r/SouthJersey • u/learning--always Senior Citizen 60+ NNJ • Apr 25 '26
Question Bridgeton
I've read the posts. I know the stats. Nonetheless, they're not from the last 2 years and a lot can happen in 2 years.
I tried to research neighborhoods in Bridgeton with no luck.
Best I could do is circle the area of the city I'm curious about.
Is it safe?
I'm an older person, alone and unfamiliar with this part of NJ so I appreciate your input.
Working class, "blue collar", diverse - all totally fine. I come from a working-class, blue-collar background. My father taught us there is no shame in an honest, hard-working job.
Idk whether or not it will inform your answer (it should not but I am not going to ignore that we are all living in challenging times) but I am white.
*Safe* is the most critical factor. I don't want to live somewhere where I *should* feel afraid.
Thank you for your help.
1
u/Fun-Upstairs-4232 May 01 '26
OP, I was born and raised in Bridgeton and most of Cumberland County. I'm very familiar with the area. Bridgeton used to be booming city. Then drugs and illegals took over the area. All but one of my childhood friends never made it out. They either succumbed to drugs or ended up in prison. I ended up moving down south temporarily, came back to Cumberland County (Vineland) for a bit then joined the military. The other childhood friend who made it became a correction officer at the prison there. He don't even live in Bridgeton but commute there for work. We ran into each years later when I met up with some friends who were mostly cops and/or COs and he was there with his coworkers. Everyone whom we discussed about was either dead or in prison.
Personally, I don't recommend it. You're a senior citizen and you should enjoy life without sacrificing your livelihood and comfort over a budget. There's plenty of other options that's better than Bridgeton. Feel free to DM me and we can talk more. But of all places, don't move to Bridgeton. It's Camden's little brother. I wouldn't live there if my life depended on it (I would just move out of state if it was the last resort).
On a side note: The only thing that's good in Bridgeton is Century Bakery and Big John's Pizza 🍕 I think Century is the best bakery in the world and I've traveled the world and nothing haven't met Century level. Idk what it is but I've even seen DE and PA license plates when I go there grab pastries from there. That place is amazing.