Willingboro NJ Snapshot
Willingboro NJ is a suburban community in Burlington County with just under 32,000 residents. It is made up of a series of distinctive “parks” or neighborhoods, with tree-lined streets, sidewalks, and classic Levitt-style homes. The township offers quick access to Route 130 and nearby bridges into Philadelphia, making it popular with commuters.
History & Character
Willingboro’s history stretches back to the late 1600s when settlers from Wellingborough, England established the original community. In the late 1950s, developer Levitt & Sons built Willingboro as one of the first large-scale, master-planned suburban communities in the United States. Originally known as Levittown, NJ, early sales practices restricted African-American buyers — a policy that led to lawsuits and national attention.
Following legal action and civil rights pressure, Willingboro became one of the first Levitt communities to open homeownership to African-American families, shaping the township’s rich cultural identity and diversity that continues today. The “park section” neighborhood layout, green spaces, and sense of community remain defining features of Willingboro’s character.
Schools & Education
Willingboro Township is served by the Willingboro Public School District, which provides education from pre-K through 12th grade. The district includes several neighborhood elementary schools, a middle school, and Willingboro High School. The district emphasizes high expectations, equal access, and preparing students to be responsible, contributing members of society.
Parks & Nature
Willingboro offers plenty of green space and neighborhood parks, many named for their surrounding “park” sections. Popular options include:
- Millcreek Park and nearby open spaces for walking and play
- The Country Club Ridge area with its golf-course setting
- Pennypacker Park for fields and playgrounds
- Buckingham Park and Garfield Park neighborhood parks
- Smaller pocket parks and play areas scattered throughout the residential sections
Community Life
Life in Willingboro revolves around its neighborhoods, schools, churches, and civic groups. Many residents have lived in town for years, and there is a strong feeling of “everybody knows somebody” across the different park sections. Township events, youth sports, and activities through the schools and local organizations keep families busy throughout the year.
Because the township sits close to major roads and transit, residents can easily enjoy regional attractions—from Burlington County destinations to shopping and entertainment in nearby Moorestown, Mount Laurel, and Philadelphia.
Local Food & Shopping
Most everyday shopping in Willingboro happens at neighborhood plazas and shopping centers along JFK Way and Route 130. Locals frequent a mix of independent restaurants, specialty stores, and neighborhood businesses, including:
- Kral Turkish Restaurant
224 Pennypacker Road, Willingboro, NJ 08046 - Daroyal Merchandise International
43 Charles Road, Willingboro, NJ 08046 - Ignite Jamaican 🇯🇲 Cuisine
320 Beverly Rancocas Road, Willingboro, NJ 08046
For larger malls and big-box stores, residents often head to nearby Moorestown Mall, Cherry Hill Mall, or shopping corridors along Route 38 and I-295.
Housing & Neighborhoods
Housing in Willingboro is dominated by single-family homes built during the Levitt & Sons era, many of them cape, ranch, and colonial styles on modest lots. The township’s neighborhoods—often called “parks,” like Garfield Park, Pennypacker Park, and Buckingham—feature sidewalks, driveways, and front yards that appeal to buyers looking for space and value. There are also townhomes, senior housing options, and apartments for renters.
Willingboro requires specific certificates and inspections during a sale, which can sometimes add time or complexity for sellers. For that reason, some homeowners in Willingboro look at non-traditional selling options when timing or property condition don’t fit a typical listing.
Why Residents Love Living in Willingboro
Residents appreciate Willingboro for its affordable homes, neighborhood feel, and convenient location. The layout of the park-style neighborhoods, with local schools and parks woven into the community, makes it easy to stay connected and involved while remaining within commuting distance of Philadelphia and regional employers.
Nearby Townships
- Burlington Township
- Edgewater Park
- Delanco
- Westampton
- Moorestown
- Mount Laurel
