Amid a transformation that’s improved its fortunes, Downtown Camden is an example of how a former manufacturing city can grow and adapt in the 21st century. Situated along the Delaware River across from the vibrant streets of Philadelphia, mid-rise buildings and the Central Waterfront District form a gateway into New Jersey via Interstate 676. While Rutgers, local government jobs, health care systems, and the Port of Camden contribute significantly to the city’s economy, visitors from around the metro region come to the city’s Central Waterfront District next to downtown. Veronica Woods, a real estate advisor and investor with Daniel Woods Real Estate, says local officials in nearby Chester have looked to Camden for guidance on revitalizing its community. “People make a lot of comparisons” between the two communities, Woods says. “They’ve both been economically depressed areas. But [the Camden waterfront] has brought a lot of life and jobs back to their community,” Woods says.
Cross the Ben Franklin Bridge from Philadelphia into Downtown Camden.
Downtown Camden is home to inspirational murals that brighten residents days.
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Urban streets surrounding Rutgers University
Rutgers University’s Camden campus occupies a large downtown section, serving as a driving force of change in the community. “Rutgers has invested quite a bit into their infrastructure and surrounding streets in the area,” says Michael Carr, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Initiatives like the Cooper Street Gateway Project aim to create a versatile open space for the public while keeping the area’s historic charm intact. Among the university buildings and facilities, law firms and government offices draw working professionals to the area throughout the day. Few people live downtown, although redeveloped apartment buildings and rowhouses from the 1800s and early 1900s constitute about 10% of the property downtown, with properties that can sell for under $100,000 and reach the low $200,000s. However, according to the CAP Index, Downtown Camden has a crime score of 10 out of 10, well above the national average of 4. Yet Rutgers and many local nonprofits aim to negate crime in the area through educational, recreational and entrepreneurial initiatives.
Rutgers is one of America's leading public research universities located in Downtown Camden.
Rutgers is a central point of interest for Downtown Camden, making up a huge portion.
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Drives across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge
The historic Benjamin Franklin Bridge is visible from the waterfront, carrying trains, pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicle traffic into Philadelphia. Bus routes run throughout the community, with stops along Market Street, Third Street, and more. Residents can also head to Walter Rand Transportation Center Station or City Hall to catch the Red Line into Center City. A 12-mile drive along Interstate 95 leads to Philadelphia International Airport, while other nearby roads include Interstate 676. In case of emergencies, Cooper University Hospital is less than one mile away.
Take scenic pictures with the Ben Franklin Bridge as a backdrop at Wiggins Park in Camden.
Downtown Camden is located along the Delaware River, a stone's throw away from Philadelphia.
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Local and city educational initiatives
The Camden City School District serves the community, scoring below-average ratings on Niche. Elementary and middle school students may attend the C-minus-rated Cooper’s Poynt Family School. This school also offers a youth services program called The Connect, offering accessibility to free health and social services. Although Camden One provides the ability to apply for differing charter and renaissance schools, older students may attend the C-minus-rated Eastside High, which has plans to open a newly rebuilt campus in 2029, with students attending the Cramer School until then. Rutgers University also has numerous initiatives that aim to create “academically enriching and rigorous programming for students in grades K-12and developing educational pathways to increase the number of Camden City students seeking post-secondary education,” says Caroline Brobeil, Rutgers Senior Public Relations Specialist. Initiatives range from after-school and summer programs through Rutgers-Camden Ignite to the downtown LEAP Academy University Charter School.
LEAP Empowers educational excellence & Community Development in Downtown Camden.
Cooper's Poynt School received a C- rating from Niche.
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Indoor and outdoor recreation
Located along the Delaware River, Wiggins Waterfront Park offers outdoor escapes. Locals can gather for waterfront picnics, explore the Adventure Aquarium, or enjoy live performances at the Wiggins Waterfront Riverstage or neighboring Freedom Mortgage Pavilion. It’s also common to see boaters heading out on the water for a leisurely afternoon. One mile away, North Camden Community Center offers indoor basketball courts, baseball fields, and an outdoor community pool. Nearby, the Salvation Army Kroc Center offers even more amenities like indoor pools and sports courts.
Catch a live performance of your favourite band in Camden at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion.
Walk around the Wiggins Marina in Downtown Camden to stretch your legs on a nice afternoon.
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Events at Roosevelt and Wiggins Parks
Roosevelt Plaza Park is the only open green space in downtown Camden. It is across from City Hall and serves as a relaxing lunch spot during the workday. It’s also home to the city’s Spring Lunchtime Concert Series, where residents can enjoy live music every Tuesday from April to May. Roosevelt Plaza has also hosted events like Latin Night En La Plaza, one of the events hosted by Connect the Lots, which aims to bring community to the city’s underutilized public spaces. Yet Wiggins Waterfront Park is the go-to spot for the city’s most significant events, ranging from multicultural to art festivals.
Downtown Camden Summer Concert Series hosts shows in front of City Hall.
Roosevelt Plaza Park hosts beautiful greenery blew Downtown Camdens' City Hall.
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Local businesses and restaurants
Various eateries are scattered amongst the urban landscape. Camden Arts Yard, a popular beer garden, attracts students and professionals with live DJ performances and a vast selection of beer and craft cocktails. Camden Diner is a neighborhood staple for brunch, while Nuanced Cafe serves up delightful green smoothies and frothy cappuccinos. They also host periodic community events like Coffee with a Cop and the Value in Our Village children’s book readings. Diverse cuisine and take-out restaurants range from pizza and wings at A Little Slice of New York to tacos and empanadas at Latin American Restaurant. Local businesses range from flower shops and bookstores to mini-marts. Nearby Market Gourmet is the go-to spot for weekly groceries, while ACME Markets is 4 miles across the river for a more extensive selection. Locals can also head to Philadelphia or Cherry Hill for major retailers.
Start your day off with a hot breakfast at Camden Diner in Downtown Camden, NJ.
Get a professional cut at Essential Blends Hair Studio in Downtown Camden.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
The Pierre, located at 306 Cooper Street, is a unique historic Art Deco building that has been transformed into a modern, 32-unit apartment building. The Pierre’s beauty and character has been restored, while offering all you expect in a modern, luxury building.
Your Next Chapter Starts Here – 3 Bed, 2 Full Bath Just 5 Minutes from CampusImagine waking up, grabbing a coffee, and catching a view of the Philadelphia skyline from your window — all before heading out on a quick 5-minute walk to campus, just a peaceful stroll through a quiet, safe neighborhood.This isn’t just a student rental — it’s a fully updated home that’s designed to make your
2 bedroom, 1 bath recently renovated, cozy modern apartment ready for occupancy. This 2nd Floor unit features kitchen with stainless appliances, dining room, living room, bathroom, large walk-in closet and large storage area. Property is within walking distance to Cooper Hospital, two major colleges including Rutgers, City Hall & Camden County College, Nursing School, train station, bus
Carla DiPlacidoKeller Williams Realty - Washington Township
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
373
Median Age
33
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
28.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.1%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$27,763
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$49,650
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
83.8%
College Graduates
19.1%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.1%
% Population in Labor Force
47.9%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
26°F
Average Summer High Temperature
87°F
Annual Snowfall
13''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
57/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
72/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
69/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
