Aldi and ShopRite surround Chesilhurst. The closest is in Berlin, 7 miles north. Berlin has several shopping centers, restaurants, breweries and taverns.
Graziano’s Ristorant in Chesilhurst offers Italian cuisine with the atmosphere of a speakeasy.
Elis’s Pizza and Family Restaurant is a popular takeout option for Chesilhurst families.
1/2
Winslow Township schools that serve Chesilhurst students
With no public schools in Chesilhurst, students can attend Winslow Township schools adjacent to the borough. The Winslow Township School District receives a B-minus from Niche. Winslow Township Elementary No. 2, a PK-3 school, and Winslow Township Elementary No. 5, which enrolls grades four through six, both earn a C-plus. Winslow Township Middle, a C-rated school, offers students several clubs and activities, such as the Multicultural Club, which sponsors monthly discussions, field trips and projects to enhance appreciation of diversity. At Winslow Township High, a B-minus school, the Eagles football team has won the West Jersey Football League American Division title for the past nine years.
Winslow Township High School is a public school located in Atco, NJ.
Winslow Township Middle School is a public school located in Atco, NJ.
1/2
Parks dedicated to youth sports
With little traffic throughout the neighborhood, children and adults might simply walk or ride their bikes to Leanna Harris Park at the center of the borough. The park features a playground, baseball fields, basketball courts and tennis courts. It also welcomes live performances as part of the Camden County Summer Parks Concerts. Another nearby outdoor area is Waterford Park Recreational Complex. The park offers many of the same amenities as Leanna Harris Park plus an outdoor hockey arena and a football field.
Waterford Park’s several ballfields will see many baseball and softball games in the Spring.
Leana Harris Park is a popular outdoor destination for Chesilhurst residents.
1/2
Community celebration in June
One of the main community events in town is Chesilhurst Day, held on a Saturday afternoon in early June in Leanna Harris Park. The event features food, games, vendors, a bike show and live music. For Chesilhurst Day 2024, Everyday People, a Sly and the Family Stone tribute band, performed.
Highway and train service from Chesilhurst
U.S. 30, the main highway in Chesilhurst, bears the most traffic, connecting drivers to neighboring towns and Philadelphia, 30 miles north, and Atlantic City, 40 miles south. No public transportation comes through Chesilhurst, but there is an Amtrak station in Atco, 5 miles away, and a PATCO High Speedline commuter train station, with service to Philadelphia, in Lindenwold, 11 miles away.
Other resources available to Chesilhurst residents
Grant AME Church, First Baptist Church and Grace Community Church are three houses of worship within Chesilhurst Borough. Dozens more surround it in neighboring communities. The Chesilhurst Police Department is centrally located on Grant Avenue within the municipal court building. CAP Index gives Chesilhurst a crime score of 3 out of 10. The national average is 4.
The First Baptist Church serves many of Chesilhurst’s faithful with Sunday services.
The Grant A.M.E. Church was a historic church at 4th and Washington Street in Chesilhurst.
1/2
Written By
Christopher Kopczynski
Photography Contributed By
Joe Pulcinella
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Maria Jobes-Hogan,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Waterford Works, NJ sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Waterford Works, NJ over the last 12 months is $325,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Space, charm, and endless potential — this rancher has it all! Welcome to this 3-bedroom, 2-bath 1,200sqft home with a full basement. This rare opportunity sits on a large lot with a detached garage and a beautiful backyard perfect for gatherings, gardening, or future expansion.Inside, you’ll find natural hardwood floors throughout — ready to be beautifully refinished to bring out
Jacqueline AcevedoKeller Williams Realty - Moorestown
Step into quiet country living with this move in ready three bedroom ranch home. Sunlight fills the front living room with hardwood floors that flow through the dining room, kitchen, and hallway. The kitchen features warm wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and gas cooking, and opens to a dining area that overlooks the backyard. From here, sliding glass doors lead to a spacious deck where
Step inside this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offering 1,146 sq. ft. of comfortable living space. Recently updated with a brand-new roof and a modernized kitchen, this home is truly move-in ready. Situated on a generous lot, there’s plenty of room to enjoy outdoor living, entertaining, or future expansion. With its inviting layout and thoughtful updates, this home is the perfect blend of
Open House Monday September 22, 2025 4:30pm-6:30pm.Sellers Disclosure and Floor Plan is uploaded in the MLS.Charming 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathrooms with a convenient layout. The first floor features a full bath and 1 bedroom, while the 2nd floor offers 2 additional bedrooms and 1/2 bath. Enjoy a fenced backyard garden, great for keeping out the deer and protecting your plants. Roof 3 years,
Are you looking for a rental with total privacy? Look no further. This 3 bed 1 bath rancher sits far back off the road with over 2 acres. Relax on the front or back deck with no-one around. This home has been freshly painted and well taken care of. Main floor laundry. Schedule your appointment now. Renter must have good credit and active work history. Available immediately
Welcome home to this clean and well-maintained 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath split-level on a large lot. Enjoy a fully fenced backyard, perfect for outdoor living, plus a two-car garage for ample storage. Inside features updated kitchen appliances, refreshed bathrooms, and comfortable living spaces throughout. Move-in ready and waiting for you!
Freshly renovated apartment available immediately. New floors, fresh paint, new windows, new lighting and ceiling fans, new stainless steel appliances, microwave, new cabinets. Fresh and clean. Secure building. HEAT INCLUDED
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
