Close Up Look:
The Top 10 Neighborhoods in Princeton NJ

 

Princeton, New Jersey is a charming town known for its Ivy League university, historic architecture, and upscale shops and restaurants. Beyond the well-manicured lawns and beautiful storefronts, Princeton is home to a diverse range of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality and community spirit. Whether you're a young professional, a family with children, or a retiree looking for friendly neighbors and a peaceful setting, there's a Princeton, NJ neighborhood that's perfect for you.

 

best neighborhoods princeton nj

 

In this article, we'll take a look at the top 10 neighborhoods in Princeton and touch base on the Princeton real estate each one has to offer, plus their amenities, so you can choose which one is calling out to you.
To discuss your home search and start finding your next Princeton home, call Princeton Realtor Nicole Wolf at 609-610-5789.

 

 

Living in Princeton, NJ

Located in the heart of New Jersey is the charming and sophisticated city of Princeton, a place renowned for its rich history, academic excellence, and picturesque scenery. Best known for being home to one of the world's most prestigious universities, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ offers an unmatched intellectual and cultural atmosphere that attracts visitors from all over the globe. 


The downtown area boasts a myriad of restaurants, cafes, and shops, as well as a captivating array of cultural attractions such as the Princeton University Art Museum and the Richardson Auditorium. The tree-lined avenues and parks create a peaceful and serene ambiance, inviting people to take leisurely walks or bike rides. What makes living in Princeton so special is the unique combination of a small-town, laid-back vibe with the intellectual atmosphere of a world-class university.

 

Best Neighborhoods in Princeton, NJ

 

Princeton, NJ is a town filled with diverse and unique neighborhoods. We've put together some great information on what we believe are the 10 best neighborhoods in Princeton. Keep reading to see these neighborhoods and a bit about their Princeton, NJ homes for sale.

 

 

Western Section

 

 

Princeton’s Western Section is a highly sought-after neighborhood. It’s home to many Princeton University faculty members because of its close proximity to the Institute Area, where the university is located.

 

Here’s what awaits residents of this gorgeous neighborhood: 

 

Types of real estate: The Western Section offers a variety of housing styles, ranging from historic homes to grand estates to row homes and townhouses on Mercer Street close to the infamous home where Einstein's lived. You'll find gorgeous architecture, beautiful landscaping, and ample outdoor spaces. 

 

Average cost of housing: The average cost of housing in the Western Section ranges from the mid-$900,000s to over $3 million, making this a more expensive area to live in.

 

Amenities: You'll have easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options, as well as parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy. Since the neighborhood is home to Princeton University, the Western Section offers plenty of cultural and educational opportunities for residents. Most homes in this area are in walking or biking distance to Downtown Princeton and Princeton University.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL HOMES FOR SALE IN THEWESTERN SECTION, PRINCETON NJ >>>

 

 

Princeton Ridge

 

 

The Princeton Ridge neighborhood is a unique ecological area with wooded tracts and dramatic topography extending westward from the Millstone River and the Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park, and many homes bordering the Woodfield Reservation and John Witherspoon Woods. You’ll find great Princeton homes for sale in this area.

 

Types of real estate: This neighborhood offers single-family homes and a small enclave of upscale townhomes.

 

Average cost of housing: The average cost of housing in Princeton Ridge is around $700,000 to $2 million, providing you with a luxurious living experience. In this dynamic neighborhood, it might be tough to decide which of these Princeton, NJ houses is the one for you.

 

Amenities: This community offers great schools and parks, and is within a few minutes drive to Downtown Princeton restaurants and shopping centers. The location of Princeton Ridge also makes it attractive as it affords residents easy access to major highways and other transportation systems. Residents particularly love being very close to Princeton Shopping Center, which is home to McCaffreys Supermarket as well as a hardware store, pet store, many restaurants such as Nomad Pizza, Princeton Ballet School, and many other businesses.

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL HOMES FOR SALE IN THE PRINCETON RIDGE  NEIGHBORHOOD, PRINCETON NJ >>>

 

 

 

 

Riverside

 

 

Riverside, which includes Jugtown, is a historic neighborhood in Princeton, NJ, and has been labeled one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Princeton.

 

Types of real estate: From classic brick homes to modern new construction, you'll find a variety of Princeton real estate options to fit your style and needs in the Riverside neighborhood. It’s also worth noting that the only homes in Princeton that are located by a lake can be found in Riverside. Lake Carnegie is home to Princeton's waterfront properties.

 

Average cost of housing: With a median listing home price of $950,000, Riverside offers a mix of high-end and mid-range options for homebuyers.

 

Amenities: Living in Riverside means being within walking distance from Nassau St., the Princeton University campus, and just a short drive or bike raide from Downtown Princeton, where you can enjoy ample dining, shopping, and entertainment.

 

 

Education: Homebuyers seek out the Riverside neighborhood for the Riverside Elementary School, which is highly rated.

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL HOMES FOR SALE IN THE
RIVERSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD, PRINCETON NJ >>>

 

 

Littlebrook

 

 

Littlebrook is a well-established neighborhood in Princeton, NJ known for its charm and privacy, serviced by the Littlebrook Elementary School.

 

Types of real estate: Princeton real estate in the Littlebrook neighborhood consists mainly of large single family homes with around half acre lots with a high value.

 

Average cost of housing: The average cost of housing in the area is around $950,000, with many extending into the $1,000,000 to $1,700,000 range, with some even higher priced homes.

 

Amenities: Living in Littlebrook gives residents proximity to Princeton Middle School, Princeton High School and Princeton Shopping Center. Many homes in the Littlebrook neighborhood are within walking distance to these, making it a convenient area for an easy lifestyle. Many homes are from the 1960's and 1970's with renovations and updates, while there are also new construction homes available from time to time.

 

Education: Littlebrook is serviced by the highly sought after Littlebrook Elementary School, which is a top-rated public school, with a central mission to provide quality learning.

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL HOMES FOR SALE IN THE
LITTLEBROOK NEIGHBORHOOD, PRINCETON NJ >>>

 

 

Downtown Walk To Town Princeton

 

 

Downtown Princeton, including Palmer Square, is a vibrant and unique shopping and dining destination located in the heart of Princeton, NJ. It boasts a mix of boutiques, famous brand stores, restaurants, and residential spaces, all conveniently located across from Princeton University.

 

Types of real estate: The neighborhood offers a mix of residential and commercial properties. Real estate options in downtown Princeton range from apartments, townhomes, and condos to single-family homes.

 

Average cost of housing: The cost of housing is relatively high, with the median listing home price at $1 million.

 

Amenities: Residents enjoy an extensive range of amenities including top-rated public schools, fashion boutiques, bars, restaurants, and world-renowned centers of learning.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL HOMES FOR SALE IN
DOWNTOWN PRINCETON NJ >>>

 

 

QUEENSTON COMMONS

 

 

A convenient easy lifestyle townhome community in Princeton, New Jersey Queenston Commons offers plenty of serenity and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown, while being located in the Littlebrook Elementary School section.

 

Types of real estate: There are various beautiful styles and sizes of townhomes available in this upscale townhome community catering to diverse budgets.

 

Average cost of housing: The average cost of housing in Queenston Commons ranges from affordable to moderate ($600,000 to $800,000) appealing to different budgets.

 

Amenities: Queenston Commons boasts various amenities including tennis courts, lots of common area for recreation, proximity to the Princeton Shopping Center and Whole Earth Center, excellent public transportation, a short walk to Princeton Shopping Center, and an easy commute to NYC and Philadelphia.

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL HOMES FOR SALE IN QUEENSTON COMMONS PRINCETON NJ >>>

 

 

Princeton North

 

 

Princeton North is a convenient and centrally located neighborhood in Princeton, NJ. Featuring smaller lots and nearby access to Downtown Princeton, this residential area offers a unique combination of luxury living and convenience with its Princeton, NJ homes for sale. 

 

Types of real estate: Princeton North offers a range of real estate options, including mostly single-family homes and some townhomes.

 

Average cost of housing: The average cost of housing in the area ranges from around $5 00,000 to over $1 million.

 

Amenities: Residents of Princeton North enjoy a variety of amenities, including parks like Community Park and Mountain Lakes, walking trails, and access to top-rated schools. With easy access to nearby shopping and dining options, there's always something to do! This is an up and coming area of Princeton, with new businesses popping up on Witherspoon Street, like The Meetinghouse Bar & Restaurant for upscale dining and drinks, Local Greek is a hot spot for sumptuous breakfasts and lunch, and the local hero of Pizza places with its own bar: Contes! Princeton's eclectic yet upscale home furnishing store, Homestead, has their flagship store here as well for gifts & home design upgrades.

 

Education: Community Park Elementary, Princeton Middle School and Princeton High School are all in walking distance to most homes in the Princeton North area.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL HOMES FOR SALE IN THE
PRINCETON NORTH NEIGHBORHOOD, PRINCETON NJ >>>

 

 

 

Washington Oaks

 

 

The Washington Oaks neighborhood in Princeton, NJ is a highly desirable and well-established area. It’s located on the far south-western side of Princeton township (between Downtown Princeton and Lawrenceville) and is serviced by the award-winning Princeton School District, within the Johnson Park Elementary School area.

 

Types of real estate: Washington Oaks offers Princeton homes for sale such as condos and townhomes, and also midsize single family houses, with a variety of styles, sizes, and prices. These were built in the 1990's, and all include public water and sewer.

 

Average cost of housing: The average cost for homes in the Washington Oaks neighborhood is around $820,000.

 

Amenities: Residents of Washington Oaks can enjoy an array of amenities including proximity to Downtown Princeton, the Washington Oak—a protected ancient white oak tree that overlooks the Princeton Battlefield State Park—and they're serviced by the award-winning Princeton School District. 

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL HOMES FOR SALE IN THE
WASHINGTON OAKS SECTION, PRINCETON NJ >>>

 

Edgerstoune / Hun 

 

 

The Edgerstoune / Hun neighborhood is home to the prestigious Hun School, a private day and boarding school for grades 6-12 and post-graduates. This community of luxury homes, which includes the affluent Russell Estates, is known for its spacious homes, tree-lined streets, and serene atmosphere. It is located to the West of downtown Princeton, just a few minutes drive from Princeton University and the center of town.

 

Types of real estate: Real estate options range from historic single-family homes to modern masterpieces.

 

Average cost of housing: The average cost of housing in this neighborhood is on the higher end—$2.6 million—but you can find some more affordable options as well.

 

Amenities: Amenities in Edgerstoune / Hun include being within walking distance to The Hun School of Princeton, one of the area's top private schools, as well as easy access to dining, shopping, and entertainment in the heart of Princeton.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL HOMES FOR SALE IN THEEDGERSTOUNE HUN SECTION, PRINCETON NJ >>>

 

Ettl Farm

 

 

Ettl Farm is an exclusive Princeton, NJ neighborhood. Ettl Farm is a sophisticated suburban area surrounded by preserved farmland and wooded parks like Greenway Meadows. These homes are within the Johnson Park Elementary School District.

 

Types of real estate: The community predominantly features luxury single-family homes that are high in value, with varying styles and sizes, set on large lots within a series of winding streets with cul-de-sacs.

 

Average cost of housing: The average cost of housing in the Ettl Farm community is broad with varying sizes, but is definitely on the luxury side with ranges of $1.8 million and higher.

 

Amenities: The neighborhood offers convenient access to amenities such as footpaths to Greenway Meadows and the Stony Brook, while maintaining a private haven for its residents.

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL HOMES FOR SALE IN THE
ETTL FARMS NEIGHBORHOOD, PRINCETON NJ >>>

 

 

In Conclusion: Princeton, NJ is a vibrant and unique city with a wide variety of neighborhoods that offers an idyllic lifestyle and countless places to explore. From Edgerstoune/Hun and Russell Estates to Ettl Farm and beyond, there are beautiful neighborhoods in Princeton to appeal to every taste. With its excellent schools, vibrant culture, and robust economy, it's no wonder that this charming city is beloved by so many.

 

 

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We hope you have found our guide to be informative as you determine which neighborhood is indeed calling out to you! If you are planning on moving to Princeton, NJ and would like to discuss neighborhoods and the local Princeton real estate market, call Local Princeton Real Estate Agent Nicole Wolf at 609-610-5789 or email Nicole directly for expert guidance!