The Delaware Valley, a metropolitan region also known as Greater Philadelphia or the Philadelphia metropolitan area, is a bustling hub of activity, culture, and history. Located in the Northeast on the East Coast of the United States, this region encompasses four U.S. states: southeastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, northern Delaware, and the northern Eastern Shore of Maryland.
As of the 2020 census, the core metropolitan statistical area (MSA) of the Delaware Valley boasts a population of 6.288 million residents. This makes it the nation’s seventh-largest, the continent’s eighth-largest, and the world’s 35th-largest metropolitan area. The combined statistical area (CSA) of the Delaware Valley is even larger, with a total population of 7.366 million.
The MSA, centered on Philadelphia, includes the Camden, NJ Metropolitan Division (Burlington County, Camden County, Gloucester County), the Philadelphia, PA Metropolitan Division (Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County), and the Wilmington, DE-NJ Metropolitan Division (New Castle County, Delaware; Salem County, New Jersey; Cecil County, Maryland).
The CSA, known as the Philadelphia-Reading-Camden Combined Statistical Area, extends to include Berks County, Pennsylvania (the Reading, PA MSA), Atlantic County, New Jersey (the Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ MSA), Cape May County, New Jersey (the Ocean City, NJ MSA), Cumberland County, New Jersey (the Vineland-Bridgeton, NJ MSA), and Kent County, Delaware (the Dover, NJ MSA).
This diverse and dynamic region is further divided into subregions. The five Pennsylvania counties in the MSA are known as Southeastern Pennsylvania, with the four suburban counties referred to as the “collar counties”. Apart from Philadelphia, notable municipalities include Upper Darby Township and Bensalem Township.
The CSA’s seven New Jersey counties form South Jersey, with major municipalities including Cherry Hill and Camden. The area also includes popular tourist destinations like Atlantic City, Cape May County, and the southern Jersey Shore.
Delaware’s two counties in the CSA constitute a majority of the state’s land mass and population, with Wilmington standing as the most populous city in Delaware. Meanwhile, Cecil County, Maryland, is part of the region known as the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
The Delaware Valley offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity, making it an exciting and vibrant region to explore. Whether you’re drawn to the historical landmarks of Philadelphia, the scenic landscapes of Southeastern Pennsylvania, the bustling seaside resorts of South Jersey, or the charming towns of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the Delaware Valley has something for everyone.
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This article is intended for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only and should not be construed as advice, guidance or counsel. It is provided without warranty of any kind.