Atlantic County
Buena Borough
A small, close-knit borough in Atlantic County's agricultural region
Town Profile
About Buena Borough
Buena Borough is a small, family-oriented municipality in the southwestern corner of Atlantic County, New Jersey. Incorporated on February 12, 1948, from portions of the then-larger Buena Vista Township, the borough covers approximately 8.2 square miles and maintains a population of around 4,000 residents. The name "Buena" is Spanish for "good" — a fitting description for a community that has quietly upheld its small-town character even as South Jersey has grown and changed around it.
The area's roots run deep in agriculture. For much of the 20th century, Buena and its surrounding neighborhoods were part of South Jersey's renowned "fruit bowl," famous for peaches, apples, and blueberries. While agriculture has diminished from its peak, the rural-suburban blend that defined the borough remains. Today, residential neighborhoods sit alongside open fields, wooded areas, and long-standing farmhouses that reflect the community's evolution from a farming settlement to a commuter-friendly borough.
Buena Borough sits along Route 40 (Harding Highway), a major east-west artery that connects the borough to Atlantic City, Vineland, and the broader South Jersey region. Many residents commute to job centers in Atlantic City, Vineland, and the Philadelphia metro area, drawn by the borough's more affordable housing and quiet, family-oriented lifestyle. The local economy along the Route 40 corridor is supported by small businesses, retail, and service providers.
One thing that often confuses newcomers: Buena Borough and Buena Vista Township are separate municipalities with their own local governments, even though they share a name, a school district, and much of their history. Both are served by the Buena Regional School District, which acts as a focal point for much of the community's social and civic life.
For families considering a move to the area, Buena Borough offers a strong sense of community, local parks and recreation programs, and a pace of life that feels a world away from the hustle of the Shore — yet the beaches, entertainment, and employment opportunities of Atlantic City are just a short drive east.
Neighborhood Profile
Buena Borough at a Glance
Population & Demographics
Buena Borough is home to an estimated population of 5,000 residents, with a population density of 594 people per square mile. The community has experienced modest growth of approximately 0.7% since the 2020 Census, reflecting a stable, close-knit borough in Atlantic County's agricultural region. The median age is 34 years, suggesting a community of younger families and working-age residents.
Est. Population
5,000
Growth (since 2020)
+0.7%
Pop. Density
594 / mi²
Median Age
34
Gender
Data sourced from Realtors Property Resource (RPR) using U.S. Census American Community Survey data. Last updated July 2026.
Housing
Buena Borough's median estimated home value of $360,000 reflects steady appreciation in this Atlantic County community, with values up 7.8% over the past 12 months. The market shows a strong owner-occupancy rate of 68%, with homes in the area averaging about 60 years in age — a mix of mid-century and newer construction throughout the borough.
Est. Home Value
$360,000
12-Mo. Value Change
+7.8%
Median Home Age
60 yrs
Owner-Occupied
68%
List Price Overview
Median List Price
$125,000
1-Mo. Change
-2%
12-Mo. Change
-69.5%
Occupancy Breakdown
Data sourced from Realtors Property Resource (RPR) using U.S. Census American Community Survey data. Last updated July 2026.
Market Data
Buena Borough's current market conditions show balanced activity with 3 months of inventory and a median of just 14 days on market. Homes are selling above asking price, with a sold-to-list price ratio of 102.9%, indicating solid buyer demand in the area.
Months of Inventory
3
Median Sold Price
$385,000
Median Days on Market
14
Sold to List Ratio
102.9%
Data sourced from Realtors Property Resource (RPR) using U.S. Census American Community Survey data. Last updated July 2026.
Economic
Buena Borough's median household income of $78,393 and per capita income of $35,644 reflect a community of working families and professionals who value the borough's affordable cost of living and convenient access to employment centers throughout South Jersey.
Median Household Income
$78,393
Per Capita Income
$35,644
Data sourced from Realtors Property Resource (RPR) using U.S. Census American Community Survey data. Last updated July 2026.
Quality of Life
Buena Borough residents spend an average of 30 minutes commuting to work, with the largest share of commuters traveling between 15 and 30 minutes. The borough's location along the Route 40 corridor provides convenient access to employment centers across Atlantic County and the broader South Jersey region.
Average Travel Time to Work
30 minutes
Commute Breakdown
Data sourced from Realtors Property Resource (RPR) using U.S. Census American Community Survey data. Last updated July 2026.
Education & Schools
Educational Climate Index
Rating
This index helps identify areas with the best conditions for quality schools, based on U.S. Census Bureau Socioeconomic Status measures weighted toward educational achievement.
Highest Level of Education Attained (Population 25+)
Schools Serving Buena Borough
Buena Regional School District (Public · Serves Buena Borough & Buena Vista Township)
Dr. J.P. Cleary Elementary School
Grades PK–2 · ~280 students
GreatSchools Rating: 3/10
W.R. James Jr. Elementary School
Grades 3–5 · ~200 students
GreatSchools Rating: 3/10
Buena Regional Middle School
Grades 6–8 · ~450 students · 11:1 student-teacher ratio
GreatSchools Rating: 3/10
Buena Regional High School
Grades 9–12 · ~850 students · 11:1 student-teacher ratio
GreatSchools Rating: 3/10
Nearby Private Options
St. Mary School
East Vineland · Grades PK–8
Bishop Schad Regional School
Vineland · Grades PK–8
Holy Spirit High School
Absecon · Grades 9–12
School data provided by GreatSchools.org. The Educational Climate Index is based on Census Bureau Socioeconomic Status measures and may not reflect the nature of any individual school. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Last updated July 2026.
Data sourced from Realtors Property Resource (RPR) using U.S. Census American Community Survey data. Last updated July 2026.
What's Happening
What's Happening in Buena Borough
Buena Borough is a small, close-knit community in the heart of Atlantic County's agricultural region. From summer concerts to community celebrations, here are some events and activities happening locally.
2nd Annual Senior Citizen Picnic
Wednesday, Sep 23, 2026 · 12 PM
The 2nd Annual Senior Citizen Picnic brings community seniors together at the Martin Luther King Community Center in nearby Newtonville for food, fellowship, and entertainment. RSVP by September 18.
MLK Center, 661 Jackson Rd, Newtonville
Buena Vista TownshipLittle Hearts Matter Basket Raffle
Saturday, Sep 26, 2026 · 3 PM
A fun basket raffle fundraiser benefiting charity, hosted at Buena Connection Brewing Company right in Buena. Bid on themed baskets, support a good cause, and enjoy a community gathering at the local brewery.
Buena Connection Brewing, 112 Wheat Rd
Event DetailsOctober Mercantile Market
Saturday, Oct 10, 2026 · 9 AM
A farm-based market at Three Petals Farm offering local handmade goods, seasonal produce, and artisan vendors. A relaxed fall market experience close to Buena with plenty of seasonal charm.
Three Petals Farm, 3109 Cedarville Rd
Buena CalendarVeterans Day Ceremony & Picnic
Wednesday, Nov 11, 2026 · 11 AM
Buena Vista Township honors local veterans with its annual Veterans Day Ceremony and Picnic at Town Hall. A meaningful community gathering to pay tribute to those who served.
Buena Vista Town Hall, 890 Harding Hwy
Ceremony DetailsEvent details sourced from buenaboro.gov, the Atlantic County Library System, and the Buena Regional School District. Dates and availability may change — check buenaboro.gov/events for the latest borough event calendar.
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