Cultivated in Camden County
BY: ERIN McFEETERS
Home to the Campbell’s Soup Company, where the process of condensing soup was born, Camden County sits along the Delaware River in the Southern New Jersey Region. Just minutes from the Benjamin Franklin Bridge where commuters head into Philadelphia, Camden County is uniquely positioned for large-scale businesses like Campbell’s, whose processing facility has since moved, but corporate headquarters remains; Subaru of America; American Water; and Cooper University Hospital.
“Camden County is a diverse area with communities spread across various types of neighborhoods.From small historic towns to popular shopping destinations and beautiful parks, there is something for everyone,” said Josh Evans, owner of the Common Grounds Coffee House in Oaklyn. “Plus, you’re only a short drive to the beach one way and Philadelphia the other.”
Camden County has 36 municipalities with a population of 527,196, according to the U.S. Census. The largest municipalities are Cherry Hill, Camden, Gloucester Township, Winslow, and Pennsauken, with populations ranging from 37,000 to 74,000.
For clients looking to add Camden County to their home search, the median sales price for single-family homes is $362,000 year-to-date, according to NJ Realtors® March 2025 housing market data report, and there were 576 single family homes for sale. The median sales price for townhouse-condos in the area is more than $100,000 less than single family homes at $220,250 year-to-date, while adult community median sales prices are more than single family homes at $415,000.
“Life in Camden County is truly enjoyable. I’ve spent most of my life living in different parts of the county. Right now, I’m in a walkable downtown area with a ton of small businesses. I also love how easily I can hop on the train to Philly or drive five minutes to major shopping and plenty of green space,” said Evans. “There are always things to do in the county as they have a packed event calendar with concerts, yoga, camps, and more.”
Camden County has everything New Jersey communities are known for: unique small businesses, your favorite chains, ease of transportation, and abundant parks. Tourism in the area continues to grow with unique attractions such as the Battleship of New Jersey, the Adventure Aquarium, plentiful parks, education-forward museums, and so much more.
“The Battleship has a great relationship with Camden County and the City of Camden. We go out of our way when we’re hiring to try to hire residents of the City of Camden, as well as bringing in Camden City children to tour the battleship and learn about its history,” said Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial CEO Marshall Spevak. “We love being a part of team Camden. We continue to be open to the city as a meeting and gathering place for the different communities in this city, but most especially to the children who live in Camden, and of course, to Camden County and the greater South Jersey region.”
According to Spevak, there’s a lot in the works in Camden County, specifically in the City of Camden, with many major redevelopment initiative announcements in the past few months.
The Walter Rand Transportation Center was one of the first announcements in 2021, with the governor pledging $250 million for renovations. As of today, the project is still in the design concept phase, and NJ Transit hosted a public information session in November last year to gauge residents’ needs.
Adjacent to the Walter Rand Transportation Center, the city announced plans for a 25-story 500,000 square-foot office tower and anticipates the new building to have a significant impact on the City of Camden’s rebirth. According to ROI-NJ, the Beacon Building will be the tallest structure in South Jersey, and there will be space for public and private entity usage, along with space for government agencies. There will also be retail space for restaurants and other amenities.
Cooper University Hospital is also planning redevelopment in the city and, according to Spevak, undergoing a multi-billion-dollar expansion. Cooper University Health Center held its official groundbreaking ceremony in January this year, and their project, “Project Imagine,” will be the biggest building investment in Camden County’s history, according to their press release.
“There’s a significant amount of proposed development and construction happening in the city, which I think trickles down to the rest of the neighborhoods and community, especially with us on the waterfront,” said Spevak. “This investment, and some of the other development happening around the city will continue to make a significant stride into bettering the city and helping to bring more people who want to live here, work here, visit here between the Battleship, and the aquarium, our neighbor, there’s a significant amount of tourism happening in the city, and all of these projects, all this development, just furthers our ability to do what we do.”
Things to Do
Spring has sprung in Camden County, and if you’re looking for something to do to enjoy the season, we have just what you need. Visit some of New Jersey’s most unique attractions, all in Camden County.
Battleship New Jersey
Camden
Visit the most decorated battleship in the U.S. right in the heart of the Camden waterfront, built on the Delaware River, according to Battleship New Jersey Museum & Memorial CEO Marshall Spevak. Go aboard the USS New Jersey to experience military history, learn about life as a Navy crew member, and hear stories about the ship and those who served on it. Before being decommissioned in 1991, the USS New Jersey served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Lebanese Civil War.
“She’s got 19 battle and campaign stars, the most of any other battleship in Navy history, and over the course of her tenure in the active service, over 45,000 sailors and marines served on board the battleship,” said Spevak. “Now, since 2001, we are a museum of memorial on the Camden waterfront, as well as an events destination.”
People of all ages can visit the museum and discover what life is like aboard a Navy vessel. Attend a guided tour, available every day, or visit their website to learn more about their evening tours, such as the Twilight 21+ Tour, where they walk you through rarely seen parts of the ship and finish the evening with a cold beer watching the sunset.
Places to eat nearby: Fevzi’s Mediterranean Grill at One Point Café, Camden Diner, and Camden Arts Yard.
Adventure Aquarium
Camden
See more than 15,000 aquatic animals at the Adventure Aquarium, such as Little Blue penguins, the smallest species of penguin in the world, learn about sea turtle conservation in the 760,000-gallon Ocean Realm exhibit, and meet the resident hippos Button and Genny, the only Nile hippos to be exhibited at an aquarium in the world.
Places to eat nearby: The Victor Pub, A Little Slice of New York, and Norie’s Lunchbox.
Cooper River Park
Pennsauken, Cherry Hill, Collingswood, and Haddon Township
Enjoy scenic views along the Cooper River. More than 346 acres run through Pennsauken, Cherry Hill, Collingswood, and Haddon Township, with the river in sight at every turn. Go solo for a hike along the waterway, or bring your family and friends to check out the miniature golf course, Cooper River Yacht Club, playgrounds, and picnic areas. According to the county, park expansion projects are currently in the works to create a boardwalk and fishing piers and improve the athletic fields, park stadium, and more.
Places to eat nearby: Donkey’s Place, Tony & Ruth Steaks, Corrine’s Place, and Taco Loco.
Walt Whitman House
Camden
Designated a national historic landmark in 1962, the Walt Whitman House is the former home of the great poet Walt Whitman. Today, the home is a museum dedicated to celebrating his work. Each year, the museum hosts poetry contests and an annual birthday celebration. They also partner with Rutgers University—Camden Whitman Studies Program and an online publication entitled The Mickle Street Review.
Places to eat nearby: Steak and Sub House, Guido’s Pizza, Mylestone Catering, and A Little Slice of New York.
Pennypacker Park
Haddonfield
On the eve of the Civil War, William Foulke discovered the world’s first nearly complete dinosaur skeleton in Pennypacker Park. Today, visitors are welcome to explore the woods and see the ravine where the Hadrosaurus foulkii bones were extracted 167 years ago.
Places to eat nearby: Giumarello’s Restaurant & G Bar, Tre Famiglia Ristorante BYOB, The Little Hen, and Caffe Aldo Lamberti.
Farmers markets to visit
One way to connect with Camden County community members, small businesses, and local farmers is by visiting one of these unique farmers markets. Some offer indoor shopping, while others feature compost drop-offs, explore them all this spring to come together and experience the Garden State.
Berlin Farmers Market
Berlin
An indoor shopping center with more than 65 vendors and an outdoor flea market open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You’ll find high-quality products from small businesses, hidden treasures, and local flavor.
Collingswood Farmers Market
Collingswood
Opening back up this May, the Collingswood Farmers Market is the weekly Saturday social spot to catch up with neighbors while shopping for local in-season produce. While farm vendors are the focus, you’ll also find stands with small-batch olive oil, baked goods, barbecue, handmade soap, compost drop-offs, and dog treats.
Haddon Heights Farmers Market
Haddon Heights
Take a trip to Haddon Heights now through November for fresh produce, unique crafts, entertainment, and more from local businesses. It’s open every Sunday, and you can expect vendors from all corners of the county. Last year it featured breweries, flower stands, pickles, cookies, and more.
Haddonfield Farmers Market
Haddonfield
There’s a little bit of everything at the Haddonfield Farmers Market, you’ll find local agriculture, crafts, artisanal cheeses, and other local goods. Visit to experience connections with the community and support shopping local.
Merchantville Market Off Centre
Merchantville
njreal.to/merchantville-market
Kicking off in May, check out Merchantville’s market every month on the first Friday. Located on The Mile, which is a former rail line, is Merchantville’s unique paved path that connects the two downtown areas. The market features local vendors, music, children’s crafts, and more.
Coffee shops to try
We know your morning cup of joe is part of your sacred morning ritual, but change it up this season and try these shops. You’ll find your staple coffee beverages and drinks with a twist for your next outing.
Common Grounds Coffee House
Oaklyn
Common Grounds Coffee House was founded in 2015 by then-mayor Robert Forbes and his wife, Debbie, to revitalize the small downtown business district, according to Evans. “A decade and two ownership changes later, the coffee shop has grown into not just the community hub the Forbes family envisioned, but also a popular coffee destination that attracts visitors from near and far to Oaklyn,” said Evans.
He recommends the W. Clinton Crusher, an espresso shaken over ice with one of our flavors, topped with your choice of milk. You can find it on the signature and rotating seasonal menu, which also features their coffee flights, which include four iced beverages and a baked good of your choice. For the Easter holiday, they had Peep cold brew, coconut cream egg iced coffee, carrot cake latte, and strawberry meadow matcha.
The Station
Merchantville
From artfully made espresso beverages to hand-crafted sandwiches to gelato shakes, there’s always something to enjoy at The Station, no matter what time of day you visit.
Revolution Coffee Roasters
Collingswood
Founded in 2013, Revolution Coffee Roasters is a small-batch coffee roaster on Haddon Avenue. They source their single-origin coffee from farms across the globe and roast it right in Collingswood. Visit their café for a delightful roast or order beans for your home coffee station.
Grooveground
Collingswood
Located in the heart of downtown Collingswood, Grooveground is more than just a coffee shop, it’s a record store and shop with local art, remade clothing, and greeting cards. Jam out with artists on Friday nights and try their house brews and specialty drinks.
Koupa Espresso Bar
Haddon Township
You don’t want to miss this place! This European coffee bar’s menu features unique delights such as Spanish Shaken Lattes, espresso shaken with sweet condensed and evaporated milk; Spanakopita Traditional Pie, made with flaky crust; and an Amarettisio Cream Latte, rich espresso swirled with flavors of amaretto and Irish cream.
Royal Mile
Haddon Township
What started as a passion project is now a full-blown coffee roasting operation with two shops and a warehouse. You can find their coffee roasts and canned cold brew in the Philly area at Whole Foods, Weavers Way, the Swarthmore Co-Op, or from their warehouse in Cherry Hill.
