Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Princeton, NJ
Considering a move to Princeton, NJ? With a population of 30,872 and a prestigious reputation for education, Princeton boasts top-ranked public schools and is home to Princeton University. The median home price is $924,000, and average rents are higher than the state average, reflecting its desirable location and vibrant community. Residents enjoy low crime rates, excellent healthcare access, and a manageable 27-minute average commute. Expect a lively downtown, cultural amenities, and four-season weather with 56% sunny days annually.
Demographics - Princeton, NJ
Demographics - Princeton, NJ
Princeton, NJ is home to about 30,872 residents, with a youthful median age of 32.9 and a population density of 2,200 per square mile. The city is diverse, with nearly 17% Asian residents and almost a quarter of households speaking a language other than English at home, fostering a vibrant, multicultural community.
Population:
30,872
Density:
2,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.9
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
22.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
68.7%
Black:
6.6%
Asian:
16.3%
Others:
8.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Princeton, NJ?
Princeton’s cost of living is notably high, with a median home value of $924,000 and a cost of living index well above the national average. Residents should expect higher housing, grocery, and transportation expenses, reflecting the city’s desirable location and amenities.
Median House Value:
$924,000
Gross Rent:
$2,150
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
155.0
Grocery:
129.0
Housing:
210.0
Utilities:
115.9
Transportation:
128.4
Health Care:
111.2
Miscellaneous:
115.0
Crime
Is Princeton, NJ a safe place to live?
Princeton enjoys a low crime rate, with just 70 violent crimes per 100,000 people and a property crime chance of 1 in 98. Residents benefit from a generally safe environment compared to many similarly sized communities.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
70
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,020
Crime Index:
1,090
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,430
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in Princeton, NJ year-round?
Princeton experiences all four seasons, with warm summers averaging highs of 87°F and cold winters dipping to 24°F. The city receives about 48 inches of rain annually and enjoys sunshine 56% of the year, offering a balanced climate for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
68°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
47°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Princeton is an affluent area, with a median household income of $158,000 and a high educational attainment—over 80% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The community is well-educated and economically stable, with a low unemployment rate and a diverse mix of residents.
Median Income:
$53,000
Household Income:
$158,000
Family Income:
$184,000
Per Capita Income:
$68,000
Income Male:
$78,500
Income Female:
$60,800
Poverty Rate:
6.7%
Non English Speakers:
22.8%
Rent:
$2,150
Unemployment Rate:
3.2%
Public Transport Usage:
11.6%
Commute Time:
27.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
97.8%
Bachelors or More:
80.7%
Education
How are the schools in Princeton, NJ?
Education is a hallmark of Princeton, featuring top-rated public schools like Princeton High School and the renowned Princeton University at its heart. The area also offers quality private schooling and access to other nearby colleges, making it an ideal place for families and lifelong learners.

Public Schools
Name:
Princeton High School
Street:
151 Moore St
Phone:
609-806-4280
Students:
1,570
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.6
Name:
John Witherspoon Middle School
Street:
217 Walnut Ln
Phone:
609-806-4270
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
11.2

Private Schools
Name:
Princeton Day School
Street:
650 Great Rd
Phone:
609-924-6700
Students:
960

Colleges
Name:
Princeton University
City:
Princeton
State:
NJ
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
8,500
Name:
Rider University
City:
Lawrenceville
State:
NJ
Distance:
7 miles
Students:
4,500
Healthcare
Residents have access to excellent healthcare, including Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center and a high physician-to-population ratio of 3.2 per 1,000 people. Nearly all residents are insured, ensuring strong healthcare coverage and emergency services close by.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center
Address:
One Plainsboro Rd, Plainsboro Township, NJ 08536
Phone:
(609) 853-6500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton
Address:
1 Hamilton Health Pl, Hamilton Township, NJ 08690
Phone:
(609) 586-7900
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
96.0%
Health Care Index:
79.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Princeton, NJ?
Princeton’s housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $924,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $2,275. Most homes are owner-occupied, vacancy rates are low, and the area has seen steady appreciation, making it attractive for both buyers and investors.
Median Home Price:
$924,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,275
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Princeton residents are served by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission in nearby Trenton, where they can handle driver licensing, registration, and vehicle services. The state’s DMV offers comprehensive resources both online and in person for local drivers.
State:
New Jersey
Department:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address:
225 E. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08666
Phone:
1-609-292-6500
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.