Woodbine is a historic farm town in the southern Pine Barrens
Situated on the southern edge of the famous New Jersey Pine Barrens and just a few miles inland of the barrier islands, Woodbine is a historic agricultural community surrounded by stunning scenery. The borough was founded in 1891 as an experimental Jewish farming colony, and its rural roots continue to shape every facet of daily life—from the simple home styles to the slow pace of life to a general appreciation for the outdoors. “It’s less of a resort community than other parts of Cape May County, but you’re still close enough to enjoy the coast whenever you want,” says Emily Marchese, owner of Marchese Real Estate. “It’s really more of a traditional country town.”
Cozy cottages and farmhouses
Most residences in Woodbine are modest single-family homes on quarter- to half-acre lots, built on the original grid laid out in 1891. Housing options in Woodbine range from early-20th-century cottages and farmhouses to midcentury ranch-style homes to assorted manufactured homes. Manufactured properties can go for anywhere from $65,000 to $150,000, while single-family homes generally sell for $200,000 to $300,000, though houses with acreage attached can go for more.
Nearby Belleplain State Forest offers miles of trails
Woodbine is bordered to the west by Belleplain State Forest, a 21,320-acre tract with over 40 miles of multi-use trails and over 100 maintained campsites. Lake Nummy, located in the forest less than a mile from Woodbine, offers canoe rentals and connects to a number of waterways that run through the forest. Birders come each spring to spot warblers and waterfowl among Atlantic white cedars. Horseback riding is a popular pastime for many Woodbine residents, and multiple local farms and equestrian centers offer riding lessons, riding tours and boarding options. History buffs can visit the Sam Azeez Museum of Woodbine Heritage, which is located at the former Woodbine Brotherhood Synagogue and maintained by Stockton University.
Woodbine Elementary and Cape May high schools
Woodbine’s lone public school, Woodbine Elementary, serves grades K-8 and has a C rating on Niche. After eighth grade, local families usually send students to Middle Township High School in Cape May Court House, which has a B-plus rating, or opt for Cape May County Technical High School, which has a B.
The Woodbine Developmental Center, located in the center of the borough, is a state-run educational center for the mentally handicapped and Cape May County’s largest employer.
A solid local restaurant scene
With a population of just over 2,000 people, Woodbine isn’t exactly a retail hub, but it does have a few shops and restaurants. Locals can pick up essentials at the Woodbine Meat Market or the nearby Family Dollar, and the town is home to a few popular antique and thrift shops. The nearest supermarket is the ACME Markets in Ocean View, about 7 miles from town, while the nearest major shopping centers are 22 miles away in Millville. While retail options are limited, there are a number of highly rated eateries in town, including longstanding seafood and pasta joint Dionysus Restaurant. Ludlum Island Brewery and Surf Dog Bar and Grill are both popular spots to grab a drink and catch some live music.
Woodbine's annual Car Show and Swap Meet
Woodbine’s event calendar is pretty quiet most of the year, though the annual Car Show and Swap Meet in October does draw auto enthusiasts from all over the region. Locals looking to enjoy Fourth of July fireworks or Christmas festivities can always head to Cape May, which is about 22 miles away and draws tourists with festivals throughout the year.
Getting to Philadelphia
Multiple state routes connect Woodbine to inland cities and the barrier islands. It’s a little over 60 miles from the borough to Philadelphia via state Routes 347 and 55, and about the same distance to Philadelphia International Airport. A single bus route, the NJ Transit 313, stops in the borough, connecting to Philadelphia and Cape May, but most residents consider car ownership a necessity.
