Wildwood, NJ

Wildwood is a town located in Cape May County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the town's population was 10,898,[1] reflecting an increase of 559 (+5.4%) from the 9,972 counted in the 2000 Census. Wildwood is part of the Wildwood- Atlantic City- Camden Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The town was founded on July 12, 1912 by Joseph C. Ladd and his wife Lillian as a summer resort community on land that they purchased from William Ewing Young.[2] The first building erected in Wildwood was a hotel named "The Empress" which opened on July 4th 1913.[3] The town quickly became popular with wealthy New Yorkers who sought to escape the heat of Manhattan during the summer months and enjoy nature at its finest. In 1916 Joseph C. Ladd built "The Casino", which would become one of Wildwood's most famous attractions and remain open until 2003.[4]

In 1924 Joseph C. Ladd subdivided his property into plots measuring 100 feet by 200 feet and offered them for sale at $10 per foot.[5] This created what is now known as "The Boardwalk". The Boardwalk began as a narrow strip of sand that ran along Ocean Avenue from Atlantic Avenue to Washington Avenue[6], but over time it has grown into a 2 mile long promenade lined with amusement park rides, restaurants and nightlife venues including casinos, nightclubs and beach clubs

Today there are over 50 businesses located on The Boardwalk including: Ripley's Believe It or Not!, Mr Potato Head's Toy Store,[7], Pee Wee's Playhouse,[8], Captain Kidd's Pirate Ship[9], Tilt-A-Whirl,[10], Funland Amusement Park,[11], Jersey Mike's Subs[12], Krazy Karate [13][14][15][16][17][18][19].

There are also numerous shops such as: Bed Bath & Beyond,[20]; 99 Cents Only Stores[21]; TJ Maxx; Office Depot; Staples; Dunkin' Donuts; Sears Roebuck & Co.; Macy’s; JCPenney; Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar; Red Lobster

and many more!

Wildwood offers residents many amenities not found in most other towns its size including: two 18 hole golf courses (Ocean Hills Golf Club and Stonebridge Golf Club), two swimming pools (one indoor/outdoor), three tennis courts (two indoor/one outdoor), five playgrounds (four within walking distance), four public beaches (two within walking distance), three public parks (Pine Forest Park, Oak Tree Park and Palisades Park) with basketball courts, baseball fields, soccer fields , paddle boats for rent , kayaks for rent , fishing piers , shuffleboard courts , miniature golf courses . There are also several nightlife venues such as: Joe’s Crab Shack ; Wetlands Tavern ; Baja Cantina ; Margaritaville ; La Boule Noir . There are also several stores that offer unique shopping experiences such as: Pier One Imports [22]; Anthropologie [23]; Pottery Barn Kids [24]; Williams Sonoma [25].

Residents have access to buses that take them to nearby cities such as Philadelphia [26]; Camden [27]; Atlantic City [28]; Trenton [29] for shopping or entertainment purposes or simply to get away from the crowds during peak season times. Additionally there are taxis available 24 hours a day should you need one . Finally Wildwoods location makes it easy to access both major highways providing easy access to points north (I-95) and south (I-295).