Burlington County, New Jersey, occupies a significant portion of the state's geography, serving as a vital link between the urban centers of South Jersey and the rural preservation areas of the Pine Barrens. Understanding its location requires looking at its position relative to major metropolitan areas, its internal municipalities, and the infrastructure that connects them. This guide provides a detailed exploration of where Burlington County is, how to find it, and what defines its unique regional character.
Defining the Geographic Location
To answer the simple question of where Burlington County is, one must first establish its coordinates within the Garden State. It is the county that sits directly east of the Delaware River, establishing the critical border between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. To the north, it neighbors Philadelphia County, making it a key part of the greater Philadelphia metropolitan area, while to the south it transitions into the coastal landscapes of Ocean and Atlantic Counties. The county's eastern boundary meets the waters of the Atlantic Ocean via the Delaware Bay, placing it at the heart of the region's maritime activity.
Relation to Major Cities
Burlington County's location is best understood through its relationship to major population centers. It is located approximately 30 miles northeast of Center City Philadelphia, providing a suburban alternative for commuters while maintaining strong economic ties to the city. For residents of New York City, the county is situated roughly 70 miles southeast, accessible via the New Jersey Turnpike and the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge. This dual proximity to two major metropolitan hubs is a primary factor in its population growth and economic diversity.
Internal Municipalities and Geography
The county is not a monolithic entity but a collection of distinct towns, cities, and townships that contribute to its overall identity. Its county seat is Mount Holly, a historic town located in the central part of the county. Burlington County is geographically diverse, ranging from the flat, fertile farmland of the Delaware River Valley to the dense, protected wilderness of the New Jersey Pine Barrens, which covers a vast portion of its interior.
Key Population Centers
While Mount Holly serves as the governmental center, the county's population is distributed across several significant municipalities. Township is the most common form of government, with places like Cherry Hill and Evesham Township being among the most populous. The county also contains independent cities such as Burlington City, which sits on the Delaware River and features a historic downtown, and Bordentown, known for its colonial history. The southern tip of the county includes the popular resort town of Beach Haven and the barrier island communities that line the coast.
Infrastructure and Accessibility
Locating Burlington County is also about understanding how to navigate to it. The region is well-served by a network of highways that make it easily accessible by car. Major routes include the New Jersey Turnpike (I-95), which cuts through the western side, and Route 70, which runs through the central part of the county. Public transportation options connect the northern towns to Philadelphia via the River Line light rail and the PATCO Speedline, while the Burlington-Bristol Bridge provides a direct link to Pennsylvania.
