Vineland, not what it used to be!
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8/24/2008
I have lived here (Vineland) all my life (37 years) and am looking to move out. While I will admit the location is great, close to beaches, close to Philadelphia and New York and other attractions Vineland itself has become a socio/economic disaster. Once a thriving industrial glassware mecca Vineland and the neighboring towns have lost many manufacturing jobs only to be left with many low paying service jobs and a high unemployment rate. Job growth percentage is in the negative. Although many city officials will tell you there are and have been many companies coming into the area what they are not telling you is how many have left.
The low costs of housing and relatively low property taxes (compared to other areas of the state) has been great in one respect but has lead to many less desirable persons moving to the area adding an increase in crime and adding additional burdens to the school system. The school system has cut back funding for various school activities but is spending more for administrative duties because of behavioral problems and non-English speaking students.
There really is not much to do as far as recreation within the city itself. However, as I mentioned earlier there are plenty of things to do within a reasonable driving distance. If you can afford to deal with the notoriously high taxes, insurance premiums, government bureaucracy, state and city(s) fees for just about everything you do including going to the beach, welcome to New Jersey. Just don't move to Vineland!
Mark | Vineland, NJ