Marlton - Camden, NJ

The history of Marlton dates back to the mid-1600s when Welsh and English farmers settled in the area. It became known as Marlton sometime in the 1700s. Marl clay is plentiful in the soil of the region, and it was excavated to be used as fertilizer in the town until the 1930s. The town was also the center for farm trade in the area. When the clay pits closed, industry turned to retail and service, which allowed the town to continue to thrive.

Locals of all ages may visit Marlton's Center for the Arts for art classes dealing with mediums from photography to painting. Exhibitions are also held there and change on a monthly basis.

When it comes to dining out, Marlton features options to satisfy all tastes. The speciality hot dog shop Cool Dog Cafe is enjoyed by kids and adults. It serves up classics such as chili cheese dogs, as well as original dogs such as the Jersey Shore Breakfast, which is topped with a fried egg, bacon and American cheese.

Locals head to The Kettle & Grille, a casual American kitchen that serves family-friendly breakfast all day long, lunch and dinner. Challah French Toast and homemade soups are the favorites of the diners who find it a gem.

If you're looking for fine dining, visit Estia Greek Taverna This fine establishment serves authentic Greek cuisine and specializes in grilled whole fish from around the Mediterranean Sea and the United States. Estia Chips, which are thin-sliced zucchini and eggplant, lightly fried and served with tzatziki, provide a unique flavor sensation, and Greek dishes such as moussaka and papoutsakia are prepared traditionally. Additionally, Estia has many options for vegetarians on its menu.

Nightlife in Marlton centers around the town's bars and pubs. The Marlton Tavern on Main Street has open mic nights, live music, karaoke, and occasional dance parties. Girls' Night Out is on Wednesday nights with martini specials all evening. Thursday night is for beer lovers, with a special price on a huge 108-ounce domestic beer tower and wings.

Scaturro's Restaurant and Bar celebrates happy hour Monday through Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and has some of the region's best local live music on Wednesday nights and weekends. In the warmer months, the music heads to the outside deck.

The most common way to get around Marlton and to visit neighboring towns and cities is by car. An entrance to I-295 that runs up and down the state can be found where Marlton borders Cherry Hill on Route 70, and an entrance to the New Jersey Turnpike is not far away in Mount Laurel on Route 73. Easy access to these main highways makes Marlton a good place to live for those who work in other parts of New Jersey, in Philadelphia and even in New York City.

The neighborhoods of Marlton are walkable, and biking is safe within individual neighborhoods, but much of Marlton is bisected by the heavily traveled Route 70. Getting completely around the area by foot or bike can be difficult.

Public transportation between Center City, Philadelphia and Marlton is available by bus though New Jersey Transit.

Memorial Park is one of the town's largest parks. Families enjoy the paths for walking and biking, picnic areas, playgrounds, soccer and baseball fields, and public restrooms that are open during the day. A dog park lets your favorite pooch join in on the fun.

Several smaller parks are located throughout individual neighborhoods, with safe playgrounds and ball fields for kids and families to spend their free time.

Marlton also has three golf clubs, where club members can play 18 holes at each. Indian Spring Golf Club is known as one of the most affordable rounds in the area, and the private Little Mill Country Club boasts three separate courses to choose from.

The cost of living in Marlton is consistent with all it has to offer - its convenient location, good schools, excellent shopping and dining, and safe, family-friendly neighborhoods. The average one-bedroom residence in Marlton costs $1,360, which is higher than the state average of $800.

The bus ride from Marlton to Center City, Philadelphia is $4.90 for an adult and $2.20 for children, seniors and the disabled. Taking a car into the city costs drivers $5 to cross either of the major bridges, and drivers in the area pay 6 percent less than the national average for the gas. Beer drinkers at local pubs pay around $4 for a domestic beer and $6 to $7 for a craft bottle or draft.

Shopping is plentiful in Marlton. Two large outdoor shopping centers along Route 73 bring people from all around the region to their chain and specialty shops.

The Promenade at Sagemore features over 40 stores in one center for the time-starved shopper. Anchored by an L.L. Bean retail store, the center also includes an Apple store, Coach, American Eagle Outfitters, Sur Le Table, and Bernie Robbins Jewelers. Free parking, a walkable design, and an outdoor summer concert series at the center add to the popularity of the center.

If you're looking for more upscale shopping, drive down the road to Marlton Square, where you can find more stores with plenty of free parking. Shops at Marlton Square include a Gap, Chico's, Victoria's Secret, Ethan Allen and Charming Charlie.

Along Route 70 in Marlton shoppers find an array of independent boutiques and independent stores, including Jan's Boutique, which specializes in a wide-variety of sizes of dresses for special occasions, Lee Newman, which stocks men's and women's American and European luxury brands, and Rita's Bra Boutique, which employs some of the most experienced bra fitters in the region.

For quality groceries, Rastelli Market Fresh offers its own meat shop and locally sourced produce. The area also includes a Trader Joe's and Whole Foods Market for bigger grocery trips.