Westville, NJ

Westville traces its roots to Thomas West, who built a home here in 1775 that remains standing today. Formally incorporated as a borough in 1914 from portions of Deptford and West Deptford townships, this small community has preserved its residential character while embracing its identity as "The Gateway to South Jersey." The borough's historic home offers a glimpse into the area's Colonial-era past.

Today, Westville maintains its small-town appeal with tree-lined streets and local businesses along Broadway that reflect the community's enduring character. The borough's location along waterways has shaped its development, and residents can still appreciate the natural features that attracted early settlers. Regular community events like the annual Halloween Parade and Fall Festival connect present-day residents to Westville's tradition of neighborly gatherings that have defined the area for generations.

Westville's dining scene reflects its close-knit, small-town character, with a mix of casual American eateries, classic diners, and neighborhood pubs lining the borough's Broadway corridor. Residents looking for a hearty, no-frills meal often gravitate toward the comfort of diner-style fare, a staple of South Jersey dining culture. The proximity to Philadelphia means residents have easy access to a much wider culinary landscape, including Italian, Vietnamese, and Caribbean cuisine found throughout the Greater South Jersey and Delaware Valley region.

Most residents in Westville rely on personal vehicles to get around, with I-295 and Route 130 providing easy access to the surrounding region. These roadways connect commuters to nearby employment centers and make the 10-mile trip to Center City Philadelphia straightforward. NJ Transit bus service offers a public transportation option for those heading into Philadelphia or other South Jersey destinations. Philadelphia International Airport is a short drive across the Delaware River, making air travel convenient. At just two square miles, Westville is compact and walkable within its downtown core along Broadway, but a car remains the practical choice for most daily errands.

Westville's location at the convergence of three navigable waterways gives residents exceptional access to outdoor recreation along the water. The borough's riverside setting makes it a natural hub for boating, fishing, and hunting. Santa in the Park is a beloved seasonal tradition, reflecting the community's connection to its local green spaces. Just beyond Westville's borders, Bellmawr Lake offers additional recreational opportunities for residents looking to enjoy the outdoors. Nearby access to Gloucester County's broader park network means trails, open spaces, and natural areas are never far away, making Westville an appealing home base for those who love fresh air and outdoor living.

Westville is a small borough in Gloucester County with a median household income of approximately $63,500. Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment runs around $1,475 per month, while two- and three-bedroom units are priced similarly, in the mid-$1,600s. Rents have been trending upward year over year across all unit sizes. It is worth noting that Westville's rental rates come in noticeably below the statewide New Jersey average for one-bedroom apartments, which hovers above $2,100, making it a more affordable option within the state.

Shopping in Westville centers around Broadway, the borough's main commercial corridor, where local businesses line the street and give the area its signature small-town retail character. Westville's community-oriented spirit extends to its seasonal events, including the annual Fall Festival, which draws residents together and spotlights local vendors and small businesses. While the borough itself is compact, its convenient access to Route 130 and I-295 opens up a wider range of shopping options in neighboring South Jersey communities just minutes away.

Nicknamed "The Gateway to South Jersey," Westville is a charming riverside borough in Gloucester County, bordered on three sides by navigable waterways perfect for boating, fishing, and outdoor recreation. With small-town appeal along Broadway, community events like the annual Fall Festival, and easy access to I-295 and Route 130, Westville keeps daily life convenient, and with Center City Philadelphia just ten miles away, big-city amenities are always within reach.