Absecon

Enjoy the “Bay Life” in Absecon. Life on the water is an essential part of living in and visiting Absecon. Located on Absecon Bay, Absecon is just minutes from the Jersey Shore beaches, as well as the casinos, restaurants and shopping of Atlantic City.

After work, shopping, or a day on the water, Absecon has much to offer. There are local pubs, as well as restaurants with a variety of cuisines; including Italian, Seafood, Chinese, Mexican, and more. Those who are looking for a convenient and comfortable place to stay will find many choices for lodging in Absecon, such as hotels, motels and historic Bed and Breakfast inns.

Nature lovers will enjoy the many parks and outdoor recreational facilities, like Turner Cove, Faunce Landing, and the Absecon Wildlife Management Area. They’re all popular for fishing, boating, and nature watching.

Absecon is in southern Atlantic County, bordering Galloway Township, Egg Harbor Township, Pleasantville, and Atlantic City. Absecon’s proximity to the Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway make it easy to get around. Atlantic City International Airport is just 15 minutes away. Philadelphia Airport is just an hour away, and the New York Metropolitan airports can be reached via the Garden State Parkway.

Absecon is on the Atlantic City Rail Line, which provides NJ Transit train service to Amtrak at Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station. The line also connects to the PATCO High Speed Line.

From the historic homes along Shore Road and downtown to the skyline views of Absecon Shores, there are many choices for those looking to live in Absecon. Absecon has apartments, condominiums, retirement communities, as well as traditional neighborhoods with single-family homes. Whether you are looking for a first or second home, or just want to visit, Absecon is a place you’ll love!

Absecon Facts

Absecon was formed as a town from portions of Galloway Township and Egg Harbor Township. The city was then incorporated in 1902.

The name Absecon came from the Lenape word Absegami, meaning “little water”. The Lenape’s historical territory consisted of the area around present-day Absecon, and many local place names are of Lenape origin.

English and Dutch settlers arrived in the early 1700’s. The area grew throughout the 18th century, and by the late 1700’s, Absecon was a busy seaport. Docks and wharves lined Absecon creek. This led to the settlement of a town area. The United Methodist Church was established in 1796, while the historic Pitney House was built in 1799. Boat building and shipping remained active until the mid 1800’s, until railroads began to replace ships as a means of transportation, which brought new opportunities for expansion. In 1854, the Camden-Atlantic Railroad was built, and passengers could then ride from Philadelphia through Absecon to Atlantic City.

Absecon has preserved many of its historical properties. The Jonathan Pitney House, Absecon Inn, Odd Fellows Hall, and Absecon’s Historical Society Museum are all located in the center of town. For more information on Absecon’s history, click here.

The Absecon Wildlife Management Area is 3,700 acres of protected marshlands.

There is parking, and a boat ramp located at Faunce Landing. There are two boat ramps designed just for kayaks and canoes. Faunce Landing also has a crabbing and fishing pier. These features make this spot popular with anglers. Those who appreciate nature will also want to visit the nearby Forsythe National Wildlife, which extends for 50 miles along the back bays of the New Jersey coast, from Barnegat Bay to Reeds Bay, which runs along the Absecon border. The Forsythe refuge includes several walking scenic trails, and the popular Wildlife Drive, which features observation towers and spectacular views of the Atlantic City skyline.

Eco-tourists will want to visit both areas which provide opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, photography, and more!

The AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Mainland Campus is just ten minutes away. The Center is regionally recognized as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals in several specialties.

One of New Jersey’s best colleges, Stockton University is minutes away. Stockton has campuses in nearby Galloway Township as well as Atlantic City. Stockton is ranked among the nation’s top public universities with more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs.

Economic Development

Ready to do business in Absecon? The City of Absecon has several business districts, each with a unique focus. There is the walkable Downtown Central Business District, where you’ll find restaurants, neighborhood shops and retail stores. Large retail stores include ShopRite and Home Depot, two or Absecon’s largest employers.

Hotels, chain restaurants, shopping centers, retail and other commercial businesses are along the White Horse Pike Corridor, a major thoroughfare which continues into Atlantic City. Other businesses along this well-traveled highway include:

• The Industrial Area encourages the concentration of light industrial uses, administrative offices, warehousing and support services, while also being accessible to the primary industrial areas in Atlantic County. This area includes the Absecon Industrial and Business Park on Leeds Avenue, which is home to one of Absecon’s largest employers, United Parcel Service.
• The Train Station Area Overlay promotes mixed uses, to promote walkability in the Absecon Central Business District, as well as the use of mass transit. With Absecon’s Train Station as the focus, the goal is to continue the redevelopment of the Downtown Central Business District. The train station is part of the Atlantic City Rail Line connecting to Philadelphia, Atlantic City, and Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor.

Absecon is also supporting and encouraging new types of business, including cannabis-related businesses in cultivation, distribution and retail.

Absecon’s Economic Development Committee has legislative oversight responsibility for all matters related to the economic, business and commercial promotion and development of the City, including promotional activities and seeking funding sources and grants and developing connections with the City businesses, local merchants and economic development groups.

Are there any financial/tax benefits to developing in this municipality?

Local Small Business Loan Programs from the Atlantic County Improvement Authority (ACIA) 

For Atlantic County Businesses | ACIA Business Loans May be Combined with Small Business Administration Loans for Maximum Impact

Click here for details

New Jersey Economic Development Authority Business Loan and Incentives Programs 

For New Jersey Businesses | Various Loans and Incentives | Click here for details

Primary Contact

• Name: Kimberly A. Horton
• Title: Mayor
• Phone Number: (609) 641-0663
• Email: [email protected]