Hammonton

Hammonton is a town in Atlantic County, New Jersey, with a population of approximately 14,700 according to the 2020 U.S. Census. Known as the "Blueberry Capital of the World," Hammonton is celebrated for its prominent role in blueberry cultivation and its annual Blueberry Festival. The town's name traces back to John Hammond Coffin, son of early settler William Coffin. The original name "Hammondton" eventually became Hammonton.

Hammonton was first settled in 1812, when William Coffin built a sawmill near what later became Hammonton Lake. The community grew through the mid-1800s as Philadelphia entrepreneurs Charles K. Landis and Richard Byrnes developed the area, attracting Italian immigrant farmers who transformed it into one of the most productive agricultural regions in southern New Jersey. The community was officially incorporated as the Town of Hammonton on March 5, 1866.

Nestled in the heart of the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve, Hammonton is surrounded by cranberry bogs, blueberry farms, and pine forests. The town offers a unique blend of rural charm and small-town living, with a charming downtown centered on Bellevue Avenue. MainStreet Hammonton hosts community events and supports local businesses, while Hammonton Lake provides recreational opportunities including fishing, kayaking, and quiet waterfront walks. The town's deep Italian heritage remains a defining part of its character, visible in its culture, cuisine, and community traditions.

With convenient access to both the Jersey Shore and the Philadelphia metro area, Hammonton combines affordable housing, strong community values, natural beauty, and a celebrated agricultural heritage that makes it one of the most distinctive small towns in Atlantic County.