SALEM COUNTY
County Offices
94 Market Street
Salem 856-935-7510
www.salemcountynj.gov
Chamber of Commerce
174 East Broadway
Salem 856-351-2244
http://salemcountychamber.com
Major Highways
New Jersey Turnpike, Interstate 295, Route 55
In Salem County, “life at a slower pace” is the most accurate description of the atmosphere that prevails in this rural area at the southern edge of the Garden State. The least populated of all of the counties that make up the state of New Jersey, Salem is a vast expanse of primarily undeveloped land. Spacious and beautiful, its 50,000 acres of woodlands and 30,000 acres of wetlands support a wide variety of flora and fauna along the Delaware River. In addition, Salem has specifically designated a full 13,000 acres of its recreational land as state, county, and municipal wildlife and hunting preserves.
Steeped in history, Salem began as one of the most bustling ports of entry in the late 1600s and one of the most prosperous areas in the original colonies prior to the American Revolution. It was also the scene of several battles and significant events during the Revolutionary War, and preservation of its historical homes and significant sites underlines the area’s commitment to its rich heritage. This work continues, one of the most recent examples being the monument celebrating the 1638 founding of the New Sweden Colony. Erected in Riverview Beach Park in Pennsville, the monument will offer panoramic views.
Many buildings that date back more than a century continue to line the streets of Salem City, some of which are listed in the State and National Registers of Historic Sites. Among Salem’s most treasured possessions is the great Salem Oak tree. This ancient, towering monument is estimated to be anywhere from 500 to 900 years old and stands guard over the Friends Cemetery on Broadway, where some of the graves date back more than 300 hundred years.
Lacking any highly developed population centers when compared to other New Jersey counties, Salem County has been slow to develop any major retail centers or commercial and industrial enterprises. This region’s most valuable resource is the very thing that first drew settlers into the area, unspoiled natural beauty and innate wealth of vast tracts of land. Broad, slightly rolling plains also feature extensive wetlands with swaying cattails and magnificent Atlantic White Cedars along its western edge.
Services
Salem County is served by the major thoroughfares of the New Jersey Turnpike and Interstate 295 in addition to a number of smaller highways that cross-cross the area. Because of this area’s close proximity to the Delaware River, the Commodore Perry Bridge and the Delaware Memorial Twin Bridges play an important role in providing area residents with access to key metropolitan areas. Bus and taxi services are available in almost all Salem municipalities, with commuter train service in Upper Pittsgrove. The Greater Wilmington Airport and Philadelphia International Airport combine to provide a full range of air transportation services within a convenient driving distance.
Salem County schools provide area youth with the first-rate quality education for which the Delaware Valley has become known. Salem Community College is available close to home for an affordable start on a four-year degree or any number of two-year degree and certification programs. The college enjoys an excellent reputation and offers a wide variety of programs, both academic and vocational, as well as continuing education opportunities. Some of America’s most prestigious educational institutions are within an hour’s drive of Salem County, such as the University of Delaware in Newark, Wilmington College and the Delaware Law School in Wilmington. Also within a reasonable distance are such respected institutions as the University of Pennsylvania with its Wharton School of Business, Bryn Mawr College, Drexel, West Chester, Villanova, and Princeton University.
In addition to skilled professionals including primary-care physicians and specialists in private practice, healthcare needs are met in two major hospitals. The Memorial Hospital of Salem County in Salem and South Jersey Hospital in Elmer provide state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatment for residents of Salem, Gloucester, and Cumberland counties. Health screenings combine with outreach programs for community health education and wellness. Services available at the 140-bed acute-care Memorial Hospital include cardiac care, a family birthing center, home health, industrial medicine and occupational health, intensive care, same-day surgery, women’s center, cancer treatment, hospice, physical therapy, and wound treatment. The hospital also manages support facilities in a variety of locations including children’s healthcare centers, pediatric practices, rehabilitation and therapy centers, and diagnostic imaging.
Lifestyle
About an hour’s drive from Philadelphia, Salem County offers a true country atmosphere in a land that has yet to be developed. Taking advantage of Salem County’s natural, unspoiled beauty, many areas have been preserved for recreation. Fort Mott State Park offers lakes for fishing and swimming as well as opportunities for hiking, biking, and nature study. Boating enthusiasts can enjoy spending the day on the Delaware River, while naturalists and hunters might prefer exploring the vast conservation areas and wildlife preserves. Bird-watchers are drawn to Salem County for the undisturbed habitats that support an abundance of wildlife. Those who prefer live action will want to attend one of the summer’s favorite attractions, the Cowtown Rodeo. Various municipalities offer supervised recreational programs, team sports, golf courses, tennis courts, playgrounds, athletic fields, and swimming pools.
Many of the Salem County cultural activities and major attractions claim historical significance, such as the famous Hancock Bridge and Hancock House, the Great Salem Oak, and the buildings along Market Street. More than 60 historic homes dating back to the 18th century can be found in Salem City alone. On a community level, residents enjoy the seasonal parade of festivals, performances, concerts, fairs, and traditional holiday celebrations. The Sol & Jean Davidow Performing Arts Theatre at Salem Community College in Carneys Point hosts a wide range of live-stage productions, concerts, and other special events. The DuPont Field House on the same campus seats 2,000 guests for everything from sporting events to concerts. The Salem County Arts Alliance supports and promotes a number of cultural activities and programs from theatre to puppetry. The Appel Farms Arts & Music Center in Elmer is a regional treasure, presenting an impressive calendar of performances as well as classes and outreach.
For a memorable getaway, a drive to the Jersey Cape offers 30 miles of wide, white sandy beaches, lively boardwalks, and beachfront resorts. Favorite vacation destinations such as Atlantic City, Ocean City, Sea Isle City, Avalon, Stone Harbor, the Wildwoods, and Cape May provide virtually unlimited outdoor activities and attractions. Shopping, theatre, concerts, amusement centers, golf courses, tennis courts, and delightful bed-and-breakfast inns make this a popular getaway. In addition to scenic campgrounds, this region also offers swimming, hiking, bicycling, surfing, boating, fishing, bird-watching, and kite-flying.
Farm homes and single-family homes in a variety of architectural styles that include charming colonials and elegant Victorians characterize the four largest communities in Salem County: Pilesgrove, Pennsville, Woodstown, and Salem City. The widespread preservation of old-world charm and colonial detailing creates the atmosphere and appearance of a New England village in nearly every municipality. Although industrial taxes in this area tend to be substantial, housing costs are relatively economical in most locations and land parcels are especially generous. Salem County is the ideal choice for those who value the country life and wide open spaces above highly developed local amenities.
While world-class urban attractions are available within a reasonable commute, Salem County offers sufficient commercial development for a convenient lifestyle. In addition to the quaint shops, antique stores, markets, and services scattered throughout Salem’s municipalities are shopping centers in Salem City and Pennsville. More expanded retail facilities can be found just across the Delaware River in Wilmington, Delaware, where the lack of sales tax often entices bargain hunters from other states. Because of this brisk retail activity, Wilmington offers everything from charming open-air shopping districts to some of the nation’s most successful enclosed malls. Browsing through trendy boutiques filled with designer labels and enjoying a symphony concert or Broadway show are ideal reasons to plan a day trip or an entire weekend in Center City Philadelphia.
In contrast to the citizens of highly progressive areas, Salem County residents are emphatic about protecting their home from becoming “another Philadelphia suburb.” The Salem County Chamber of Commerce slogan, “Big enough to count but small enough to really care” summarizes the popular sentiment. With its vast natural resources, quaint atmosphere, and small-town charm, Salem County is the perfect place to call home.
Alloway, Lower Alloways Creek
Municipal Offices
Alloway 856-935-4080
www.allowaytownship.com
Lower Alloways Creek 856-935-1549
www.lowerallowayscreek-nj.gov
Chamber of Commerce
Salem 856-351-2244
http://salemcountychamber.com
As an area of gently rolling hills in the central section of Salem County, these townships consist of many acres of farmland interspersed with sections of scenic woodlands and serene lakes. Scattered farmhouses and quaint residential clusters provide a haven for those who cherish a rural lifestyle. Recreational amenities abound in this area, including camping, boating, fishing, and golfing. These municipalities are less than 45 miles from major metropolitan areas in Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Residents appreciate the rural atmosphere, more affordable housing, family-oriented atmosphere, and relaxed lifestyle within a reasonable commute from some of the East Coast’s most popular attractions.
Carneys Point, Mannington, Oldsman
Municipal Offices
Carneys Point 856-299-0070
www.carneyspointnj.gov
Mannington 856-935-2359
Oldsman 856-299-0780
www.oldmanstownship.com
Chamber of Commerce
Salem 856-351-2244
http://salemcountychamber.com
As the home of the main campus for Salem Community College, the township of Carneys Point serves as an educational and cultural center for county residents. The Davidow Performing Arts Center and the DuPont Field House on the college campus combine to host sporting events, theatre, dance, concerts, and special events. Neighboring Mannington and Oldsman townships share a similar topography. Mannington is surrounded on two sides by the scenic Salem Creek, harmonizing gently rolling farmland with woodland patches. Oldsman borders the Delaware River, while Oldsman Creek forms the boundary between the township and the highly developed Logan Township in Gloucester County. Of the residential clusters in Oldsman, Pedricktown is the largest and houses the township government. Vast expanses of open land and minimum lot sizes of one acre combine with reasonable housing costs to create an idyllic setting in these townships. Recreational amenities and opportunities include a private swim club and several golf courses. Nearby Fort Mott State Park encourages swimming, hiking, biking, and picnicking.
Pennsville, Elsinboro
Municipal Offices
Pennsville 856-678-3089
http://www.pennsville.org
Elsinboro 856-935-2200
www.elsinborotownship.com
Chamber of Commerce
Salem 856-351-2244
http://salemcountychamber.com
The largest of Salem County’s major population centers, Pennsville has attracted the lion’s share of growth and development, particularly along the Lenapi Avenue corridor. The township is situated south of the Delaware Memorial Bridge and is accessible from the New Jersey Turnpike and Interstate 295. Picturesque farms combine with light industry, commercial activity, and residential neighborhoods and subdivisions in this area. One of the few communities in the county with its own high school, Pennsville also boasts a full-time recreation director and local shopping facilities. The panoramic beauty of Fort Mott Park and Delaware River water sports ensure first-rate outdoor adventure close to home. In addition, numerous playgrounds, athletic fields, tennis courts, and public swimming pools are available in the community. Neighboring Elsinboro Township offers a quiet, rural community with abundant room to grow along the Delaware Bay border near Pennsville and Salem amenities.
Pilesgrove, Woodstown
Municipal Offices
Pilesgrove 856-769-3222
www.pilesgrovenj.org
Woodstown 856-769-2200
www.historicwoodstown.org
Chamber of Commerce
Salem 856-351-2244
http://salemcountychamber.com
Primarily a rural area in the northern quadrant of Salem County, Pilesgrove Township features rolling terrain that is largely agricultural with scattered clusters of wooded land. The borough of Woodstown is situated in the heart of the township, offering an independent municipality and a well-developed residential community. The housing selection in this area is varied and reasonably priced, dominated by quaint older homes that blend with more contemporary multi-family developments and quaint, rambling farmhouses. Local shopping combines with excellent opportunities for recreation in this calm country atmosphere with its relaxed lifestyle. Golfing enthusiasts enjoy two beautiful courses within a 10-mile radius, while Memorial and East lakes near Woodstown provide swimming and picnicking areas. Other community recreational amenities include a swimming pool, tennis court, athletic field and playgrounds, and organized sports teams.
Pittsgrove, Upper Pittsgrove, Elmer
Municipal Offices
Pittsgrove 856-358-2300
http://www.pittsgrovetownship.com
Upper Pittsgrove 856-358-8500
www.upperpittsgrovenj.org
Elmer 856-358-4010
www.elmerboroughnj.com
Chamber of Commerce
Salem 856-351-2244
http://salemcountychamber.com
The sprawling townships of Pittsgrove and Upper Pittsgrove make up the southeastern quadrant of Salem County along the border of Gloucester County. A largely agricultural area interspersed with rolling hills and wooded areas, this scenic region offers grassroots rural life at its finest. Housing options vary from vintage farm houses and charming single-family homes in long-established residential clusters to newer construction. Good neighborhood schools and reasonable housing costs offset the short commute to communities that offer expanded commercial and cultural attractions. Local shopping is available in both townships, and recreational amenities are first rate, including lakes, lush parks, a golf course, and a country club. The small borough of Elmer is also located in this area, home to one of the county’s major hospitals and a major cultural attraction, Appel Farms Arts & Music Center. The borough describes itself as “the small town with the big welcome.”
Salem City, Quinton
Municipal Offices
Salem 856-935-0372
www.cityofsalemnj.gov
Quinton 856-935-2325
www.quintonnj.com
Chamber of Commerce
Salem 856-351-2244
http://salemcountychamber.com
Located in west-central Salem County, Salem City is the county’s second largest municipality in terms of population and serves as the Salem County seat of government. Largely residential with some of commercial and industrial activity, this township embodies classic appearance and feeling of a quaint New England village. Historic Salem balances local retail amenities with excellent schools, recreation programs, social and civic groups, a charming Main Street district, and a strong community spirit for an outstanding quality of life. Quinton Township features a terrain that ranges from the level farmland to panoramic rolling woodlands to the west. Scenic lakes are scattered throughout the township, adding to its natural beauty. Recreational opportunities in this area include supervised programs, playgrounds, YMCA facilities, a community swimming pool, athletic fields, tennis courts, and a recreation center. Nearby lush parks and lakes encourage hiking, boating, fishing, and water sports.
