Woodbury, NJ

• About the City
• Geography
• Climate and Weather
• Landmarks and Historical Sites
• Transport
• Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
• Museums
• Sport and Sports Legends
• Universities and Academic Institutions
• Healthcare Facilities and Services

Woodbury is the county seat of Gloucester County, founded in 1683 by Quaker Henry Wood as a haven for religious freedom, now a small city in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

About the City

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

Woodbury holds the official status of a city within the state of New Jersey. Its full official name is the City of Woodbury. It serves as the county seat of Gloucester County, a role it has held for over two centuries, making it the administrative and legal hub of the immediate vicinity . The city is located in the United States, within the state of New Jersey, specifically in the Delaware Valley, also known as the Philadelphia metropolitan area .

Founding Date and Age

The city was founded in 1683 by Henry Wood, a Quaker from the village of Tottington near Bury in Lancashire, England . He left England due to religious persecution to establish a community in the New World where he and his family could practice their faith freely. The city's name is a combination of his surname and his English hometown. As of 2026, Woodbury is 343 years old.

Geographic Position and Coordinates

• Geographic Coordinates: Approximately 39°50′16″N 75°09′06″W .
• Location: Situated in Southern New Jersey, the city is positioned about 2 miles east of the Delaware River, across from Philadelphia. It is landlocked but borders the townships of Deptford, West Deptford, and Woodbury Heights . Its close proximity by water to Philadelphia played a significant role in its history .
• Elevation: The city center sits at an elevation of approximately 52 feet (16 meters) above sea level .
• Type of Settlement: It is a historic, small urban city that functions as a regional administrative and medical hub.

City Type and Economic Specialization

Woodbury functions primarily as an administrative center as the county seat. It is also a significant medical hub, with the Inspira Health Network based in the city . The economy is bolstered by the healthcare and social assistance sectors, which generated receipts/revenue of nearly $250 million in 2022 . Its economy is also supported by local retail and services .

Population and Demographics

• Population: As of the 2020 United States census, the city's population was 9,963 . A 2024 estimate placed the population at 10,138 .
• Size Classification: Based on its population, Woodbury is classified as a small city.
• Demographic Features: The city is diverse and has a rich history. The racial makeup in the 2020-2024 period was approximately 48.5% White (non-Hispanic), 24.7% Black or African American, and 19.1% Hispanic or Latino .

"Visiting Card" (Brief)

Woodbury is a historic American town, one of the oldest "small cities" in the U.S., where a walk down Broad Street reveals centuries of history, from colonial-era homes to the Victorian-era legacy of its patent medicine heyday . As the county seat and a medical hub, it blends its past with a present-day role as the legal and healthcare heart of Gloucester County, all while being a quiet gem in the Philadelphia metro area.

Geography

Water Features (Creeks and Lakes)

While Woodbury does not have a major coastline or large rivers within its borders, it is characterized by a series of small lakes that are part of the Woodbury Lake System, which feed into Woodbury Creek . These parks offer scenic walks and fishing:

• Bell Lake Park: Located at South Girard St. and Myrtle Ave., this park offers a lake with a fountain and footbridges, ideal for passive recreation, picnicking, or even outdoor weddings .
• Woodbury Creek Park: Situated at the foot of Wood St., this park provides access to Woodbury Creek for canoeing, fishing, and hiking .
• Broad St. Lake: Adjacent to the Woodbury Police Station, this lake is a favorite spot for fishing and for remote-control boat enthusiasts .

Nearby Parks and Natural Areas

A significant historical and natural site lies just two miles west of Woodbury:

• Red Bank Battlefield Park: Located along the Delaware River in nearby National Park, NJ, this park is the site of Fort Mercer, a key Revolutionary War fortification. In 1777, 400 American defenders repulsed an attack by 1,200 Hessian troops here . Today, it is a county park offering walking trails, riverfront views, and a chance to explore history .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Woodbury has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa), typical of southern New Jersey. This means it experiences four distinct seasons with warm, humid summers and cold winters .

Average Temperatures

The city enjoys a full range of seasonal temperatures.

• Hottest Month: July, with an average maximum temperature of 30.5°C (86.9°F) .
• Coldest Month: January, with an average minimum temperature of -2.5°C (27.5°F) .

*Source: *

Precipitation and Humidity

• Rainfall: Woodbury receives an average annual rainfall of 979 mm (39 inches) , which is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year . The wettest months tend to be in the summer, with July averaging 4.52 inches .
• Snowfall: The city averages about 85 mm (3 inches) of snow per year, with most falling in the winter months of January and February .

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

• Spring (March-May): Spring is a delightful time to visit, with temperatures warming from cool to comfortably mild. It's an excellent time for walking tours and exploring the city's historic district as flowers begin to bloom.
• Summer (June-August): Summers are warm to hot and can be humid, with temperatures often in the 80s°F. This is a great time to enjoy the city's parks and lakes for fishing, picnics, and walking.
• Fall (September-November): Autumn is perhaps the ideal time to visit. The weather is crisp and cool, and the changing leaves provide a beautiful backdrop for exploring historic sites like the Hunter-Lawrence House or the Broad Street Historic District.
• Winter (December-February): Winters are cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing at night. Snow is possible but usually not heavy. This is a quiet season for visiting, perfect for exploring the Gloucester County Historical Society museum indoors.

Landmarks and Historical Sites

Hunter-Lawrence House (Gloucester County Historical Society Museum)

• Full Name: Hunter-Lawrence House
• Year and Architect: Built in 1765 by Judge John Sparks .
• Historical Significance: This house has immense national historical importance. The Reverend Andrew Hunter, a chaplain in the Revolutionary Army, owned it in 1792. Later, it became the home of John Lawrence, whose younger brother, Captain James Lawrence, lived here while receiving his education in Woodbury . Captain Lawrence was a naval hero in the War of 1812, famous for his dying command, "Don't give up the ship" .
• Location: 58 North Broad Street, Woodbury, NJ .
• Current Use: Since 1924, it has been owned and maintained by the Gloucester County Historical Society as an 18-room museum, showcasing period furnishings and local history .

Gloucester County Courthouse

• Full Name: Gloucester County Courthouse
• Year: The current courthouse has been a central feature of the city for generations.
• Historical Significance: As the seat of county government for over two centuries, the courthouse anchors the Broad Street Historic District . It represents Woodbury's long-standing role as the administrative and legal center of the region . The historic district, which includes the courthouse, was placed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places in 1988 .
• Location: Broad Street, Woodbury, NJ .

The Franklin House

• Full Name: The Franklin House
• Year: Built circa 1765 .
• Historical Significance: This is the oldest house in Woodbury . It began as a one-time log cabin owned by Joseph Low. The original log structure remains intact behind the weatherboards that now cover it, and it features an original fireplace with square, handmade bricks .
• Location: 44 North Broad Street, Woodbury, NJ .

The General French House

• Full Name: The General French House
• Year: Built circa 1766 .
• Historical Significance: This house is a unique piece of Civil War history. It was owned by General Samuel Gibbs French, a man born in nearby Mullica Hill, New Jersey, who chose to fight for the Confederacy and became a general in the Confederate Army .
• Location: 136 South Broad Street, Woodbury, NJ .

Friends Meeting House and Burial Ground

• Full Name: Woodbury Friends Meeting House
• Year: The original meeting house was built in 1717, with a major addition erected in 1783 .
• Historical Significance: It is one of the oldest religious structures in the area. During the Revolutionary War, the meeting house was used as a place to care for wounded soldiers . The adjacent burial ground contains the graves of prominent early Quaker families, including James and Ann Cooper Whitall, and John Cooper, a member of the Continental Congress in 1776 .
• Location: The complex is located in Woodbury, with the burial ground on North Broad Street .

Memorials and Monuments

Woodbury is home to several notable monuments honoring its veterans:

• World War I Doughboy Monument: A bronze statue located on North Broad Street, next to the County Court House .
• World War II Memorial: Located in Hendrickson Park at the corner of Cooper Street and Evergreen Avenue .
• Korean and Vietnam Conflicts Veterans Memorial: Located in Rotary Park on East Barber Avenue .

Transport

Major Airports and Regional Access

Woodbury has no major airport of its own but is strategically located for access to the region's major air hubs.

• Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): Located approximately 17 miles west of Woodbury, across the Delaware River in Pennsylvania. It is the largest airport in the region, offering numerous domestic and international flights. Access is typically via the Walt Whitman Bridge or the Commodore Barry Bridge.
• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): About 90 miles north of Woodbury, this is another major international airport serving the New York metropolitan area.
• Atlantic City International Airport (ACY): Roughly 60 miles southeast, this airport is a smaller alternative, primarily serving low-cost carriers.

Main Highways

Woodbury is well-connected by a network of major highways typical of the Philadelphia metro area.

• Interstate 295 (I-295): A major beltway around Philadelphia that passes just west of Woodbury, providing direct access to the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95), the Delaware Memorial Bridge, and points in South Jersey.
• Route 45 (Crown Point Road/Broad Street): This is the main north-south highway that runs directly through the heart of Woodbury as Broad Street, connecting the city to surrounding communities .
• Route 47 (Delaware Street): Another state highway that provides access to the area.
• U.S. Route 130: A major highway running parallel to I-295, offering additional local access.

Public Transportation

• NJ Transit Bus Service: Woodbury is served by NJ Transit bus routes that provide connections to Philadelphia and other parts of Gloucester County. The primary corridor is along Broad Street (Route 45).
• Shuttle Bus: The City of Woodbury operates its own shuttle bus service for local transportation .

Walkability and Local Travel

Woodbury is known as a walkable city, particularly its historic Broad Street corridor. The concentration of historic homes, the courthouse, and local businesses makes it ideal for exploration on foot . Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also available for local travel .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Philly Cheesesteak

While Woodbury is in New Jersey, its proximity to Philadelphia makes the iconic Philly cheesesteak a local staple. Several spots in town are known for bringing "Philly steaks whitout the drive!" . A classic cheesesteak consists of thinly sliced rib-eye beef, grilled and typically topped with cheese (Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American) and optionally with fried onions or mushrooms, all served on a long, crusty Italian roll. This is a beloved everyday meal, perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner. One popular local spot, Whit or whitout, is highly praised for its cheesesteaks, with customers noting the "fresh rolls," "generous portion of meat," and that the sandwiches are "packed full of meat" .

Artisan Pizza

Woodbury is also home to a critically acclaimed pizzeria, Anna Pizza + Wine, which has gained attention for its innovative and high-quality pies . This is not a typical slice shop but a place for whole pies with creative toppings. Their notable pizzas include a clam pie with a suave reduction of clam juice and cream, and a mushroom pie with roasted shiitake and maitake mushrooms atop a whipped garlic-confit cream . The restaurant uses a unique blend of American high-gluten, whole wheat, and spelt flour, with a rye-based sourdough starter, resulting in a crust that is tender yet sturdy . The small-plates menu is also highly recommended, featuring items like head-on shrimp, ravioli, and a Caesar salad with radicchio .

American Traditional

For those seeking classic American fare, Woodbury offers straightforward, beloved options. Whit or whitout, in addition to their famous cheesesteaks, serves dishes like jumbo wings, burgers, and what some customers call the best onion rings they've ever had . Charlie Brown's Fresh Grill, located across from the local historical society, is another popular spot for a cozy, traditional American meal .

Museums

Gloucester County Historical Society Museum

The primary museum in Woodbury is the Gloucester County Historical Society Museum, founded in 1903 . Housed in the historic Hunter–Lawrence–Jessup House on South Broad Street, this museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the history of Gloucester County, New Jersey . Its collection includes a wide array of artifacts, records, and materials that tell the story of the region's past . The museum hosts various events throughout the year, including talks, performances, and tours . For instance, they have held special exhibits for Women's History Month, spotlighting remarkable women from the county, including punk rocker Patti Smith and Olympic figure skater Tara Lipinski .

Museums and Historic Sites Nearby

Within a short drive from Woodbury, several other museums offer more specialized collections :

• Camden Shipyard Maritime Museum (6.1 miles away in Camden): Preserves and showcases Camden's maritime history and shipbuilding heritage .
• Barclay Farmstead Museum (9.5 miles away in Cherry Hill): Built in 1816, this museum offers living history activities on its 32-acre site .
• Glassboro Heritage Glass Museum (9.6 miles away in Glassboro): Features a collection of historic glass artifacts, photographs, and documents from the region's glass-making past .

Sport and Sports Legends

Local Sports Programs and Community Athletics

Woodbury has an active community sports scene, primarily focused on youth athletics. The Woodbury Travel Basketball Program is a significant part of the community, offering competitive basketball for boys and girls from 3rd through 8th grade . The program utilizes the local school gyms, including the Gold Caf Gym and the Auxiliary (Bubble) Gym at the high school .

The Woodbury Soccer Club provides opportunities for younger athletes, offering fall and spring soccer for girls and boys ages 4 and up . Children ages 4 to 7 play locally, while those 8 and up travel to compete in the South Jersey League .

Notable Athletes from the Area

While not born in Woodbury itself, the surrounding Gloucester County is the birthplace of some world-renowned athletes. A Women's History Month exhibit at the Gloucester County Historical Society highlighted two sports icons with ties to the immediate area :

• Tara Lipinski, who spent her early years in nearby Sewell, is an Olympic gold medalist and one of the youngest figure skating champions in history.
• Patti Smith, a graduate of Deptford High School, is a legendary punk rocker and musician, though not a traditional athlete, she is celebrated as a cultural icon.

Outdoor Recreation and Sports

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Red Bank Battlefield Park, located along the Delaware River, is a key spot . While historically significant, it also offers walking trails, picnic areas, and views of the river, making it a popular place for families to be active outdoors . A short drive away, Scotland Run Park in Clayton features playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails . The Glassboro Wildlife Management Area provides opportunities for hiking and birdwatching .

Universities and Academic Institutions

Colleges and Universities Nearby

Woodbury itself is a small city and does not host any four-year universities. However, it is strategically located within a short drive of a vast number of higher education institutions. There are over 80 colleges within a 50-mile radius of Woodbury, enrolling hundreds of thousands of students .

The closest college is Gloucester County College (now officially Rowan College of South Jersey) in Sewell, just 4.1 miles away . This public, two-year community college offers an accessible and affordable path to higher education.

Other notable institutions within a reasonable driving distance include :

• University of Delaware (34 miles): A major public research university.
• The College of New Jersey (36 miles): A highly-ranked public institution.
• Rider University (38 miles): A private university.
• West Chester University of Pennsylvania (25 miles): A large public university.
• Temple University (within 50 miles): A major urban research university in Philadelphia.
• Princeton University (within 50 miles): An Ivy League research university consistently ranked #1 in the nation .

Healthcare Facilities and Services

Local Medical Centers and Practices

Woodbury provides several healthcare options for its residents, ranging from urgent care to specialized behavioral health services.

Dmc Urgent Care Clinics And Welcare Pediatrics, located at 1132 Cooper St, offers a range of services with a focus on urgent care and pediatric medicine . The practice includes physicians specializing in Critical Care Medicine, Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, Nurse Practitioner, and Pediatrics .

For behavioral health services, Mp Healthcare (doing business as Speranza Behavioral Health) is an Adult Mental Health Clinic/Center located at 814 N Broad St . The facility provides diagnostic, treatment, and prescriptive services related to mental and behavioral disorders in adults .

Major Hospitals Nearby

For more comprehensive hospital services, residents of Woodbury would likely look to nearby cities. The search results do not list a major full-service hospital within Woodbury's immediate city limits.

Discover new destinations

• Vernon Hills, IL
• Sanford, ME
• Manchester, MO
• Westbury, NY
• Tamalpais-Homestead Valley, CA
• Vineyard, CA
• Fajardo, PR
• Sudley, VA
• Baytown, TX
• Paris, KY