Local News | Atlantic City, NJ (2024)

FAQs

Is Atlantic City still popular? ›

Atlantic City, New Jersey

Atlantic City draws tourists by the car- and bus-load, topping more than 20 million visitors per year! Stroll along the famous Boardwalk with its numerous amusem*nts and eateries or visit the historic Absecon Lighthouse and the new Wheel at Steel Pier.

THINGS TO KNOW

Atlantic City is just 11.92 square miles long but boasts many historic firsts, such as being the site of the world's first Boardwalk and salt-water taffy's first development. The streets of the famed Monopoly board are named after Atlantic City's.

Today, Atlantic City, with a year-round population of 40,000, teeters on the edge of bankruptcy and economic collapse. A long experiment with legalized gambling, launched in 1976, has failed to reenergize this once-iconic locale, which fell into seedy decline as tourists started turning away in the 1950s.

Atlantic City is the seaside gaming and resort capital of the East Coast, hosting over 27 million visitors a year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States.

In 2022, there were 1.53 times more Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents (11.5k people) in Atlantic City, NJ than any other race or ethnicity. There were 7.51k Other (Hispanic) and 6.17k Asian (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

The casino closures in Atlantic City have affected the local housing market, resulting in a number of short sales and foreclosures, but it has presented a chance for people to move into the area at a cheaper price.

Even if you aren't someone who goes to casinos, it is worth visiting Atlantic City as it has a considerable history and is impressive to see in person.

From 1920 to 1960, Atlantic City became known as the “Nation's Playground,” and it attracted more visitors each year than the combined populations of New York City and Philadelphia. These crowds came for their health, but even more, to see and be seen.

Things like proximity to grocery stores, dining options, and parks can make a huge difference in your daily lives. There are also plenty of dining options for the residents of Atlantic City, NJ.

Atlantic City, New Jersey is an older city than Las Vegas, Nevada by approximately 50 years. The city was founded in 1854. Less than 20 years later, the development of the first boardwalk in the United States began. The boardwalk on the coast of the Atlantic City was an instant draw to tourists.

Is it safe to walk the Atlantic City boardwalk at night? ›

So, don't be flashy and keep a close eye on purses and slot tickets. Stay on the boardwalk Though the city is generally safe during the day, you shouldn't wander too far off the beaten path, especially after dark. Avoid walking behind the casinos and on the beach at night.

Like many older East Coast cities after World War II, Atlantic City became plagued with poverty, crime, corruption, and general economic decline in the mid-to-late 20th century.

By the 1970s many of Atlantic City's resorts were nursing homes and cheap apartments, or else demolished. Crime was rampant, worse than many comparably sized cities, and its premier vacation status was gone for good. That's before the casinos.

The Atlantic City Boardwalk also has some tasty casual eats like fresh funnel cakes, creamy fudge, salty french fries and an AC staple, saltwater taffy. There are some dining spots located outside the casinos and boardwalk, though.

Figures released Monday by New Jersey gambling regulators show the nine casinos collectively reported a gross operating profit of $744 million in 2023, down 1.6% from 2022.

And following a recent visit with my parents in tow, it's clear: Atlantic City is bouncing back. Thanks to a hefty $230 million investment, the resort that opened in 1979 and shaped the city into a popular casino destination recently underwent a sweeping transformation.

With a crime rate of 97 per one thousand residents, Atlantic City has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 10.

From the 1880s to 1940s, Atlantic City was a major vacation resort. In the 1920s it was considered the premier tryout town for theatrical productions headed for Broadway and beyond.

Atlantic City was named the top party destination in the country based on a survey conducted by bonusfinder.com, a website that helps casino players find the best bonuses possible.

How are Atlantic City casinos doing? ›

The nine casinos collectively were less profitable than the year before despite the help from the Garden State's booming online gambling market. Figures released Monday show the nine casinos collectively reported a gross operating profit of $744.7 million in 2023, a decline of 1.6% from 2022.

From 1920 to 1960, Atlantic City became known as the “Nation's Playground,” and it attracted more visitors each year than the combined populations of New York City and Philadelphia.