North Wildwood, New Jersey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
North Wildwood, New Jersey
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City
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Location of North Wildwood in Cape May County highlighted in red (left). Inset map: Location of Cape May County in New Jersey highlighted in orange (right).
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Census Bureau map of North Wildwood, New Jersey
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 North Wildwood, New Jersey
Location in Cape May County, New Jersey
North Wildwood, New Jersey
Location in New Jersey
North Wildwood, New Jersey
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
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| State |  New Jersey |
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| County |  Cape May |
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| Incorporated | June 13, 1885 as Borough of Anglesea | |
| Reincorporated | May 16, 1906 as Borough of North Wildwood | |
| Reincorporated | April 30, 1917 as City of North Wildwood | |
| Government | ||
| • Type | City | |
| • Body | City Council | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 2.50 sq mi (6.46 km2) | |
| • Land | 1.73 sq mi (4.47 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.77 sq mi (2.00 km2) 30.80% | |
| Area rank | 374th of 565 in state 10th of 16 in county |
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| Elevation | 3 ft (0.9 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 3,621 | |
| • Estimate
(2023)
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3,585 | |
| • Rank | 426th of 565 in state 7th of 16 in county |
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| • Density | 2,099.0/sq mi (810.4/km2) | |
| • Density rank | 285th of 565 in state 3rd of 16 in county |
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| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT)) | |
| ZIP Code |
08260
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| Area code(s) | 609 | |
| FIPS code | 3400953490 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 0885328 | |
| Website | ||
North Wildwood is a city located on the Jersey Shore in Cape May County, New Jersey. It is part of a larger area called the Delaware Valley. In 2020, about 3,621 people lived in North Wildwood. The city is famous for the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse.
North Wildwood's beaches are very popular. In 2008, they were ranked as the fourth-best in New Jersey. What's cool is that North Wildwood is one of only five places in New Jersey where you can visit the ocean beaches for free. Lifeguards are also on duty to keep everyone safe.
Contents
History of North Wildwood
North Wildwood started as a small area called Anglesea. It officially became a borough on June 13, 1885. This happened after people voted for it. Anglesea was reincorporated a few times over the years.
Later, on May 16, 1906, Anglesea became the Borough of North Wildwood. Then, on April 30, 1917, it changed again to become the City of North Wildwood. The name "Wildwood" comes from the many wild flowers that grew in the area.
In 2016, there was a vote to change the city's name back to Anglesea. However, most people voted against it. They thought it would cause confusion and hurt local businesses.
Geography and Location
North Wildwood covers about 2.50 square miles (6.46 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, but about 0.77 square miles (2.00 square kilometers) is water.
The city is located right next to the Atlantic Ocean. It also shares borders with other towns in Cape May County. These include Middle Township, Stone Harbor Borough, and Wildwood City.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1890 | 161 | — | |
| 1900 | 161 | 0.0% | |
| 1910 | 833 | 417.4% | |
| 1920 | 807 | −3.1% | |
| 1930 | 2,049 | 153.9% | |
| 1940 | 1,921 | −6.2% | |
| 1950 | 3,158 | 64.4% | |
| 1960 | 3,598 | 13.9% | |
| 1970 | 3,914 | 8.8% | |
| 1980 | 4,714 | 20.4% | |
| 1990 | 5,017 | 6.4% | |
| 2000 | 4,935 | −1.6% | |
| 2010 | 4,041 | −18.1% | |
| 2020 | 3,621 | −10.4% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 3,585 | −11.3% | |
| Population sources: 1890–2000 1890–1920 1890–1910 1910–1930 1940–2000 2000 2010 2020 |
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The population of North Wildwood has changed over the years. In 2010, there were 4,041 people living in the city. By 2020, the population had decreased to 3,621.
In 2010, about 13.2% of the people were under 18 years old. Many residents were older, with 30.6% being 65 or older. The average age in the city was 54.9 years.
Economy and Business
North Wildwood is part of a special business area called an Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ). This zone also includes parts of West Wildwood, Wildwood, and Wildwood Crest. The goal of a UEZ is to help businesses grow and create jobs.
One cool benefit of this zone is that shoppers pay a lower sales tax. Instead of the usual state sales tax, they pay about half that amount at eligible stores. This program started in November 2002.
How North Wildwood is Governed
North Wildwood has a city government with a mayor and a city council. The mayor is in charge of running the city's daily operations. The city council makes laws and approves important decisions.
The mayor serves for four years. The city council has seven members. Six members are elected from different areas (called wards) for three-year terms. One member is elected from the whole city for a two-year term.
As of 2023, the mayor is Patrick T. Rosenello. The City Council President is Salvatore T. Zampirri Sr.
Emergency Services
The city has its own police department to keep everyone safe. North Wildwood also has a fire department. It includes both full-time firefighters and volunteers. The volunteer fire companies have been serving the community for a long time, with Anglesea Volunteer Fire Company #1 founded in 1897.
Education for Students
Students in North Wildwood attend public schools through the North Wildwood School District. The district has one school, Margaret Mace School, for students from pre-kindergarten up to eighth grade. In the 2021-2022 school year, about 207 students were enrolled there.
For high school, students from North Wildwood go to Wildwood High School in Wildwood. Students from West Wildwood and Wildwood Crest also attend this high school.
There are also other options for students. The Cape May County Technical High School offers special programs for students from all over the county. Students with special needs can attend the Cape May County Special Services School District.
For private education, Wildwood Catholic Academy serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. This school is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Camden.
Arts and Culture
North Wildwood hosts the Irish Fall Festival. This is one of the largest Irish festivals on the East Coast. It brings many visitors to the city each year.
Getting Around North Wildwood
North Wildwood has many roads for cars. Route 147 helps people get to the Garden State Parkway. County Route 621 (New Jersey Avenue) runs through the city and is part of the scenic Ocean Drive.
If you visit the beach or entertainment areas, you'll find parking meters. These are used from May 15 to September 30. You can also buy permits for yearly or weekly parking.
Public Transportation
NJ Transit offers bus services in North Wildwood. You can take buses to places like Cape May, Philadelphia, and even Midtown Manhattan.
During the summer, the Great American Trolley Company runs trolley services. These trolleys can take you to the boardwalk in Wildwood or to shopping centers in Rio Grande. They also run special routes during the Irish Fall Festival.
The Tramcar is a fun way to get around the boardwalk. It runs along the entire length of the Wildwoods boardwalk during the summer.
Climate and Weather
North Wildwood has a humid subtropical climate. This means it has hot, somewhat humid summers and cool winters. It rains throughout the year.
In summer, a cool ocean breeze often blows, making it pleasant. However, sometimes it can get very hot and humid. In winter, it can get very cold and windy. The area usually gets about 12 to 18 inches of snow each winter. February is often the snowiest month.
Notable People from North Wildwood
Many interesting people have lived in or are connected to North Wildwood. Here are a few:
- Patricia Blair (1933–2013), an actress who appeared in TV shows and movies.
- James Cafiero (1928–2023), a politician who served in the New Jersey government for many years.
- Cozy Morley (born around 1926–2013), a singer, comedian, and entertainer. He was well-known for his song "On the Way to Cape May".
Images for kids
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Location of North Wildwood in Cape May County highlighted in red (left). Inset map: Location of Cape May County in New Jersey highlighted in orange (right).
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Census Bureau map of North Wildwood, New Jersey
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Seal of North Wildwood
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Beach entrance to the North Wildwood boardwalk
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North Wildwood boardwalk at night
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City Hall, which includes North Wildwood's police and municipal courts
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Margaret Mace School
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Wildwood Catholic Academy
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The Garden State Parkway at Exit 6 in North Wildwood
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See also
In Spanish: North Wildwood para niños
