Why Princeton?

There are a number of reasons why Princeton is unlike any other town in the Metropolitan area, in fact unlike any other town in the country. Perfectly balancing the charm of a small town with the offerings of a larger city, there's a palpable energy, a working diversity, and a dedication to community that is hard to describe and impossible to replicate. Below are just a few of the unique components that enrich life in the Princeton area. Brains: Home to Princeton University, the Institute for Advanced Study, and several titans of industry, many of the world's most intelligent people have been gathering at Princeton for centuries. There is an ever-growing list of famous residents - past and present - including several signers of the "Declaration of Independence," Albert Einstein, Paul Robeson, Meg Whitman, and Michelle Obama.

Location: In 1783, a mobile Continental Congress settled in Princeton due in large part to its ideal location between Philadelphia and Manhattan. Today, easy commuting routes via car or train abound, making it a natural choice for dual-income households. A NJ Transit train from downtown Princeton is the perfect mode of transport for the daily commute or special trips, as the Northeast Corridor line has a stop at Newark Liberty International Airport. The Philadelphia International Airport is just as accessible via NJ Transit and Septa. Click here for an area map.

Influence: Every U.S. town has a story, but perhaps none is more influential in the shaping of our nation's history than Princeton. One week General George Washington crossed the Delaware River on Christmas Eve in 1776, an important turning point in the Revolutionary War continued to play out in a field less than a mile away from what is today Princeton's thriving downtown. The field upon which General Washington commanded his troops in the Battle of Princeton, remains one of our area's most coveted public parks. Click here to learn more about this incredible moment in history.

Drama: The town of Princeton is blessed to be home to McCarter Theatre, a Tony Award winning center for the performing arts. Every year, more than 200 events from drama and dance to music and performance art, come alive on the stages of both the classic Mathews Theatre and the newly built Berlind Theatre. Don't miss such incredible offerings such as Hal Holbrook in Mark Twain, The Chieftains, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo to name only a few of the oft-returning talent. Perennial favorites include A Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, and the New Jersey Opera Festival.

Ideas: As one would expect in a town that boasts the world-class Ivy League Princeton University, the dedication to education in Princeton extends not only to the college level and beyond, but to the elementary and high school grades, as well, as the area in and around Princeton boasts some of New Jersey's finest public schools. In addition, there are a large number of exceptional private schools thriving in the Princeton area, some known on a national and even global level, while others remain our well-kept secrets. Click here to find comprehensive information on our schools.

Opportunity: The Route One corridor is lined with some of our nation's most renowned and prominent leaders of industry. Companies including Dow Jones, Black Rock, Bank of America, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and many others have major operations within a few miles of downtown Princeton. These companies call this area home because they also recognize the merits of our exceptional community. Click here to find out more from the Mercer County Chamber of Commerce.

Value: Unlike many real estate marketplaces around the country, the value represented by properties in Princeton is altogether unique. Although home to U.S. presidents and global dignitaries, did you know that no property in Princeton Borough history has ever sold for more than $5,000,000? Compare that with some other communities within 60 miles of New York City where prices soar to the $20,000,000+ range.

Goods: What would an historic town with its finger on the pulse of global education and economy be without world-class shopping? The merchants of downtown Princeton offer a variety of global name-brand experiences like Banana Republic, Ralph Lauren, and J. Crew and well-known regional outfits including Hamilton Jewelers and J McLaughlin. Combine these with a number of locally owned one-of-kind shops and boutiques, and you have a shopping area that is second to none.

Taste: At one time overlooked as a hot spot for local and international cuisine because of its proximity to New York City and Philadelphia, Princeton has, in recent years, attracted a slate of innovative restaurants that have become fast favorites. In addition to the stalwart establishments that have legions of loyal patrons, Princeton's downtown truly is a destination for locals and day-trippers alike who want to enjoy a great meal and a fantastic night on the town.

Other fun: Take a historic walking tour of downtown Princeton. Drop a canoe (bring your own or rent one by the hour) into the Delaware and Raritan Canal. Get lost on the vast Princeton University campus. Spend the afternoon in the Princeton University Art Museum, home to works by Van Gogh, Monet, Picasso, and many others. Skim the stacks at the newly built Princeton Public Library and the Princeton Arts Council. Experience Princeton's Jazz Fest, Shakespeare in the Square, or Communiversity Day, all annual events that occur right downtown.

Princeton University: A recurring theme in this list why Princeton is such a unique place to live is undoubtedly the university itself, and the sole reason why so many of its residents call it home. Did you know that the residents of Princeton can audit any one of hundreds of classes that are made available to the community for $75? Click here for more information on the community auditing program. Many of the university's lectures are open to the public, as well, and showcase some of the world's most fascinating minds speaking on the day's most pertinent topics. In addition to the auditing program, the open lectures, the famous art museum, McCarter Theatre, and the historic campus tours, be sure to experience by a Princeton University athletic event. Did you know that Princeton University participated in the first collegiate football game ever played? Whether it's football, basketball, squash, lacrosse, ice hockey, baseball, or tennis, the Princeton sports teams are made up of extraordinarily talented and fiercely dedicated student athletes who compete purely for the love of the game. Admission to many of these events is free while other tickets are available for a nominal price. Click here to see the schedule for upcoming games.

This is life in the Princeton area. Come and experience it for yourself!