Collingswood, NJ

Life in Collingswood centers around Haddon Avenue, the walkable downtown strip lined with coffee shops, independent boutiques, and a celebrated collection of restaurants. Because the borough was historically dry, an inventive BYOB dining scene took root, meaning you can bring your favorite bottle of wine to dinner or pick up a four-pack from the local craft brewery down the street. Commuters love the convenience of the downtown PATCO station, which gets you into Center City Philadelphia in about fifteen minutes. On weekends, neighbors gather for the weekly farmers market held under the train tracks, while seasonal traditions like the May Fair street festival draw huge crowds for live music and local food.

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Just a few blocks south of downtown, Knight Park covers seventy acres of open lawns, winding walking paths, playgrounds, and a scenic pond where residents jog, walk dogs, or picnic under the trees. The town is bordered by water on both sides, with Cooper River Park along the northern edge offering paved running trails and riverfront views, while Newton Creek hugs the southern border. For entertainment close to home, the Scottish Rite Auditorium hosts national touring concerts, comedy shows, and theater productions throughout the year. Because the entire borough covers less than two square miles, you can easily bike or stroll between the parks, the theater, and dinner on the avenue.

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If you are house hunting here, you will find mostly character-rich older homes, from Victorian houses with wrap-around porches to classic Craftsman bungalows on tree-lined streets. Since many of these properties date back to the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, pay close attention to basement dryness, older sewer lines, and updated electrical systems during your inspections. Some neighborhoods fall under historic preservation guidelines, so check local permit requirements if you plan to alter exterior details or build an addition. It also helps to spend time on the specific block you are considering at different times of day. Living close to the train makes for an effortless commute, while living near Haddon Avenue puts you steps from dinner, though both come with a bit more street activity than the quieter residential blocks near Knight Park.