Camden, NJ

Camden is a city located in Camden County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a population of 77,344. Camden is the most populous municipality in New Jersey and the 23rd-most populous municipality in the United States. Camden was ranked 10th in the country for economic vitality by Forbes in 2012.

Camden was founded by English colonists from Philadelphia as part of the 1686 Planter's Trust Land Scheme. The city grew rapidly during the 19th century as an industrial center and port town on the Delaware River shipping route between Philadelphia and New York City. At one point it had more factories than any other city in America with over 1,000 companies producing everything from cigars to locomotives. However, following decades of decline caused by competition from other cities and loss of industry, Camden has made a concerted effort to revive its economy through initiatives such as urban renewal projects and attracting new businesses. As of 2010, Camden was ranked 18th among U.S. cities with populations over 100,000 for economic healthiness according to Forbes magazine and has seen significant redevelopment since 2000 including new housing developments, parks and museums.[1]

Today Camden is home to many cultural institutions such as The Kimmel Center for Performing Arts (formerly known as First National Bank Arena), The Philanthropy Roundtable at Temple University's Liacouras Center,[2] Historic Cooper Square,[3] Rutgers University– Camden,[4] The Magic Gardens[5], Rowan University's Student Union Building[6], Temple Emanuel,[7], St John Vianney Catholic Church[8], Christ Episcopal Church[9], Holy Family Catholic Church[10], Saint James Baptist Church,[11] Trinity Baptist Church,[12] Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Parish School[13][14][15][16][17][18]; art galleries such as Gagosian Gallery,[19] JCC Manhattan/The Bronx/Westchester [20],[21],[22],[23],[24],[25]; restaurants such as Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory [26]; nightlife venues like Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant [27]; music venues like Johnny Brenda's Live Music Hall [28]; movie theaters like Loews Regal Cinemas Cherry Hill Mall 12 Theater [29].