Cherry Hill, New Jersey
```mediawiki Cherry Hill is a township in Camden County, New Jersey, situated in the Delaware Valley region of the state. Its 2020 U.S. Census population was 74,652, making it one of the most populous municipalities in South Jersey and a significant commercial, residential, and cultural center.[1] The township lies east of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, separated from the city by Camden and Pennsauken, and forms part of the broader Philadelphia metropolitan area. Cherry Hill is known for its diverse population, well-maintained residential neighborhoods, and the Cherry Hill Mall, which opened in 1961 as one of the first climate-controlled enclosed shopping malls in the United States. The township's name is commonly traced to the Cherry Hill Farm estate that once occupied land in the area, though the name is also associated with the cherry orchards that were a feature of early agricultural settlement.[2]
History
Cherry Hill's recorded history begins in the colonial period, when the land was inhabited by the Lenape people before European settlement. The area developed during the 17th and 18th centuries as part of New Jersey's broader expansion, with early settlers establishing farms and mills along the region's waterways. In 1844, the area was incorporated as Delaware Township, drawing on land that had previously been administered as part of the broader colonial-era county structure. Throughout the 19th century, Delaware Township remained a predominantly agricultural and rural community, with orchards, farmland, and small-scale industry characterizing the landscape.[3]
The transformation of the township accelerated dramatically after World War II. Suburban development and new transportation infrastructure reshaped the landscape. The opening of the Walt Whitman Bridge on May 16, 1957 provided direct vehicular access between South Jersey and Philadelphia, drawing new residents and businesses to the area.[4] The Cherry Hill Mall opened in October 1961, designed by architect Victor Gruen and developed as one of the earliest fully enclosed, climate-controlled regional malls in the country. Its arrival anchored the township's commercial identity and drew regional shoppers from across the Delaware Valley.
The name change came in 1961. Delaware Township's residents voted in a public referendum to rename the municipality Cherry Hill Township, taking the name from the Cherry Hill Farm estate and reflecting the community's new suburban identity rather than its rural agricultural past.[5] By the 1970s and 1980s, Cherry Hill had established itself as a major suburban center in the Philadelphia region, attracting residents and businesses seeking well-serviced communities outside the city.
Geography
Cherry Hill covers approximately 24.3 square miles of land area in central Camden County.[6] The township's terrain is relatively flat, typical of South Jersey's inner coastal plain. Cherry Hill does not border the Delaware River directly. The municipalities of Camden, Pennsauken, and others sit between Cherry Hill and the riverbank to the west. The township is bounded by Pennsauken Township to the north, Haddonfield, Haddon Township, and Barrington to the west and southwest, Voorhees Township to the southeast, and Marlton and Evesham Township to the east.
Several waterways cross the township, including Cooper Creek and its tributaries and portions of the Pennsauken Creek drainage basin. These streams have historically shaped settlement patterns and remain features of the township's open-space network. The climate is classified as humid subtropical with continental influences, producing warm, humid summers and cold winters, with precipitation distributed relatively evenly across the year.
Major roads define much of the township's built environment. Route 38 and Route 70 are the principal state highways traversing Cherry Hill from east to west, lined by commercial corridors that stretch across much of the township's width. Interstate 295 runs along the township's eastern edge, connecting Cherry Hill to the broader I-95 corridor. Route 41 and Haddonfield Road provide additional north-south connectivity. The township's geography has been shaped substantially by suburban development, with residential neighborhoods, commercial strips, parks, and preserved open space distributed across the municipality.
The natural environment includes wetlands, mature woodlands, and community parks. Cooper River Park, a Camden County facility that runs along the Cooper River, borders parts of Cherry Hill and offers walking trails, athletic fields, and waterfront recreation. The township has worked to preserve green space through parkland acquisitions and environmental programs, balancing development pressures with conservation goals.
Demographics
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Cherry Hill had a population of 74,652.[7] The township's population has grown steadily since the mid-20th century suburban expansion. White residents made up the largest share of the population, with Asian Americans representing a substantial and growing portion of the community. Black or African American residents, Hispanic or Latino residents, and residents of two or more races also contributed to the township's demographic composition.
Cherry Hill's Jewish community has historically been one of the largest and most organized in South Jersey, with multiple synagogues and Jewish community organizations active in the township. The township also has a notable South Asian population, reflected in the presence of cultural organizations, places of worship, and businesses serving those communities. Median household income and educational attainment have consistently ranked above New Jersey and national averages, reflecting the township's character as an affluent inner suburb.
Culture
Cherry Hill's cultural landscape reflects its diverse suburban character. The township is home to residents of various ethnic and national backgrounds, which is evident in its restaurants, places of worship, cultural organizations, and community events. The Cherry Hill Public Library serves as a civic and cultural anchor, offering programming, collections, and gathering spaces for residents of all ages.[8]
Arts programming in Cherry Hill includes theater productions, musical performances, and visual arts exhibitions hosted by community organizations and schools. Local parks and recreation facilities host seasonal outdoor events. Religious institutions representing a wide range of denominations and faith traditions serve the township's multicultural population. The community's proximity to Philadelphia gives residents ready access to that city's museums, performance venues, and historical sites, extending the cultural resources available within a short drive or transit ride.
Economy
Cherry Hill's economy centers on retail commerce, professional services, healthcare, and office-based employment. The Cherry Hill Mall remains the township's largest retail and employment anchor, housing national department stores, specialty retailers, and dining establishments. The mall's continued operation contributes substantially to the township's tax base and draws shoppers from across Camden County and beyond.
Route 38 and Route 70 corridors contain dense commercial development, including additional shopping centers, restaurants, car dealerships, and service businesses. The areas near Interstate 295 and the Route 38 interchange are home to big-box retail, distribution facilities, and mixed commercial uses that serve both local and regional markets. Professional services firms, including medical practices, law offices, and financial services companies, have concentrated in Cherry Hill, drawing on its central location within the Delaware Valley. Healthcare employment is significant, with numerous medical offices and outpatient facilities operating throughout the township.
Economic development remains an ongoing municipal priority. Local government has focused on attracting new businesses, supporting existing employers, and adapting to changes in retail commerce driven by e-commerce growth and shifting consumer behavior. The township's tax revenues depend heavily on its commercial and business sectors, which gives the municipality a strong interest in maintaining a healthy and competitive commercial environment.
Government
Cherry Hill operates under the council-manager form of municipal government. The Township Council serves as the governing body, with members elected at large and from individual wards. The council appoints a professional township manager to oversee day-to-day municipal operations. The mayor is selected from among council members and serves in a primarily ceremonial and coordinating role rather than as a separately elected executive.[9]
Cherry Hill is part of New Jersey's 8th congressional district at the federal level. At the state level, the township falls within the 6th legislative district, sending representatives to both chambers of the New Jersey Legislature. Historically, Cherry Hill has been a competitive political community. Partisan composition has shifted over the decades alongside demographic changes, and the township has been contested in both local and statewide elections.
Notable People
Cherry Hill has been home to individuals notable in entertainment, sports, politics, and business. The township's development as a prosperous suburban community in the Philadelphia metropolitan area attracted residents from diverse professional backgrounds across multiple generations.
Sports figures associated with Cherry Hill include professional athletes and collegiate stars who grew up in the township's schools and recreational programs. Entertainment industry professionals, including musicians and media personalities, have lived in Cherry Hill while working in Philadelphia and the broader East Coast market. Business leaders, educators, and civic figures have shaped the community's institutions and contributed to its growth as a regional center.
Attractions
The Cherry Hill Mall is the township's most prominent attraction and a landmark in American retail history. Opened in October 1961 and designed by architect Victor Gruen, it was among the first fully enclosed, climate-controlled regional shopping malls built in the United States.[10] The mall has been substantially renovated and expanded over the decades. It continues to operate as a major regional retail destination, drawing visitors from across South Jersey and the Delaware Valley.
Beyond the mall, Cherry Hill offers parks, recreation facilities, and dining and entertainment options throughout the township. Cooper River Park, operated by Camden County along the Cooper River corridor, provides miles of trails, athletic fields, and open lawn areas. The Cherry Hill Public Library hosts exhibitions, public programs, and community events year-round. Numerous restaurants, ranging from national chains to independent establishments, reflect the township's multicultural population and serve both residents and visitors. Philadelphia's museums, stadiums, and cultural sites are accessible within a short drive or via regional transit connections.
Transportation
Cherry Hill is well-connected by road, transit, and air access to regional destinations. Interstate 295 runs along the township's eastern boundary, providing a direct link northward toward Trenton and New York and southward toward Wilmington and the I-95 corridor. Route 38 and Route 70 are major east-west state highways that carry significant traffic through the township's commercial corridors. Route 41 and other local roads provide north-south circulation within the municipality.
The Walt Whitman Bridge, which opened in May 1957, connects neighboring Camden to Philadelphia and serves as a key gateway for Cherry Hill residents commuting to or visiting the city.[11] The Benjamin Franklin Bridge and Betsy Ross Bridge offer additional Delaware River crossings accessible from the township. NJ Transit operates bus routes serving Cherry Hill, connecting residents to Camden, Philadelphia, and surrounding communities. The PATCO Speedline, a rapid transit line connecting South Jersey communities to Center City Philadelphia, runs through nearby Haddonfield and Woodcrest, with the Woodcrest Station providing rail rapid transit access to Philadelphia for Cherry Hill residents willing to drive or use connecting bus service.[12]
Philadelphia International Airport is located approximately 10 miles from Cherry Hill via the Walt Whitman Bridge corridor, making air travel accessible to township residents. The township's transportation network was designed primarily for automobile use, consistent with its suburban development pattern, but local planning efforts have explored improvements to pedestrian infrastructure, bicycle connectivity, and transit access in recent years.
Education
The Cherry Hill Public School District serves the township's school-age population and is one of the larger public school districts in South Jersey. The district operates multiple elementary schools, two middle schools, and two comprehensive high schools: Cherry Hill High School East and Cherry Hill High School West. Both high schools have well-established academic and extracurricular programs and have produced notable alumni in athletics, entertainment, academia, and public life.[13]
The district has historically been recognized for strong academic performance, competitive sports programs, and diverse course offerings including Advanced Placement and specialized programs. Enrollment across the district reflects the township's large and diverse population, and the schools serve students from a range of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
Higher education options are accessible from Cherry Hill. Rowan University, based in Glassboro, maintains a presence in the Camden County area. Rutgers University-Camden operates nearby in the city of Camden. Camden County College provides community college programs at campuses serving the region, including facilities within reasonable distance of Cherry Hill. Students from the township attend colleges and universities across New Jersey and the country. The Cherry Hill Public Library supports lifelong learning and serves residents beyond formal school years, offering digital resources, programming, and collections for all ages. ```