Princeton 88 Exceptional
Princeton Livability #6 ranked city in New Jersey#186 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Princeton

PROS
  • Amenities

    A wealth of amenities, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, parks and fitness facilities, are all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Commute

    An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.

  • Crime

    Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.

  • Employment

    Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.

  • Health & Safety

    Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.

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What's it like Living in Princeton?

Princeton is a mid-sized city located in the state of New Jersey. The city has a population of 31,161 residents. According to the most recent Census, 72% of Princeton residents are White, 17% Asian and 6% Black. Princeton could be a great place for young adults and students as the average age of 32 years old is below the nation’s average. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Princeton, only 49% of the population is married. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Princeton is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 26 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Princeton, New Jersey could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Princeton, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like commute, health & safety, housing and more.

Princeton, NJ receives 87 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #4 in New Jersey and #187 in the USA. Based on this score, Princeton would be considered a very livable city! This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. For each of the livability categories, we see that Princeton ranks very well for crime (A+) and education (A+).

The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Princeton, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Princeton undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location.

Ensuring a sense of security is paramount for the majority of residents in any area. Low crime rates exert a positive influence on various aspects, including home prices, rates of home appreciation and the cultivation of positive community dynamics and social cohesion. In the case of Princeton, it boasts a notably low violent crime rate of 29 crimes per 100,000 residents, which significantly outperforms the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Princeton, the unemployment rate stands at 2.26%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Princeton, the average school test scores are an impressive 72%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Princeton is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Princeton come in at $872,400, which is 175.7% higher than the New Jersey average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Princeton, the home price to income ratio is 6, which is 39.5% higher than the New Jersey average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Princeton

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Compare Princeton, NJ Livability

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      Princeton transportation information

      Statistic Princeton New Jersey National
      Average one way commute26min31min26min
      Workers who drive to work42.1%71.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool4.8%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit8.4%11.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle2.6%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk21.5%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home20.1%4.1%4.6%
      Source: The Princeton, NJ data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).