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tampa_jose housing

First time home buyer in Princeton

I work in insurance and Crime rate is something to consider -Princeton sits at 288.7 per 100K. With a population of 20,966, Princeton is a small town. Median household income is $96,766, which feels pretty solid for the area. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
5 upvotes

4 Replies

Brielle Flores
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:

Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in East. It's better than expected for what you get.

Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.

People: Generally decent. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.

Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like BBQ.

Good luck with whatever you decide..
26 upvotes
Isabella R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a chef, 39, moved here 3 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Midtown and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The traffic situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for retirees. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: More affordable, family-friendly.

**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.

**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Portland, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.

**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
20 upvotes
Wyatt Foster
noted, appreciate it
19 upvotes
Serenity Allen
Totally agree!
18 upvotes
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