Greentree is one of Cherry Hill’s most beloved neighborhoods, nestled just southeast of bustling Route 70 and bordered by the inviting greenery that gave this area its evocative name. For those who call it home, “Greentree” conjures images of leafy cul-de-sacs, friendly neighbors, and a tradition of community spirit that has flourished for generations. But there’s far more to Greentree than meets the eye—its story is deeply woven into the fabric of Cherry Hill’s growth, transition, and enduring charm.
From Farmland to Family Homes: The Origins of Greentree
To understand Greentree’s place in Cherry Hill’s history, we first turn back the clock to the area’s agricultural beginnings. For much of the 19th and early 20th centuries, what is now Greentree was dominated by working farms and clusters of woodland. Family names like Cropwell, Kresson, and Evesham—now familiar as street names—once belonged to the families who tilled these fields.
The postwar development boom of the 1950s and 1960s began to transform old farmlands across South Jersey, as Cherry Hill Township rapidly transitioned from a quiet rural community into one of the Delaware Valley’s most sought-after suburbs. Greentree’s official emergence as a neighborhood came during these years, when developers saw the potential of its gently rolling landscape and proximity to shopping, schools, and major roads.
How Greentree Got Its Name
The name “Greentree” traces back to the vision of its early developers in the mid-1960s. They sought to create a planned neighborhood that would preserve the natural beauty of the land, appealing to families who valued both easy commutes and a sense of pastoral tranquility. “Green” reflected the groves of oak, maple, and pine that lined the old farm boundaries, while “tree” underscored the commitment to leafy, shaded streets—a motif that carries through in the canopy of mature trees still shading homes today. Local lore suggests that the developers even planted additional trees during construction to ensure every street lived up to the name.
Milestones Along the Way
Greentree’s growth is marked by key milestones that echo Cherry Hill’s evolution. As the area filled out, streets like Greentree Road, Cropwell Road, and Kresson Road became lifelines for residents and commerce alike. In the early years, children attended the historic William T. Robinson School before the construction of more modern facilities like Joseph D. Sharp Elementary, just a quick bike ride away on Old Orchard Road.
A major turning point in Greentree’s development was the opening of Greentree Shopping Center in the early 1970s. At the intersection of Greentree Road and Route 70, this center became a convenient hub for groceries and sundries, further cementing the neighborhood’s family-friendly appeal.
- 1960s: First homes built by prominent Philadelphia-area developers
- Early 1970s: Greentree Shopping Center opens
- 1980s: Neighborhood organizations and block parties build community identity
- 2000s-present: Ongoing home renovations and landscaping preserve Greentree’s curb appeal
Landmarks and Special Places
Greentree may not have stately mansions or towering monuments, but its landmarks are woven into the everyday joys of suburban living.
- Greentree Park: Tucked off the bustling roads, this modest but well-loved neighborhood park offers playgrounds, ball fields, picnic tables, and a relaxing slice of green space. On summer evenings, laughter of children mixes with the chirping of cicadas, making it a favorite spot for family gatherings and relaxation.
- Greentree Shopping Center: With familiar storefronts and the hum of daily activity, this landmark recalls the heyday of American strip malls—simple, friendly, and essential to neighborhood life.
- Places of Worship: Houses of worship like Temple Beth Sholom and Congregation M’kor Shalom are nearby, serving as cultural and spiritual anchors for Jewish families through generations.
- Streets Alive with History: Cropwell Road, Kresson Road, and Evesham Road not only connect Greentree to the broader Cherry Hill community but recall the township’s farmstead past.
Evolution Through the Decades
Decade by decade, Greentree has changed and grown, shaped by the needs and dreams of its residents. In the 1970s and 1980s, it was the destination for young families looking for good schools and a sense of belonging. Annual block parties, neighborhood yard sales, and parents cheering at Saturday morning sports games became the fabric of community life.
The 1990s and 2000s saw a new wave of investment as many original owners either stayed to renovate or sold to new families eager to put down roots. Split-level and colonial-style homes were updated with modern amenities while yards blossomed with flower beds—many planted by proud residents themselves. The tradition of caring for one another has continued, with many neighbors enjoying decades-long friendships.
Today, Greentree remains one of Cherry Hill’s most stable and welcoming communities. Its proximity to the township’s best schools, places of worship, and recreational facilities ensures its lasting appeal. The neighborhood’s leafy character is fiercely protected by local zoning and ongoing community advocacy, preserving the very essence that inspired its name.
What Makes Greentree Special
Ask any longtime resident what makes Greentree special and you’re likely to hear stories of shared memories:
- Walking or biking along Kresson Road on a golden autumn afternoon
- Children playing safely on quiet cul-de-sacs like Willowdale Drive or Lark Lane
- Neighbors helping shovel snow or organize food drives for local charities
- Deep roots—homes and families growing together, reflecting the strong backbone of Cherry Hill itself
Greentree is proof that strong communities are not made by houses alone, but by the people, values, and traditions that endure from one generation to the next.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
In every street name, park, and picture-perfect lawn, Greentree’s history lives on. Its story is one of transformation and tradition, farm field to family home, past to present. As Cherry Hill continues to evolve, Greentree stands as a living tribute to the township’s heritage—inviting all who pass beneath its leafy boughs to become a part of its ongoing story.