Salem County...
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8/12/2008
The city of Salem leaves a lot to be desired, in any category.
The climate is usually bitterly cold, but snow-free in the winter. The summer is humid and hot. The mosquitoes and gnats are infinite, and love to eat. Fall and spring don't exist. Salem is overrun by waterbugs, as the 'city' is mostly underwater.
The crime in Salem County is mostly drugs, although nothing is done about that. The cops spend most of their time patrolling the streets to make quota by pulling people over for random technicalities. Petty thieves are common, but never found out, and left out of the news. Most people only know the real crimes police scanner, and word of mouth. Suicide is common, sadly, mostly in the teenager.
The culture in Salem County is heavily influenced by the fact that most of it consider Southern Jersey to be part of the actual South. Farmland takes up a majority of the land in the county, but the towns of Pennsville, Salem and Carney's Point some small events throughout the year. Racism is common in most of the county, but fading in recent years. Most of the people travel a little distance to find real recreation, ie; Delaware, Philadelphia, Gloucester County, NJ.
The economy is on average lower middle class, but there are highs and lows besides that. There aren't many jobs within the county besides at the three big businesses and schools, the rest are chain businesses that pay employees low.
Education leaves a lot to be desired, and there's only one school that is close to average. The towns don't have enough money to fix the schooling the way they should, and the students suffer for it. The drop out rate is relatively high as well.
Health is below average since the main employment for the county is also a chemical plant that is heavy in pollution. There are also around five more plants of different varieties within a twenty mile radius. Smokers are common, and the law that NJ passed about smoking on business properties goes ignored.
Housing needs some work. There are MANY abandon houses and businesses that are beyond repair, but aren't torn down either. Usually kids, druggies and the homeless find there way to break in and use them, making them dangerous for parents of younger children. The prices are high, and many people can't afford to buy a house. The are a decent amount of apartments and houses for rent, but the ones that are nice are rare.
Politics are ignored for the most part, as it's been a majority of the same people throughout the years, without any real changes.
Quality of Life is taken for granted, considering there are many children, but not enough money to support them. Single mothers are very common, sadly.
Recreation is spread by the town and their small events that you can find out about in the paper. Cow Town is widely known throughout South Jersey for it's recreation and good sales. There's only a few parks for the numerous children, and a bowling alley that's known for its fighting and hook-ups.
There are numerous churches of many religions throughout the county, and they hold different things through the years as well, but mostly for members of their church.
Transportation needs some work. There are buses that run through the towns of the county, but the schedule needs some work, and if you're trying to travel out of the county, you're looking at multiple buses and hours of your time.
Overall, Salem County isn't terrible considering areas close-by. (example: Camden, Philadelphia) It leaves a lot to be desired, and a majority of the people talk about getting out, but stay and listen to their children talk about getting out, and the cycle keeps repeating. It's a big county with little to do, but the small towns are connected because of this. There could be more recreation, and more money sent to the right places, but if you want a simple life where family is important, and you'll always have something to complain about, you're in the right place.
E&K | Salem, NJ