What Makes Cherry Hill Unique?

Cherry Hill is not just another South Jersey suburb. It has a history, character, and cultural identity that sets it apart from every other community in the region. From its origins as a farming community to its transformation into a retail and entertainment destination, Cherry Hill has always been a place where things happen first. Here is what makes Cherry Hill truly unique.

A Name Born from a Cherry Tree Farm

Cherry Hill was originally part of Delaware Township, formed in 1695 as an agricultural community. The name "Cherry Hill" is believed to come from the wild cherry trees that were once abundant in the area. The official name change from Delaware Township to Cherry Hill Township happened in 1961, inspired by the Cherry Hill Inn, a popular landmark built by developer Eugene Mori on the former Abraham Browning Cherry Hill Farm.

A historical marker on Route 38 commemorates the Cherry Hill Farm and the origin of the township's name. This agricultural heritage still echoes in preserved sites like the Barclay Farmstead Museum, an 1816 Quaker farmstead that now serves as a community cultural center.

The First Enclosed Shopping Mall on the East Coast

The Cherry Hill Mall, designed by architect Victor Gruen and opened on October 11, 1961, is widely recognized as the first enclosed, climate-controlled shopping center east of the Mississippi River. It was a nationally significant retail landmark that helped define American suburban culture. Before mega-malls became ubiquitous, Cherry Hill had one of the pioneers.

The mall remains a central gathering place for the community, recently undergoing renovations that have kept it relevant and vibrant. Its presence shaped the development of the entire Route 38 corridor and established Cherry Hill as a regional retail destination.

The Entertainment Epicenter of South Jersey

In the 1940s through the 1960s, Cherry Hill was the entertainment epicenter of South Jersey. The Garden State Park racetrack, which opened in 1942, drew up to 40,000 fans for horse racing events. The adjacent Latin Casino hosted legendary performers including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Liberace, and Frankie Avalon.

The Cherry Hill Inn, also developed by Eugene Mori, was a glamorous destination that attracted visitors from Philadelphia and New York. This combination of racing, entertainment, and hospitality made Cherry Hill a destination in its own right, not just a bedroom community. The Garden State Park was devastated by a fire in 1977, but the site has been redeveloped into a vibrant mixed-use community with apartments, townhomes, and retail.

Remarkable Diversity

Cherry Hill is one of the most diverse communities in South Jersey. The population is approximately 67% White, 13% Asian, 9% Hispanic, and 6% African American. This diversity is not just a statistic -- it is woven into the fabric of daily life. The restaurants along Route 70 and Route 38 offer Korean, Vietnamese, Indian, Italian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, and classic American cuisine. Religious institutions representing multiple faiths are active throughout the community. Cultural festivals and community events celebrate this diversity throughout the year.

A Top-Rated School District

Cherry Hill Public Schools serve approximately 10,600 students across 19 schools and are consistently ranked among the best in South Jersey. The district's reading proficiency rates (64%) significantly exceed the state average (47%). Cherry Hill High School East is regularly recognized for academic excellence, award-winning music and arts programs, and competitive athletics.

The strength of the school district is one of the primary reasons families choose Cherry Hill over neighboring communities. It is also a major factor in the township's stable property values and strong real estate market. For more on the schools, see our living guide school section.

Over 50 Parks and a Commitment to Green Space

Few townships in Camden County can match Cherry Hill's commitment to parks and recreation. With more than 50 parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities, the township ensures that green space is never far from any resident. The Croft Farm Arts Center, housed in a historic farmstead, offers art classes, summer camps, and community events. Challenge Grove Park is a fully accessible playground designed for children of all abilities. Cooper River Park provides walking trails, sports fields, and stunning views along the Cooper River.

Strategic Location: The Best of Both Worlds

Cherry Hill's location at the intersection of Route 70, Route 38, Route 73, and the New Jersey Turnpike gives it a strategic advantage that few suburbs can match. Philadelphia is 20 minutes away. The Jersey Shore is an hour away. New York City is 90 minutes under normal traffic. The PATCO Speedline provides direct rail access to Center City Philadelphia from the Woodcrest station.

This connectivity means Cherry Hill residents can enjoy quiet suburban life while having world-class city amenities, beaches, and cultural destinations within easy reach. For more on getting around, see our commute guide.

A Community That Balances Old and New

What makes Cherry Hill unique is how it balances its history with modern development. The preserved farmsteads and historic sites sit alongside modern shopping centers and new residential developments. The classic mid-century neighborhoods of Barclay-Kingston and Woodcrest coexist with the new mixed-use Garden State Park redevelopment. The result is a community with depth and character, where every generation can find something that speaks to them.

Cherry Hill is not trying to be something it is not. It is a classic American suburb that has evolved gracefully, embracing diversity and innovation while honoring its past. That authenticity is what makes it unique.