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.