The PATCO Speedline runs from Lindenwold, NJ into Philadelphia, PA with a total of 13 stops. There are 9 stops in New Jersey and 4 stops in Philadelphia. The convenience of this line is important for the many commuting professionals, for those NJ residents who enjoy the entertainment of the city, and those who live in the city and like to hop over the bridge for NJ markets and events.
I live in Collingswood, NJ and having the quick accessibility to the city was a key element my husband and I considered when deciding where to purchase a home to raise our family.
The desire for an easy commute comes up frequently in my daily conversations. It is a struggle for many house hunters to find that ideal location and I find that many are unaware of their options.
A recent client of mine reached out wanting to live in Philadelphia because of a new job opportunity. We toured some homes in the city, but as our conversations went on about their interests and lifestyle preferences, it became clear that a community just over the bridge may have been a better fit. They had never considered living in NJ, but after spending a day touring the communities and some homes, they were pleasantly surprised.
I have similar conversations frequently about the communities on both sides of the bridge. So I thought it would be worthwhile to put together a series of posts where I explore and share some insight into the neighborhoods along the PATCO Speedline!
Collingswood
TRAVEL TIME FROM COLLINGSWOOD TO 16TH AND LOCUST - 14 MINUTES
What better place to start than where I live. As I write, I am sitting in one of the local coffee shops a few blocks from my house. I am surrounded by a mix of personalities enjoying their morning coffee. Some are tapping away at laptops, others are chatting with friends. It’s one of many spots in town where neighbors enjoy gathering in what has become a part of their daily routine.
Collingswood is a small town just outside of Philadelphia. It is known for its walkability, lively downtown, and proud community.
After bouncing around a bit, my family discovered this wonderful town in 2016. We quickly found that Collingswood offered everything we were looking for in a community to raise our family.
We purchased a home a few blocks off of Haddon Avenue where we could comfortably walk to the downtown area, our children’s school, and Cooper River Park! For us, the idea of being able to walk to school, restaurants, shops, parks, and having the quick commute to Philadelphia on the PATCO Speedline was our dream lifestyle.
This morning I walked my kids around the corner to school, shared smiles and greetings with my neighbors, then continued down to the local coffee shop where I now sit enjoying my cup of La Columbe. Great way to start my day!
Brief History
In the 17th century, Quakers settled along Newton Creek and the Cooper River, establishing what was known as the Newton Colony.
Much of what is now Collingswood, was farmland owned by the Collings family in the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1888, Collingswood was incorporated as a Borough.
The Camden & Atlantic Railroad ran from Camden to Atlantic City. The Collingswood station was built in 1885 at Collings and Atlantic Avenues. The train would carry passengers to Camden where commuters would transfer to a ferry to cross the Delaware river.
Having Collingswood on the railroad map helped the growth of the communities as it offered easy transportation for commuters!
In 1931, the Delaware River Bridge (today the Ben Franklin Bridge) was given permission to construct a high speed transit line connecting Philadelphia to Camden.
After years of planning, engineering, and construction, the Patco Speedline began operation on February 15, 1969.
Today, Collingswood is a suburban town with a vibrant main street, a large central park, strong schools, and where there is always something going on.
Walkable Downtown
Haddon Avenue is the main street in Collingswood which offers a blend of retail, restaurants, and businesses.
The restaurant scene is one that draws the attention of foodies from all over. BYOB establishments are often full and buzzing with laughter. A range of cuisine options provides diners reason to visit again and again.
The restaurants may receive strong media attention, however along Haddon Avenue you will also find wonderful boutique shopping, Devils Creek Brewery, ice cream shops, Songbird Karaoke, and an Escape Room. Something for everyone!
Farmers Market
Every Saturday morning from Spring through the Fall, you will find a large farmers market set up under the speedline.
Vendors include local farms selling their fresh produce, local restaurants serving their staples, live music, and local businesses offering information on their services.
For many locals, this weekly event becomes part of their routine where they meet up with neighbors and friends.
Being located under the speedline, and just a few minutes from the Collingswood Speedline station, make it an easy trip for those who want to hop over from Philly to gather some fresh produce.
Knight Park
In the center of town you will find a large, 70 Acre, beautifully landscaped and well maintained park! Knight Park was land that was donated in 1888 by Edward Knight.
The park features a fantastic playground, athletic fields, a pond, walking path, and a pavilion that residents will reserve for gatherings and birthday parties.
The picturesque park is often used as the backdrop for family photo shoots and wedding ceremonies.
Events
The calendar of events in this town is always full.
Holiday festivities, parades, seasonal markets, art events, music events, family friendly events…
Many events are held either along Haddon Avenue, under the Speedline, or in Knight Park.
There are also plenty of events at Cooper River Park! Interested in running a 5K? Enjoy watching a regatta? Or maybe you would like to learn to sail at the Cooper River Yacht Club?
“It’s Where You Want To Be”
Housing
Collingswood has a nice variety of housing options including detached single family homes, twin homes, row homes, multi family properties, and apartment buildings. Properties range in price on the lower end around $150,000 and on the higher end around $500,000.
Rental home prices range from about $1,100 to $2,700 per month.
Average Home Price in 2019 - $262,865
Contact Emily Woods if you would like a list of homes currently available in Collingswood.
Why Do You Love Your Community?
I know why I love my community, but I wanted to make sure you heard from the others who live here! So I asked some of my neighbors to tell me why they love Collingswood. Seems to be a common theme here!
“I love the walkability of my town. I can go days without needing to get in my car!”
“I love that the town is walkable. Whether I’m out to shop, grab a cup of coffee, or head to the library… everything is close by.”
“The walkability…The downtown…and all the moms I meet at the park!”
FUN FACT!
Did you know that Michael Landon, actor from Little House on the Prarie, graduated from Collingswood High School? His actual name is Eugene Orowitz and he was a star javelin thrower! When he tore his shoulder and ended his collegiate athletic career, he shifted his attention to acting!