CAMDEN: Still The Armpit Of The USA? Sadly, This Is What I Saw

[@markippolito3620]

Why is every Democrat city so bad?????

[@deweygill1973]

The armpit of the East Coast. So unfortunate when you see its prosperous history. The Victor corporation grew by leaps and bounds during the ‘teens and twenties manufacturing radios, Victrolas and phonograph records. They weathered the depression and the shellac shortages of WW2, a couple of union forced recording bans in the ‘40’s, only to introduce the non- breakable 45 rpm record in 1948 (the upgrade to the shellac 78). The 45 became the hallmark symbol of the upcoming rock and roll era- (think Elvis) and maintained its dominance until the 1990’s. RCA had a nearby pressing plant in Rockaway, NJ

[@santo-rr4uv]

Because we have idiots who keep voting them in

[@vuho2075]

Unlike the GOP deep south of opioid, unemployment, disappeared coal mining companies, and Klan ralllies?

[@frankgrabasse4642]

Plenty of crappy republican cities. And nice democratic cities. Stop watching fox news. They manipulate you.

[@darrellsaunders4267]

I believe New JOISEY has the highest property tax.

[@Dalt21]

I work in camden! I inspect restaurants there. Honestly there’s a lot of great people here who are trying to make an honest living and help make the community better. There’s been a lot of decay and decline but there’s a ton of spirit here to turn the city around

[@gimmethepinkelephant3685]

There needs to be a massive culture shift within city communities. All this thug life nonsense needs to be gotten rid of.... If not then this will never change. And I lived in Camden for a while, I still live right outside of city. So trust me, I'm talking from experience.

[@waltglow6396]

I remember in South Camden in the late 50's tomatoe trucks going down Broadway heading to Campbell Soup also saw the Kitty Hawk launched at the New York Shipyard, now 73 years old.🤠

[@PastorBobby2023]

Right, me, to...this shows nothing of Camden, especially when it keeps as far from the people as possible. I used to take the Broad Street subway from Philly just for the fun of it...

[@pollyanna147]

I've been renovating houses in Camden for years. Row houses, standalones, we started near the water front but have done a ton of row houses during the pandemic when they cost nothing, i'm here right now. When I was growing up we heard Hoboken was bad, Jersey city, Irvington, even downtown Montcair, Patterson, lake hopatcong was for hicks, allentown pa,Easton pa, the list goes on and on. I'm renting renovated apartments in Camden now and we are changing the city block by block. The next video in a few year is going to be someone saying it's "Gentrified" but everyone in the community is supportive and new businesses want to open and cops are receptive. I grew up here and I want to help

[@KW-td1ik]

Taxes will keep people away.

[@paulaadams1765]

It’s never a one answer for everything and everyone. By beautifying, it may cause higher price. But leaving it alone, it will continue to deteriorate. I salute you in caring and doing something about it. And the same goes to those that support you

[@the_gilded_age_phoenix8717]

Creating another overpriced hellhole one city at a time. There's no place to just live comfortably as a normal human being.

[@pollyanna147]

@@KW-td1ik most will rent

[@eddie054]

It's a diamond in the rough but first most has to return to it's natural state. Most of those blocks of empty lots were once neighborhoods.

[@bbaslp]

I have always admired the way you show kindness in your comments even when the area is less than top notch.

[@Kira-g5s]

Watch from Russia,thank you!I will never see places you show,that is why I deeply grateful for your job!Take care,Joe and Nicol!❤

[@santo-rr4uv]

Looks like the entire city budget goes to maintaining City Hall

[@jillgarlick2122]

Yep, thought that myself. Beautifully maintained, as are the big impressive churches, but no money for the homeless and the addicts, the roads and just generally.

[@kevinjeansonne5081]

Thank you. I'm surre the mayor leaves a good bit to line his own pockets. All the city taxes come from Campbells soup just to keep the mayor and city hall shining like gold.

[@kittyhawk9707]

Why should hard working American tax dollars be spent on cleaning up the city and maintaining it when the people living there insist on trashing the place .. if they want to live in a craphole then let them .. They sprayed the buildings with graffiti , vandalised them and chucked garbage all over the place ..

[@tonypritchard828]

Just a word of encouragement from me in the UK. I enjoy the videos and it is my one consistent stop off point each week. I find your work informative. I like the stats. Yes entertaining at times. You document and capture societal trends. Whilst I watch the poverty and people down on their luck it is not through finding people's misfortune enjoyable. I do reflect however on my own good fortune and how any one of us might be a pay cheque away from another world. You offer great insight with empathy.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Tony!

[@Kira-g5s]

❤Thank you for sharing!

[@stephenoshaughnessy2279]

People one paycheck away from poverty doesn't accurately describe the conditions in Camden. You're just posting some cliche that has no relevancy.

[@AlanDavidDoane]

@@stephenoshaughnessy2279 Everyone who isn't a millionaire or billionaire is one paycheck away from living like this. That's how it is under capitalism.

[@gregjones-x8c]

@@AlanDavidDoane Socialism in the UK was an unmitigated disaster. Bankrupt, nationalised state industry. Colossal welfare dependency to tackle ''poverty''. High taxation leading to economic failure.

[@randomrandomness8743]

Joes videos should officially be on The National Register they are so good! 😊

[@nancyparker9986]

Agree!

[@geczy8821]

Your vidios are a professional documentary, thanks so much.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!

[@cliquemediaproductions]

This video is not a professional documentary, and I don't say that to demean your actions. It is okay that it shows the blight that is Camden. However, there is nothing in this video that talks about what, if anything, the city is doing to bring Camden back. There is no talk of the current mayor and what he is doing to get the city back to a respectable nature. With an unemployment rate of 11.5%, I can see why there is so much blight. We always talk and show what's wrong, but hardly what's being done. If nothing is being done, then yes, could you and should speak about that. Several programs are currently running in the city, attempting to address some of the "what's wrong with Camden" issues. I know because I am working on that story.

[@bradbradshaw-i4n]

the trouble is there are a lot of towns like camden in america.

[@frederickmuhlbauer9477]

Yup really a lot actually Sad

[@delstanley1349]

Indeed. Gary, IN- East St. Louis, etc. to name only a few. The arm pit, if left uncared for is not the only part of the body that will stink. Other places are assholes, feet, and the crotch of the USA.

[@qolspony]

East Cleveland. I had an Uber driver told the horror stories of living there. She walks with a limb, because she was shot with a strait bullet. I never forgot her story. This was when I lived in Fayetteville NC. I'm from Harlem NYC. We don't come close to these other places. Even in the 1980s. One summer me and my family drove to D.C. We saw Baltimore through the highway. Harlem had it bad areas. But not compare to bmore. Even people from Harlem told me to stay out of Newark NJ. And a guy in Newark NJ told me to stay out of Camden. FIGURE THAT!

[@fedupdomer5654]

i said the same thing.....

[@harryhowell5644]

Looks like it has its bad areas and some that aren't as bad. Looks like a very old city. Seen places in California that were not great. Watts, Long Beach. LA , etc.

[@maryannsmith3815]

Sad to see our Country like this safe travels guys🤠

[@annjacobs7764]

Every time you post, I'm excited!

[@carmine_]

You know its bad when my guy gotta start his video extra early in the morning just to avoid the creatures lol

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

They were still out there, though, even on an early Sunday morning! I had a couple uncomfortable encounters wandering the downtown.

[@redrebels24]

The nice cars parked in front of crumbling structures 😉 wonder who owns those!! Once businesses skedaddle out of there, the towns tax base, like you've mentioned many times, becomes ghost and this is what you sadly get.

[@RoseanneSeason7]

He basically got his info from Wikipedia and drove around with a camera.

[@bordereau1]

​@@RoseanneSeason7and yet, here you are! Well done 😂😂😂

[@kenselectricalserviceandge5919]

@@RoseanneSeason7your point??

[@charlesgomez4218]

Camden NJ went downhill, after the 1960s race riots.. Never rebounded!! Sad that's most of NJ cities, stay safe 😊😊

[@matthewdean3733]

Same exact thing happened in Newark at the same exact time....I often wonder , and I'm guilty of this as well ...when are we as a species going to realize that we're just not that good for this planet......nah man... we really suck...!

[@LouisCapps-p3z]

Yup racial riots of the mid-60s

[@DaFamilyReunion]

No after the police killed that Puerto Rican. They went crazy and burned the city down. When the race riot went down they jus did a lil bit and beside the polish and blacks co mingled so they didn't destroy or burn their own neighborhoods. The PR tore CMD down when those cops didn't get found guilty. Honestly they didn't have any stores or real state in the city at that time so they didn't care. It's ironic they have most of the real estate now.

[@TheRealJerseyJoe]

NJ native here.... Even I avoid Camden. That said, believe it or not it's better than it used to be.

[@brucesmith9144]

Trenton may actually be worse.

[@TheRealJerseyJoe]

@@brucesmith9144 -- I agree !

[@brucesmith9144]

@@TheRealJerseyJoe used to drive 33 to go over to see the Trenton Thunder. That was a sketchy drive through downtown areas.

[@TheRealJerseyJoe]

@@brucesmith9144 -- Oh I hear you. Every time I get called for jury duty it's in downtown Trenton and dread it.

[@urbanoutdoors3112]

Democrat run since 1965

[@gregpies1649]

When your manufacturing industries die so does your cities and towns. Those politicians and high paid executives who allowed this to happen should be ashamed of themselves but it's all about greed.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Perfectly said.

[@MrSloika]

Cities like Camden pre-date the automobile. That's why you see that kind of housing density. People had no choice but to live near where they worked. After WWII, the federal government gave the states lots of money to build new highways. The US became a car based society. The new highways and the GI Bill set suburbanization in motion. The middle class moved out first, followed by the working class and then the businesses. The only people left were the old and people who lacked the skills to benefit from the new suburban society. Cities like Camden have been bouncing along the bottom ever since.

[@FixIt1975]

I remember your first Camden video. The building at 14:00 was the Carnegie Library. I now live 3 towns away from this dump and I still have no need or desire to visit Camden

[@marygray3441]

My husband and I watch your videos every day. We recently stumbled upon them. They are fantastic! They are well-researched and give us a feel for the breadth of our country without needing to make the long drives! Thanks for doing these.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Mary!

[@senatorjimdracula1603]

You're a brave man, Joe. There's no way I'd be wandering around there by myself!

[@Truckin2eat]

Believe it or not, most people in Camden don't bother anyone if you're not involved in the wrong lifestyle.

[@r5014]

@@Truckin2eat you only find trouble there if you go looking for it.

[@barbaramarkham4736]

Joe and Nicole, I want to thank you for every one of your videos. I have watched every single one. You have taken me to places I never will see. You have given me a different perspective on life! I also love the statistics they are very meaningful, and when we visit every town or city, it helps tremendously to understand each place. I go back and watch all the videos 2 or 3 times! From the bottom of my heart I thank you and please travel safely and take care of yourselves. Love from B.C. Canada 🇨🇦♥️

[@Kira-g5s]

True!❤

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Wow, awesome!

[@catlover614]

A very interesting video! Some amazing buildings, and the cathedral is beautiful! The old photos are wonderful! Thank you, Joe and Nic.😊💖

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, CL!! 👍😀❤️

[@valentinorossi7771]

I know it is Camden where Dwight Braxton (light heavyweight champ) grew up but I got lost in Newark, NJ 44 years ago and even back then it was miserable. Fortunately I had more than 1/2 tank left, relying on Road McNally road atlas I finally found my way out. NJ has always been a demoNcrat camp.

[@debrabennett3009]

Makes me grateful for where I live

[@annenyman678]

This is sad. I was born there, and all of my grandparents lived there for their whole lives. It used to be a lovely little city.

[@bordereau1]

My father worked there for years.....sad what it's become

[@wofat6300]

Then the current residents moved in.

[@dgiovanni662]

Family moved out in 1971 it was getting so bad then, and has gotten much worse.

[@mars56100]

It used to be a manufacturing hub in the 19th century. The cables that hold up the Brooklyn Bridge were manufactured in Camden.

[@Peter_Schiavo]

At 1:24, we see Admiral Dewey's ship, the USS Olympia. She was the flagship for the US Asiatic Fleet during the Spanish-American War. Famously fought at the Battle of Manila Bay where Dewey spoke the immortal words, "You may fire when ready, Gridley." My entire family, including my mom and dad were born in Camden. My dad worked at Campbell Soup. We moved out in 1967 when I was 4 years old. The city was bad even then. I repoed many a car from there in the late-80s. Camden had and has the potential to be a bedroom community for Philly. The fact that it is a ruin is down to NJ politics and NJ politicians.

[@mutatedsilverunicorn]

I grew up in Jersey and lived there until my 20s. There were a few areas we just didn't go to unless you had to. Camden and Alantic City are the top two.

[@jimmyday9536]

Yes, Atlantic City, once you get off the boardwalk and away from the casinos, is shocking.

[@mutatedsilverunicorn]

@jimmyday9536 exactly! It's like walking into a dystopian world. It has gotten worse since I left, according to friends. Not overly surprised.

[@meghanhause9435]

I know, I hate going to Camden, but if you call anywhere in Camden Country your home, you have to go there for Jury Duty, get copies of any important documents, but on the flip side, if you have any critical medical emergencies, you will want to go there, because of Cooper Hosptial, for its one of two Level 1 Trauma Centers in South Jersey, the other being in AC.

[@ALTHEGREAT101]

lived almost all my life within an hour of Camden, including 17 years in Philly and never went throuh Camden. thnx for the touir!!!!!!!

[@waltglow6396]

I lived on Fairview st. by the shipyard, we moved out that area in 1969 never looked back!🤠

[@BillD.]

Where you saw the police cars with lights flashing is the Walter Rand Transportation Center. It is the junction of the PATCO, Riverline, and the bus system. Police cars flash their lights 24/7 due to the foot traffic in the area. Many students, professionals, and hospital staff use Walter Rand to come and go from Philly. It is the best guarded and safest spot on your whole tour. I wouldn't consider it safe, but it is heavily patrolled for what that's worth.

[@acca5512]

It could be much better. The train station in Trenton was better patrolled. If they didnt let the homeless and others hang out there itd be much better

[@Justin-jr7xq]

As ever thank you for taking us along with you. You have a great approach to life. Stay safe in your travels

[@vanthdreadstar8788]

I was raised in Camden. I left when I joined the Marine Corps. When I was honorably discharged I joined a police department in Maryland. I simultaneously joined the Army. After some years I resigned and moved to Philly and became a police officer. In hindsight, growing up in Camden in the 70s and 80s wasn’t bad but now I realize my perception is based on the fact I was too BUSY to think about being in the streets. I was raised to avoid criminals and drug fiends. I was working as soon as I turned 15 years old, had hobbies and a core group of good friends as support. I’m 55 years old and I have the same old friends. I visit Camden often. I go to Donkey’s Place sometimes. My in-laws live just off River Road in Cramer Hill. I love Camden. It’s my hometown.

[@acca5512]

Maybe you could do a video on Vineland Millville and Bridgeton.

[@JohnConnors111]

Joe you missed one of the best cheesesteaks in the country in Camden - Donkey’s. I stop there whenever I’m heading down into Philly and it’s worth it.

[@Nicksonian]

Nice to see the old-timey produce stand (9:24), giving city folk access to some healthy fruits and vegetables.

[@TheShoutingGrasshopper]

Thanks for driving around Camden so we don't have to. In the opening panorama I see the USS New Jersey off in the distance, maybe that would've been a more enjoyable way to spend your morning. Hope you find a more upbeat place to visit next time.

[@xirishwolf86x]

Glad to see the filming location of Death Wish 3 hasn’t changed. 👍🏻FUYT

[@ericgreen6704]

Believe it or not, their are a few places in New Jersey that are way worse then Camden . Those places are Trenton, Irvington, Newark, East Orange and Paterson .

[@KeithCarter-rb9dm]

I resent that lol 😆

[@markd8469]

Joe thank your lucky stars you made it out unharmed, stay safe my friend. love watching your channel

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thanks, Mark!!

[@pattyhamilton9267]

Thank you. Joe, you're brave to venture into the hood. So grateful we live on a little farm. 🙏

[@AlanDavidDoane]

They'll be coming to see you eventually.

[@Create-The-Imaginable]

This History is priceless, most people ignore this part of America!

[@anythinggoesgarage5943]

went to the aqurium once and got lost leaving...stopped to ask a cop in a car how to get back to the highway, he said get the f back in the car and follow me. Wrong neighborhood to get lost in lol. I think I feel safer in Kensington PA than Camden

[@us-unclesam6566]

Camden may look bad, but it's improved 1000% in the last 20 years. It's a city building it's way up. No more riots, poverty going down and all it needs is a couple of hiring businesses. The future looks bright.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

@@us-unclesam6566 Honestly, I hope so. I’d take it over Philadelphia any day.

[@r5014]

100%. The residents just have to take more pride in their community and keep it clean.

[@tudo8412]

Those who still CARE about the Country feel very sad when seeing this scene, up to 80-90% of the Videos clips mass media show an undesirable. It is SAD that the rich have left the country to find a peaceful place to enjoy life, middle class families are now struggling to make ends meet and the remaining failures are now homeless drugs addicted…A RICH and POWERFUL COUNTRY a place that millions of people around the world dream of going to, a place of opportunity for those willing to seize the opportunity to advance…is no longer there. 😟 Thanks so much Joe and Nic. Good luck on the trip’s ☘️

[@rvrmn2682]

I used to go through the transit center in Camden on the way to Philly. There were many people just hanging out outside. One time, one came and helped me with the ticket machine. Another time, a guy followed me into the bathroom and was menacing towards me. Another time, I walked quickly past the people hanging out. A guy got offended and followed me into the PATCO and let this be known. I think some people there have self-esteem problems (or something like that). I also remember there was a female police-woman there to keep order at the station. She was very friendly to the people there so maybe this was part of some kind of strategy. Yes, there is bad in Camden but that's not everything. And from what I understand it is not as bad as it was, although there are still many problems. There are in fact high quality restaurants in the city, and some neighborhoods are worse than others.

[@BillKing3456]

Joe, I’ve lived in NJ for 13 years and just got down to Camden last winter for a 5-part series of videos I did on all the stations of the interurban light rail system between Trenton and Camden, and I saw pretty much what you saw, the beautiful art deco city hall, closed up Chinese restaurants, flashing police cars outside their transit center … you saw more high people but what I noticed especially were how rough many of the main streets were. I feel if the State of New Jersey, one of the wealthiest in the country with the highest taxes, can step up and put local Camden people to work repaving the streets and sidewalks, it would help to motivate the private sector to reinvest in the city. The State could also fix up some of the beautiful old empty buildings that are just going to ruin. Cities like Camden and Gary, Indiana and many others don’t have the money. I’m not saying improving the infrastructure is the magic answer but that’s what I would do, no more fooling around.

[@koolxxxyear]

It’s all about ideas & management

[@annenyman678]

Yes, it is a wealthy state. You would think they could do more.

[@TrooperSC]

@@annenyman678do what? What’s the point g of fixing inanimate objects when the animate objects will just destroy it?

[@juliogonzales5441]

THANKS JOE AND NIC ❤

[@macmorgan6685]

I worked in Camden from 1975 until 1984. It was in pretty bad shape then. I worked in the retail oil business and delivered product and serviced heating systems. Some of our customers were dirt poor and couldn’t afford to keep their homes heated. I remember visiting an elderly woman on the outskirts of Camden who lived alone. She had very but kept her boiler looking brand new. Her oil tank had a leak and you couldn’t fill it past half. She had very little to eat and I remember bringing her a hamburger from McDonald’s, she was very thankful.

[@KJ-tz7vc]

You're a brave man.

[@JerseyFan]

I'm a lifelong Camden resident, I ran a little league baseball program at Whitman Park in Camden, next time you are in town you should reach out to me, I would be the best guide you ever had....that goes for Atlantic City too! I'm the ultimate aficionado!

[@remover454]

Camden, surprised you made it out of there alive!!! Thanks for the video

[@peternagy-im4be]

It ain't that bad dude

[@patriciawilhite7038]

More then o could take! Scary and too sad Joe. Safe travels!

[@jburnett8152]

It's kind of sad to see the sprinkling of nicely maintained places among the dilapidated. Here's to better times to come for Camden. 🍺

[@jeffreyduus5440]

I was born here at Cooper Hospital, worked at Campbell's for a few years. My father worked there for 49 years. The old neighborhood is just full of run down abandoned buildings with boarded up windows and the ones where the boards are loose or taken off are crack dens. Two of my childhood friends were murdered in Camden. Its a craphole. I made it out and now live in CT. Whenever my children complained about where they live or something wrong with our town, I sit them down and tell them how it is in places like Camden. I drove them through the old neighborhood about 15 years ago......they stopped complaining!

[@roshelltannen9698]

Well, Im from Connecticut and our cities are much like Camden. After the distilleries and factories closed down that place became a dump. Not to mention the crack epidemic. It's close to NY, so CT gets a lot of NY trash. The people are miserable. I left 2006 and don't ever want to go back. You and your family be safe.

[@Tracy-dl1hm]

I grew up in Camden in the 60's. There was a walkway tunnel under the Ben Franklin bridge. There is a subway system under the city that would take you to center city Philadelphia. Now I wouldn't go to Camden unless I had full combat gear.

[@springsbliss4094]

The walkway tunnel is still there. I always used it when I walked home from school (Pyne Poynt Middle School). That was over a decade ago though. Not sure how it's holding up now. I imagine there's probably tons of homeless and drug addicts taking shelter there these days, unless the city keeps them away.

[@Astromyxin]

I hope you at least stopped at Donkey’s on Haddon Ave and got their signature cheesesteak on a poppyseed Kaiser roll. No seriously, it’s really good.

[@LarryHeagren]

Joe you are very bold traveling into the belly of the beast on foot. Years ago when I lived in Delaware we'd only go to Camden to see a concert on the waterfront. We saw both Boston and Styx there. Back then the waterfront was barely safe. I worked with a guy in the Philly Shipyard who lived in Camden and I never visited him. It was just too sketchy where he lived. It was nice seeing you cross the bridge back into Philly at the end of the video. You safety is important to us your subscribers. Thanks for refreshing my memories. Another good video. Enjoy your family visit and if you drop down into Delaware stop by the Capriotti's in Wilmington for a "Bobbie" sandwich. I believe the store in Wilmington is the original location and they have grown to 92 stores now.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for the great comment, Larry.

[@usmcmos0317]

Great job on the video and commentary. I know everyone has to be somewhere. But I’m sorry I’m just glad it ain’t me there. As anywhere else I know there’s good people there just stuck in the situation. And for others hey it’s home so there’s that. Just not my part of the country. And Joe you done a fair job on the other video of your visit there. And in my opinion extra fair on this one it is what it is!!!! Now on much better notes very informative video, love the stats and commentary as always plus not only have you taken me to places I wouldn’t have seen on my own, but I have learned more about architecture than I actually ever knew. You’re really good at it. And now instead of just seeing a big old building I now see some of the styles and influences I learned right here. LoL safe travels my friend, keep on videoing and I’ll keep watching

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for the great comment (as usual!).

[@gatorgogo2742]

Sad, scary, dirty town. My favorite part was the Parking Lot Guard Turkeys at Campbell Soup Headquarters! LOL Please be careful in your travels. Thanks for showing us this depressing area. It makes me feel good about where I live.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Parking Lot Guard Turkeys...I love that!!!

[@mickeymch876]

I was born in Camden, my parents grew up in Camden, my grandparents lived in Camden, I went to church in Camden, I played in Camden as a kid and I worked in Camden for 9 years. Camden wasn't alway a disater but it is now.

[@bobski7032]

In the 40s and 50s blacks from the south came to the Philadelphia region and Camden for factory work…when the factories closed down or moved the residents were left with nothing including and most importantly bank loans

[@emilyhubbard1510]

Being from south carolina it is actually crazy to see cities like this 😅

[@roshelltannen9698]

This is funny? Im from the Northeast and industry being gutted, and leaving our cites dumps isn't funny to me. I guess you've never been to Spartanburg? That place is a dump.

[@JuliaKhan-ps3fp]

Another outstanding video which I love include history of the city. Thank you.😊😊😊😊❤

[@anthonycruciani939]

Nice vid my dear ole Dad was born in Camden in 1925 when much of Camden was Italian and Polish. I went back once with him in 1980 to see his old neighborhood and it was pretty nasty by then.

[@NikkoMcCarthy]

ill give you an A from bravery. I've been through that spot a few times and everyone i've ever met from around the area has told me "Dont even come to a complete stop at a red light... just go at night"

[@justinmoltisanti]

I worked EMS and did 911 and transport calls in Camden for a few years. You were in fairly safe areas in this video.

[@Stevemind88]

Love this tour and your style fella. American architecture is stunning (coming from a Brit). Such a difference a right or left turn can make … I can imagine how tense things would get later on during the day? Don’t really see a lot of people going for walks there! Bet even the trees could just up and move out 😮 Stay safe

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Steve!!

[@BlackRose-vi2yg]

Fascinating upload. Watching from here in UK.

[@puravida5683]

Talking about bringing back memories! I now live in Costa Rica. Once upon a time, I lived in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. I was a member of The New Jersey National Guard. And, attended Rutgers University-Camden tuition free for my graduate degree. Coming out in the evening after class, was like being in a combat zone. Drug dealers, robbers, hookers and criminals were everywhere. I often wore my uniform, just to get to my car safely!

[@janetr5929]

You were very nice with your assessment. This place looks scarier than the very scary hometown my husband came from.

[@meh-87]

75 Years of nearly continuous decline is sad. Self re-enforcing loop when people are being raised in a poor environment. The successful ones leave and the less successful ones are trapped. Hard to break out once it's gotten this bad.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Absolutely.

[@r5014]

They aren't trapped there. There's ample public transportation, resources, and jobs nearby. The residents have to step up and take pride in their community.

[@bunny1952]

We drove through Camden going to the Battleship New Jersey. Had no idea it was like that!

[@Default78334]

Camden's problems are similar to many post-industrial northeastern cities. They're geographically confined by surrounding municipalities and can't grow themselves to financial viability while their economic problems prevent them from attracting growth. Camden suffers from a poor tax base due to its poverty which mean lots of social services and nonprofits that don't pay property taxes but also that it's a county seat and is thus full of government property that doesn't pay taxes (plus a college campus that has the same issues). If you were a business and wanted to move to that part of NJ, why would you locate in Camden and get to deal with high property taxes and junkies hanging around when you could locate ten minutes down the road in Pennsauken or Bellmawr and avoid all of that drama?

[@martykong3592]

Thanks for sharing : ) I didn't know where it was, and across from Philly ? ENJOY and ALL the BEST ! Safe travels and Cheers : )

[@manterprise]

Thank you very much for what you are doing!

[@joebehrdenver]

Loved the opening shot of the Philly skyline - have never seen it from that vantage point.

[@MM-ks7vs]

We need to be grateful to all progressive, democrats, woke people that are work hard to maintain Camden and other cities in this tragic condition!

[@ditchthewitch1821]

I lived there as a kid. It’s definitely improved in the last few years compared to how it was back in the early 2000’s. More people seem invested in cleaning up the city and renovating homes.

[@johnarty2499]

If you are looking for ideas - the very early history of our country was the old Philadelphia road - route 7 I think - followed lowlands from Trenton to Southern colonies - cross Susquehanna at Harve de Grace by early colonial ferry authority in the 1600s . maybe trace the earliest connection from Northern to Southern colonies. The earliest rail roads were there. Think the history of the small towns of the 1700s to where they are now is fascinating - which went right and the ones that did not and why - the early east coast history and shaping the country.

[@mk-tn8eo]

I was at that aquarium and retired ship two summers ago, there was some dr or Puerto Rican parade too

[@gypsyboomer]

Got lost in Camden while working nearby in the early '80's, kinda scary then. Found a police officer and he escorted me back to the proper highway. Sad to see no real change. Stay safe and thanks a different type of away from the interstates.

[@darrelhoyt4205]

Imagine taking a wrong turn and being three streets away from the White House and literally in the worst ghetto in America... I was freaking out 😱😱

[@darrelhoyt4205]

I don't want to be preachy,but the last dayzzz are coming...not just here but the world in general..

[@eddie054]

I worked and drove from school to school as an outside contractor in Camden back in the early 2000s. I was intrigued and enjoyed cruising around. It was like exploring just like this video. But I was out of there by 2 PM when the junkies were waking up.

[@Slamdunk094]

I used to go to Camden a lot when I was a kid. I never had any problems but one time I overstayed until 7pm. I was able to get safely home but I'll never forget the crazy stuff I saw there.

[@kirktinsley5397]

Camden’s industrial history is interesting stuff! And wow that city hall is impressive!

[@brianquilty687]

Very sad to see the ripple effect of what drugs and poverty do to a person and to a city in the big picture.

[@Surfer041]

Camden is a dump. We dont consider it part of NJ.

[@malamutes6868]

😂

[@George-ri6vg]

This is a side of America that we rarely see in mainstream media. I grew up in Europe, but I've lived in Florida since 2013. Currently, I'm in Jacksonville, and rest assured, two-thirds of the city looks like that, if not worse. It seems that many places around the country are slowly decaying, which is truly depressing.

[@GUITARTIME2024]

My city doesn't. 500k people.

[@Kim-se8jg]

If Camden is the armpit of the USA, then Kensington St., in Philly, is the as****e.

[@caipirinha_king1632]

I had to stop at median home value…. A little over $94,000?? That there is extremely inflated considering that Camden consist of mostly 100+ years old row homes. We’re not talking NYC brownstone homes…. These homes are a penstroke from demolition. Single family homes are well below 10%.

[@warriormvp]

6:00 Kensington lean. So tragic.

[@henrysosvielle366]

Another great video, thanks joe, say hello to Nicole! See you again soon!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Will do! :)

[@Callylily7]

In my opinion, the city could do better with the right people in important places. My small town was going down hill about 20 years ago. After 6 years of negotiations a major retail business opened it's doors. A lot of new infrastructure had to take place first. That business was given tax incentives. Now we have all new schools with state championship sports, an outstanding police force, new small businesses and a huge mall. Not to mention new homes were built and older ones were redone. All because the people living here cared. It can be done even on a larger scale. Yes, we are a Republican town of hard working people. I'd say where but I'd rather not give away where I live. Let's just say that it's in the south. Sorry for the length if this but I wanted others to know that it can be done. I only hit the high points. Funny but I talk to you a lot. You ask what we think and while watching, I answer. 😂

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I totally agree with everything you said.

[@Callylily7]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip Thank you Joe. I'm looking forward to your next video. In fact, you and Nic has my favorite channel. As Sgt. Friday would say, "Just the facts ma'ma, just the facts." No drama just like I like it.

[@andrewthompson9677]

Hi joe & nic ! ., im still following your great video's showing u.s. cities, here from the u.k. . Keep up the good work..👍😁

[@Pill-AI]

You could do East Orange NJ 😊

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I plan on it!

[@TrialzGTAS]

I go to Cooper hospital pretty often working for the ambulance near the area. If time permits it, I drive down Broadway for the view of what’s going on from there to Holtec.

[@alexandralovesgoats3360]

Never been to NJ. Beautiful opening shots. Looks so peaceful. I do like the city hall. Interesting about the Campbell’s soup. I love your videos. So well researched and edited. Great way to start my Saturday. Thank you. I love the Campbell’s turkeys 😂❤

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

As usual, you are awesome, Alexandra!!

[@bordereau1]

Those Guard Turkeys are tough in that City..... lol...they're destined for someone's dinner plate

[@sarahmoller9716]

Horrible to see humans messing their brains on drugs. Glad you got out of town without getting harmed in any way. Stay safe Joe. 😢

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Sarah!

[@clane1700]

Sad, this country. Can we turn it around? I probably won’t see it. Thanks for showing us where not to go. Be safe.

[@GUITARTIME2024]

My American city is booming.

[@TinkerTailor4303]

That man ... how awfully sad and depressing that is. Multiply that by thousands across the country, I'm sure, and it's just almost unbearable to think about.

[@AlanDavidDoane]

Millions. FDR is spinning in his grave at how America forgot what he believed in.