ATLANTIC COUNTY
County Offices
1333 Atlantic Avenue
Atlantic City 609-348-3001
www.aclink.org
Chamber of Commerce
12 South Virginia Avenue
Atlantic City 609-345-4524
http://acchamber.com/
Major Highways
Atlantic City Expressway, Garden State Parkway; U.S. Routes 9, 30, 40; Route 50
Anchored by the vacation paradise of Atlantic City, Atlantic County is situated approximately 60 miles southeast of Philadelphia and 100 miles southwest of New York. The county is bounded on the north by the Mullica River, on the south by the Great Egg Harbor Bay and the Tuckahoe River, on the west by Camden and Gloucester Counties, and on the east by the Atlantic Ocean.
In addition to the enjoyment of a scenic coastline and a world-famous boardwalk, residents of all ages can look forward to exceptional amenities from cultural attractions to championship golf courses. Revitalization is evident in many of the communities, where active civic groups and residents are working diligently to refurbish existing structures and attract vital new economic activity. The spectacular new Atlantic City Convention Center is just one example of the ongoing commitment to an outstanding quality of life.
The Frank S. Farley State Marina is the primary docking facility for Atlantic City, a picturesque area where hundreds of colorful boats of all sizes are just minutes from world-class water recreation and fishing on ocean and bay waters. Interesting shops and fine restaurants make this one of the city’s most relaxing and popular destinations. The entire Jersey Shore is legendary for its amusement piers, and Atlantic City has long enjoyed an international reputation for its famous boardwalk.
The summertime brings millions of visitors to the Atlantic County region, a time when cool breezes and bright sunshine create the ideal complement to every activity. Wonderful festivals and celebrations are another magnet to this area, home of the Seafood Festival each June, the Beach Fest, the World Championship Ocean Marathon Swim, the Latino Festival, and the every-popular Miss America pageant.
Services
Dedicated to excellence in education, Atlantic County is home to outstanding public and private schools on every educational level. In addition to easily accessible opportunities for higher education within the flourishing metropolitan areas surrounding southern New Jersey, residents enjoy the advantage of Atlantic Cape Community College in three convenient locations. Serving both Atlantic and Cape May counties, ACCC has developed notable programs in the culinary arts and casino management in addition to a wide variety of career, vocational, and college-track programs.
Atlantic County is home to the private liberal arts institution of Richard Stockton College, a mid-sized, award-winning institution nestled on 1,600 acres of pristine pinelands. Renowned universities like Rutgers and Fairleigh Dickinson University also offer special programs and advanced degree opportunities at various locations in the Atlantic County region. The comprehensive and respected public institution of Rowan University in Glassboro is just a short drive from Atlantic County communities.
Healthcare institutions, medical centers, and specialized care centers are well positioned throughout the county to provide state-of-the-art diagnostics and treatment to every resident. The Atlantic City Medical Center maintains facilities in Atlantic City and Pomona. Distinguished as Atlantic City’s first hospital, ACMC has maintained regional leadership in acute-care services for more than a century. Now a teaching hospital, ACMC is the home of the area’s only Level II Trauma Center, its only neonatal intensive care unit, and its most comprehensive cancer and heart centers. Shore Memorial Hospital adds valuable services and specialties in the Somers Point area, while the town of Hammonton is home to Kessler Memorial Hospital. Throughout the county, skilled professionals in every major specialty are available for private consultation. For routine or advanced healthcare needs as well as fitness advice, nutritional counseling, and wellness programs, Atlantic County offers a facility just around the corner from home.
Lifestyle
From the glittering nightlife of Atlantic City to the serene pinelands and abundant wildlife of the rural expanses, Atlantic County has the diversity to cater to every lifestyle and taste. Over the decades, the entire area has developed into a popular family vacation destination and weekend getaway that provides a host of quality amenities and leisure activities. Fine museums, crowd-pleasing theatre performances, and star-studded musical concerts are just a few of the attractions. The byways of the region are dotted with wineries, rich farmland, and many hidden treasures like the Towne of Historic Smithville. This charming village invites residents and visitors to stroll down its quaint cobblestone and brick paths, taking the time to window-shop or browse through wonderful shops that reflect the quaint atmosphere of the 1700s.
Atlantic City adds an abundance of unusually well-developed amenities and attractions that have evolved through decades of tourist traffic. Fascinating museums like Ripley’s Believe it or Not combine with treasures like the Atlantic City Art Museum on historic Garden Pier. Here, some of the region’s most noted artists and exhibitions encourage visitors to browse in settings bathed in natural light. The Ocean Life Center appeals to children of all ages, offering a compact aquarium and a touch tank. Like Las Vegas, Atlantic City is a tower of entertainment with marques that brightly announce the biggest names in show business. Throughout the county are wonderful attractions like the Noyes Museum in Galloway Township, where outstanding exhibits enjoy a reflective, serene atmosphere. The Renault Winery in Egg Harbor Township is known for its dazzling celebrations and special events as well as a gourmet restaurant.
More natural attractions include the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine that rescues distressed sea animals and works closely with volunteers. At the Forsythe Wildlife Preserve between Brigantine Island the mainland, thousands of migratory birds join native species to create a unique natural habitat within sight of the gleaming casino hotels and resorts of Atlantic City. Over the past 15 years, Atlantic County has acquired acres of lush parkland for open-space preservation and the development of recreational facilities. Many of these parks are adjacent to sparkling lakes and rolling rivers for exceptional water-sport and boating activity. Canoeing, kayaking, hiking, fishing, hunting, biking, nature study, bird-watching, and camping are all popular leisure sports. While major professional sports teams are within an easy commute in New Jersey and Philadelphia, Atlantic County is home to the East Coast Hockey League’s Boardwalk Bullies and a minor-league baseball team.
Modern shopping malls, award-winning seafood restaurants, acres of parkland and forest, sparkling seashore, acclaimed golf courses, private sports clubs, and ocean breezes are all encompassed in diverse and scenic Atlantic County. Continued growth and development is evident throughout the region. Inland towns like Galloway, Egg Harbor, and Hamilton have experienced phenomenal expansion while the more rural settings such as Mays Landing, Weymouth, and Buena Vista have only recently begun to boom.
While most of the beach communities are home to a substantial population of permanent residents, Atlantic County also features towns that offer a high concentration of vacation and seasonal homes. Residents throughout New Jersey and the Northeast are discovering the desirability of having a second home within driving distance from their primary residence, making this option more appealing than ever before. The selection of housing throughout Atlantic County is widely varied and attractive, from oceanfront mansions and new construction to comfortable cottages along the tree-shaded lanes of a small town. Wherever you choose to settle in Atlantic County, you will discover the warm hospitality and friendliness that has made this region so endearing to vacationers and visitors over the decades.
Atlantic City, Brigantine Beach
Municipal Offices
Atlantic City 609-347-5300
www.cityofatlanticcity.org
Brigantine 609-800-2821
http://brigantinechamber.com/
Chamber of Commerce
Atlantic City 609-345-4524
http://acchamber.com/
Attracting millions of visitors each year to white-sand beaches, glittering casino resort hotels, world-class entertainment, and its famous boardwalk, Atlantic City has long been celebrated as one of America’s most popular destinations for excitement and relaxation. Some of the finest golf courses in New Jersey, tennis courts, first-rate shopping, cultural, cultural and historic attractions, and outdoor recreation add to the quality of life for year-round residents. The housing selection ranges from tree-shaded older homes in the heart of the city to handsome new construction, exclusive high-rise developments, suburban subdivisions, and waterfront estates. Nearby Brigantine Beach offers a high-rise bridge for passage to nearby Atlantic City, and approximately half the land on the island is owned by the state under the Green Acres Program. Close proximity to the ocean and bays encourage boating, surfing, fishing, water or jet-skiing, and sailboarding. Other popular sports include hunting, hiking, cycling, motocross, and golfing.
Egg Harbor Township, Estell Manor, Corbin, Weymouth
Municipal Offices
Egg Harbor Twp 609-926-4000
www.ehtgov.org
Estell Manor 609-476-2692
www.estellmanor.org
Corbin 609-628-2673
Weymouth 609-476-2633
www.weymouthnj.org
Chamber of Commerce
Atlantic City 609-345-4524
http://acchamber.com/
The sprawling township of Egg Harbor is the second largest municipality in Atlantic County, located just seven miles from Atlantic City. To the east is Somers Point, Longport and Ocean City lie to the southeast, and the city of Estell Manor borders on the south. Estell Manor was originally carved out of Weymouth Township, a rural community that began as a shipbuilding center because it offered abundant waterways and nearby supplies of timber and iron. Today, the Great Egg Harbor River’s tributaries in Weymouth Township preserve a rich habitat for wildlife and a backdrop of natural beauty around the four seasons. The river is exceptionally wide, making it ideal for boating and water sports. Residents of this area enjoy the pleasures of small-town living in close proximity to Atlantic City excitement and exceptional recreational sites. Forests, bays, and ocean beaches are all available close to home.
Galloway, Egg Harbor City, Port Republic
Municipal Offices
Galloway 609-652-3700
http://www.gtnj.org/
Egg Harbor 609-965-0081
http://www.eggharborcity.org
Port Republic 609-652-1501
Chamber of Commerce
Atlantic City 609-345-4524
http://acchamber.com/
Boasting an enviable location in close proximity to Atlantic City attractions, Galloway Township is bisected by the Garden State Parkway for outstanding commuting convenience. This sprawling and diverse area encompasses welcoming neighborhoods, commercial development, and natural beauty. The township is home to the highly acclaimed Richard Stockton College, ranked by U.S. News and World Report among the nation’s top five national public liberal arts colleges. Rural Galloway offers a tranquil lifestyle secluded from urban bustle. Newcomers will also find advantages like lush golf courses, shopping in Historic Smithville, and major performing arts centers like the Galloway Cultural Art Center. Residents enjoy close proximity to beach recreation, wildlife conservation areas, and the rural isolation of the Pine Barrens for outstanding swimming, picnicking, camping, hiking, and biking. Egg Harbor City balances quiet residential neighborhoods with a redeveloping Main Street district. The close-knit residential community of Port Republic adds Chestnut Neck Boat Yard to the list of regional amenities, a full-service boating and fishing facility designed to be ideal for family recreation.
Hamilton, Mays Landing, Mullica
Municipal Offices
Hamilton 609-625-1511
www.townshipofhamilton.com
Mullica 609-561-0064
www.mullicatownship.org
Chamber of Commerce
Atlantic City 609-345-4524
http://acchamber.com/
Charming Hamilton Township and Mays Landing attract residents and visitors to a thriving commercial district. Mays Landing serves as the governmental center and the hub of retail development along Route 322. The charming historic district blends fine restaurants, local shops, picturesque marinas, and breathtaking riverfront views from Gaskill Park. Sprawling Hamilton Mall and surrounding major retail outlets offer the finest in contemporary retail amenities along with eateries and restaurants. Vast tracts of land in the Atlantic County Park System encourage outdoor enjoyment. Among the other recreational facilities are sports fields and a roller skating rink. Mays Landing is also home to a campus for Atlantic Cape Community College. The 2,000-acre Lake Lenape Park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, picnicking, boating, hunting, nature study, photography, and fishing. Bounded by Mullica River, Mullica Township harmonizes a variety of locally owned businesses with residential neighborhoods.
Hammonton, Buena Vista
Municipal Offices
Hammonton 609-567-4300
www.townofhammonton.org
Buena Vista 856-697-2100
www.buenavistanj.com
Chamber of Commerce
Atlantic City 609-345-4524
http://acchamber.com/
Sprawling over the northern section of Atlantic County is the township of Buena Vista, the town of Hammonton, and a scattering of small communities. Those who appreciate the charm of a small-town atmosphere in close proximity to resort amenities will want to explore this relaxed and friendly area northwest of Atlantic City. Hammonton offers a well-established town along Highway 559 where welcoming neighborhoods showcase charming, well-kept older homes along tree-shaded streets. Known as the “blueberry capital of the world,” Hammonton provides excellent schools, shopping facilities, and good transportation efficiencies. Buena serves as the governmental center for Buena Vista Township and boasts the Buena Vista Country Club, regarded as one of the finest facilities of its kind in the region. Newtonville is another small community in the township. Residents of this area enjoy easy access to campgrounds and lush parks, Atlantic City entertainment, and the Jersey Shore resorts. Wharton State Forest ensures a wealth of natural beauty and opportunities that include hiking, biking, camping, and nature study.
Longport, Margate, Ventnor
Municipal Offices
Longport 609-823-2731
http://www.longportnj.gov
Margate 609-822-2605
http://www.margate-nj.com
Ventnor 609-823-7904
http://www.ventnorcity.org
Chamber of Commerce
Atlantic City 609-345-4524
http://acchamber.com/
South of Atlantic City are the Jersey Shore beach communities of Longport, Margate, and Ventnor. Situated at the end of Absecon Island, Longport Borough offers a serene residential enclave where homes range from cozy cottages to exclusive residences. Somers Point shopping is only five minutes away, although Atlantic City amenities are equally accessible. Margate nestles between Longport and Ventnor on the island, offering a popular seaside resort town as well as a charming year-round community. Bordered by the bay on one side and the ocean on the other, Ventnor harmonizes modest residential neighborhoods with multi-million-dollar homes and manors. The local boardwalk offers pedestrian access to Atlantic City’s more famous Boardwalk. Fine restaurants and shops line Ventnor Avenue, and the beaches are outstanding.
Pleasantville, Absecon
Municipal Offices
Pleasantville 609-484-3600
www.pleasantville-nj.org
Absecon 609-641-0663
Chamber of Commerce
Atlantic City 609-345-4524
http://acchamber.com/
Among the suburban communities that surround Atlantic City are Pleasantville and Absecon. Touting itself as the Gateway to Atlantic City, the community of Pleasantville is a city located just five miles from the neon marques of dazzling entertainment centers. Pleasantville offers a blend of retail, professional, and light industrial business anchored by the strength of diversity in its economy and culture. Revitalization and redevelopment are the keynotes of the city, renewing the community spirit around economic expansion. The housing selection in Pleasantville ranges from well-kept older homes to newer construction in a variety of architectural styles. Condominiums, duplexes, and apartments are also available for a low-maintenance lifestyle or vacation property. Absecon is home to Dr. J. Pitney Recreation Park and boasts New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse, recently restored to its original splendor and offering breathtaking views. Residents of this area enjoy close proximity to Atlantic City amusements and easy access to oceanfront recreation and water sports.
Somers Point, Linwood, Northfield
Municipal Offices
Somers Point 609-927-9088
www.somerspointgov.org
Northfield 609-641-2832
www.cityofnorthfield.org
Linwood 609-927-4108
www.linwoodcity.org
Chamber of Commerce
Atlantic City 609-345-4524
http://acchamber.com/
Among the inner circle of Atlantic City suburbs are the communities of Somers Point, Northfield, and Linwood. Since the community of Somers Point is not well known for its beaches, residents enjoy access to outstanding recreational amenities that are relatively private and free from crowds. John F. Kennedy Park to the south offers a boat-launching ramp with a beach used primarily by local residents for sports craft and windsailing. Shore Memorial Hospital is the largest local employer and a regional healthcare facility. Hospitality remains a major industry in this area, lining major thoroughfares with hotels, gift shops, and restaurants. At the same time, residents appreciate the relaxed pace of a small-town atmosphere. The residential city of Linwood borders Somers Point to the north, widely known for orchid and African violet farms. Nearby Northfield features the exceptional Birch Grove Park and Family Campground. This vast acreage combines a nature center and museum with opportunities for camping, hiking, picnicking, and nature study.
