When you think of a city, places like New York and Los Angeles probably come to mind. Of course, there are smaller cities. New Jersey has Newark, Camden, Jersey City, Trenton and dozens more. While many are some of our largest municipalities, the “city” designation is actually dependent on form of government, not population. The exact definition varies by state but New Jersey has 5 types of local government – village, borough, town, township and city. Our smallest city is among the smallest in America.

Corbin City is located in Atlantic County, adjacent to Tuckahoe and Estell Manor.

Flickr/Neil Fein Tuckahoe (part of Upper Township), to the south, is connected to Corbin City via bridge. Estell Manor, north and west of the city, was once part of Weymouth Township, as was Corbin City.

Established in 1922, the current population sits at around 500.

Flickr/Doug Kerr It is 8.9 square miles, 1.25 square miles of which are water.

Corbin City was named after robber baron Austin Corbin. The railroad magnate had a dubious reputation but this city does not.

Flickr/Nathaniel R. Ewan Austin Corbin was known to be ruthless, greedy and a notorious nativist. Few alive today know why the town took on his namesake. Born in New Hampshire and operating out of New York City, he has few ties to the area. However, at least in the present day, Corbin City does not reflect Austin Corbin’s beliefs at all.

It is a safe, sleepy city with just a handful of businesses. Many call it a peaceful paradise.

Yelp/Anna S. A popular neighborhood gathering spot, L’s Restaurant and J Bones Tavern is pictured. They offer a diverse dinner menu, Tuesday-Sunday, and a full bar.

Perhaps one of the biggest perks of life in Corbin City (besides a close-knit community) is access to the river.

Flickr/Sarah J. On Main Street, you’ll find a small beach on the Tuckahoe River with a boat ramp, gazebo and picnic tables.

Another perk? Proximity to some of our biggest beaches.

Flickr/Adam Moss It’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Ocean City, but offers unparalleled serenity.

While there are smaller municipalities in New Jersey, they are not classified as cities. Still, they are equally as charming as this shore area gem. Check out some of most wonderful little cities, towns and boroughs here.

Flickr/Neil Fein

Tuckahoe (part of Upper Township), to the south, is connected to Corbin City via bridge. Estell Manor, north and west of the city, was once part of Weymouth Township, as was Corbin City.

Flickr/Doug Kerr

It is 8.9 square miles, 1.25 square miles of which are water.

Flickr/Nathaniel R. Ewan

Austin Corbin was known to be ruthless, greedy and a notorious nativist. Few alive today know why the town took on his namesake. Born in New Hampshire and operating out of New York City, he has few ties to the area. However, at least in the present day, Corbin City does not reflect Austin Corbin’s beliefs at all.

Yelp/Anna S.

A popular neighborhood gathering spot, L’s Restaurant and J Bones Tavern is pictured. They offer a diverse dinner menu, Tuesday-Sunday, and a full bar.

Flickr/Sarah J.

On Main Street, you’ll find a small beach on the Tuckahoe River with a boat ramp, gazebo and picnic tables.

Flickr/Adam Moss

It’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Ocean City, but offers unparalleled serenity.

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