Oaklyn, New Jersey

Oaklyn, New Jersey: A Historic Jewel in the Garden State

Oaklyn, New Jersey is a small yet intriguing borough situated in Camden County, an area known for its rich history and delightful charm. Nestled in the heart of New Jersey, Oaklyn is more than just another borough in the Garden State. The community reflects a blend of historical significance, natural beauty, community spirit, and a welcoming neighborhood environment.

This article will explore the rich history, neighborhoods, notable attractions, and statistical data about Oaklyn, NJ.

Oaklyn History

Oaklyn, initially part of Newton Township, was incorporated on March 13, 1905. The borough’s name has interesting origins – ‘Oak’ reflects the large number of oak trees in the area, and ‘lyn’ is a suffix of Scottish origin often used to denote ‘lake’.

The borough has a rich cultural history and a distinct architectural character with its Victorian homes and craftsman style houses. The historical legacy is intertwined with tales of American heroes, innovation, and community spirit.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Oaklyn witnessed industrial growth, including the Camden and Atlantic Railroad that came through in 1837, contributing significantly to the development of the town.

Oaklyn Neighborhoods

Oaklyn comprises a variety of neighborhoods, each unique in its characteristics and charm. Here’s a brief snapshot of some notable neighborhoods in Oaklyn.

Neighborhood	Notable Features
West Side	This area is known for its well-preserved, traditional suburban homes, and friendly community atmosphere.
East Side	Known for its proximity to the Oaklyn Public School and the scenic Newton Lake.
Bettlewood	It’s a peaceful residential neighborhood characterized by Craftsman and Victorian-style homes.
Manor Section	This section of Oaklyn features larger homes and is close to several parks.
Newton Lake Area	Named for its proximity to Newton Lake, it’s popular among nature lovers and active residents who enjoy the outdoors.

Notable Attractions

Oaklyn, while small in size, boasts an array of notable attractions that appeal to both residents and visitors alike.

Oaklyn Public Library: Oaklyn Public Library has been a cornerstone of the community since its establishment in 1927. The library offers a vast selection of books and resources for residents of all ages.
Newton Lake Park: This park offers a serene landscape for outdoor activities. You can enjoy a picnic, take a peaceful boat ride, or enjoy walking along the beautiful trails. The park is known for its rich biodiversity and is a favorite spot for birdwatchers.
Tonewood Brewing: Located in the heart of Oaklyn, Tonewood Brewing is a family-owned and operated brewery. The brewery offers a variety of craft beers and hosts live music events, making it a local favorite.

Statistical Data

Oaklyn is home to approximately 4,000 residents (as per the latest census data), making it a small, close-knit community. Here are some key statistical highlights:

Population: Approx. 4,000
Median Age: 39.5 years
Median Household Income: $68,750
Median Home Value: $210,500
Area: 0.62 square miles
Population Density: 6,451.6 per square mile

Education

Oaklyn prides itself on its commitment to quality education. The borough is served by the Oaklyn Public School District, which caters to students from pre-kindergarten through ninth grade. High school students attend Collingswood High School, which is part of the Collingswood Public Schools.

The following statistics highlight the educational attainment of Oaklyn’s adult population:

High School Graduation Rate: 93.2%
Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 38.5%

Conclusion

Despite its small size, Oaklyn, New Jersey, offers a vibrant blend of rich history, charming neighborhoods, and notable attractions. Its strong sense of community and welcoming spirit make it a great place to live and visit. Whether you’re drawn to its serene parks, historic homes, or friendly neighborhoods, Oaklyn has something to offer everyone.

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Local Information

Weather in Oaklyn, NJ

Light Rain

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66°F

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9mph

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96%

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About Oaklyn, NJ

Oaklyn is a borough in Camden County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 3,930, a decrease of 108 (−2.7%) from the 2010 census count of 4,038, which in turn reflected a decline of 150 (−3.6%) from the 4,188 counted in the 2000 census.The borough had the 28th-highest property tax rate in New Jersey, with an equalized rate of 4.134% in 2020, compared to 3.470% in the county as a whole and a statewide average of 2.279%. == History == Before European settlement began, Oaklyn was dense forest land which was inhabited by Lenape Native Americans. In 1681, a group of Quakers seeking religious freedom sailed from Ireland to Fenwick's Colony at Salem, New Jersey, where they spent the winter. In 1682, they sailed up the Delaware River and settled on Newton Creek. William Bates, their leader, purchased 250 acres (1.0 km2) on the south side of Newton Creek from the local Native Americans. The original Quaker settlement, known as Newton Colony, was located in The Manor section of today's Oaklyn.The Colony began to grow rapidly and the land was cleared for farming. Eventually two highways were laid out. One, from the Delaware River to Egg Harbor, followed an old Native American trail, which is today the Black Horse Pike. The other was known as the Long-a-coming trail, which extended from Atlantic City to Berlin and then from Berlin to Camden.

Neighborhoods in Oaklyn, NJ

Stoney Road, Sandy Hill, Eastside, Northside, Forest Hill, Oak Hill, Little Italy, Avondale, Pines Lake, Little Lima, South Broad Street, Brookdale, Old Great Falls Historic District, Fairmount, Woodland Park, Apshawa, Albion Place, Ivy Hill, Ironbound, West Side