Trenton 76 Exceptional
Trenton Livability #131 ranked city in New Jersey#3,303 ranked city in the USARanks better than 88% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
  • Uncover the key details before you move
  • Use local data to guide a smarter investment
  • Compare neighborhoods side by side
Local Insights Report

Trenton, NJ - The Capital City with Historic Roots

Living in Trenton, NJ offers a unique blend of history, culture, and urban living. As the capital of New Jersey, Trenton is a city rich in American history, known for its pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. The city’s historic sites, including the Old Barracks Museum and the Trenton Battle Monument, provide residents with a deep connection to the nation’s past.

Trenton’s dining scene is diverse, reflecting the city’s multicultural population. From classic Italian eateries to Caribbean and Latin American cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every taste. The downtown area is a hub of activity, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, including the historic Trenton War Memorial, which hosts concerts, plays, and community events.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Trenton offers plenty of green spaces and recreational opportunities. Cadwalader Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the architect behind New York’s Central Park, provides a peaceful retreat with walking trails, a lake, and beautiful gardens. The nearby Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is perfect for biking, jogging, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the Delaware River.

Trenton is also known for its strong sense of community and cultural vibrancy. The city hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Trenton Pork Roll Festival and the Patriots Week celebration, which bring residents together to celebrate the city’s unique heritage and community spirit. The local schools and educational institutions, such as Thomas Edison State University, make Trenton an attractive place for students and families alike.

For those considering a move to New Jersey, Trenton offers a perfect blend of historical charm, urban convenience, and community warmth. Whether you're drawn by its rich history, cultural events, or central location, living in Trenton, NJ provides a fulfilling and dynamic lifestyle.

Pros and Cons of Living in Trenton

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Crime Crime

    Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.

  • Employment Employment

    This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.

  • Schools Schools

    The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.

What's it like Living in Trenton?

Trenton, New Jersey is a moderately-sized city with a population of 86,528 inhabitants. With a population density of 11,440 people per square mile, Trenton is well above the nation's average density level. Individuals of White (35%) and Black or African American (49%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of the city. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Trenton are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 34% of the population also speak Spanish. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Trenton, only 38% of the population is married. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Trenton your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 26 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Trenton, New Jersey. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Trenton and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, cost of living, commute, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the New Jersey and national averages.

Using data and statistics Trenton has received a livability score of 76/100. This score is ranked in the 88th percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Trenton could be a great choice! Based on the scores for each individual category, Trenton has received high marks for cost of living (B-) and housing (B+). Unfortunately for Trenton, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: crime (F), education (F) and employment (F).

Trenton has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Trenton has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Trenton can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Assuming that Trenton meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Trenton. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Trenton are simply unattainable. The median home price for Trenton homes is $177,930, which is 68% lower than the New Jersey average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Trenton, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 37.3% lower than the New Jersey average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Trenton

See all the best places to live around Trenton

How Do You Rate The Livability In Trenton?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare Trenton, NJ Livability

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      Compare Neighborhoods & Addresses Local Insights Report

      Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.

      Local Insights Report

      Trenton transportation information

      Statistic Trenton New Jersey National
      Average one way commute26min31min26min
      Workers who drive to work59.8%71.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool24.2%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit8.0%11.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.9%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home2.0%4.1%4.6%
      Source: The Trenton, NJ data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.