Maple Shade, New Jersey

Maple Shade, New Jersey is a Burlington County township located near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Camden. The township is situated approximately 10 miles east of Center City, Philadelphia and is bordered by Moorestown to the west, Cherry Hill to the southwest, and Cinnaminson to the northeast. Maple Shade is also close to Rutgers University and Rowan University, and is accessible via New Jersey Turnpike and Interstate 295.

Geography

Maple Shade is located in the Delaware Valley region of New Jersey, near the Delaware River. The township has a total area of 3.8 square miles, and is bordered by the Pennsauken Creek to the north and the Cooper River to the south. The township's geography is characterized by its flat, low-lying terrain, with an average elevation of approximately 60 feet above sea level. Nearby cities include Trenton, the state capital, and Princeton, home to Princeton University. The township is also close to the Wharton State Forest and the Bass River State Forest, which offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking and camping, at Brendan T. Byrne State Forest and High Point State Park.

History

The area now known as Maple Shade was originally inhabited by the Lenape Native American tribe, who settled along the Delaware River and its tributaries. In the early 18th century, the area was colonized by European settlers, primarily from England and Ireland, who established farms and trading posts along the Pennsauken Creek. The township was officially incorporated in 1688 as part of Burlington County, and was named after the numerous Sugar Maple trees that grew in the area. During the American Revolutionary War, the township was a key location for the Continental Army, with nearby battles including the Battle of Trenton and the Battle of Princeton. The township is also close to the Independence Hall in Philadelphia, where the United States Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the township had a population of approximately 19,000 people, with a diverse range of ages, ethnicities, and incomes. The median household income in the township is around $60,000, with a median home value of approximately $170,000. The township is home to a number of community organizations, including the Maple Shade Municipal Alliance and the Maple Shade Community Center, which offer programs and services for residents, such as the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the USA. Nearby institutions include Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, The College of New Jersey, and Rowan University, which offer a range of academic programs, including those at Princeton University and Drexel University.

Economy

The economy of Maple Shade is diverse, with a range of industries represented, including healthcare, education, and retail. The township is home to a number of major employers, including Virtua Health, Kennedy Health, and Rowan University. The township is also close to the Philadelphia International Airport and the Port of Camden, which provide access to national and international markets. Nearby companies include Lockheed Martin, Comcast, and Cigna, which have operations in the Philadelphia area, as well as Johnson & Johnson and Bristol-Myers Squibb, which are headquartered in New Brunswick.

Education

The Maple Shade School District serves the township, with a range of public schools, including Maple Shade High School, Maple Shade Middle School, and several elementary schools. The township is also home to a number of private schools, including Doane Academy and Moorestown Friends School. Nearby institutions of higher education include Rutgers University, Rowan University, and The College of New Jersey, which offer a range of academic programs, including those at Princeton University and Drexel University. The township is also close to the University of Pennsylvania and the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia.

Transportation

Maple Shade is accessible via a range of transportation options, including New Jersey Transit buses and trains, which connect the township to Philadelphia and other nearby cities. The township is also close to the New Jersey Turnpike and Interstate 295, which provide access to the regional highway network. Nearby airports include the Philadelphia International Airport and the Trenton-Mercer Airport, which offer flights to destinations across the United States and around the world, including John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport in New York City. The township is also close to the Port of Camden and the Delaware River, which provide access to the regional waterway network, including the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.