The smallest town in New Jersey has only 5 inhabitants: without basic services but with a golf club.
A municipality created to play golf without restrictions.
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In the state of New Jersey, one of the most densely populated in the United States, there is a town that breaks the trend: Tavistock, a tiny locality with only five residents registered in the 2020 census. Despite its small number of residents, this municipality remains independent and is mainly known for an exclusive private golf club.
This town, located in Camden County, was incorporated as a municipality in 1921 for an uncommon reason: to facilitate access to golf. Before its foundation, residents of neighboring Haddonfield faced Sunday restrictions due to the strict Sabbath rules imposed by the local Quaker community. To avoid these limitations, a group of entrepreneurs established Tavistock as an independent municipality, with the sole purpose of creating a club where they could play golf without restrictions.
Since then, Tavistock Country Club has become the centerpiece of the town. This private golf course is renowned for its exclusivity and its history within the state. Although the club is the main attraction of Tavistock, the locality lacks other common infrastructures found in a municipality, such as schools, gas stations, or shopping centers.
A minimal population, but an independent status
With only five registered residents, it is one of the smallest towns in the United States in terms of population. Unlike other municipalities that have been absorbed by larger cities, this town maintains its status due to its golf club and the value of its land.
Despite its size, the town continues to function as a legally incorporated municipality with its own local government. However, its few inhabitants rely on essential services provided by neighboring cities, such as garbage collection, water supply, and public safety.
This settlement is a unique case within the United States. Its history and original purpose have made it an atypical place in New Jersey, a state where large urban areas prevail. Although it is not a tourist destination nor a site with conventional attractions, it continues to attract attention for being a town created exclusively for playing golf, remaining to this day as an independent municipality.
