Mercer County

Mercer County, NJ, is a dynamic and thriving region known for its perfect mix of suburban living and proximity to major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and New York City. Home to charming towns like Princeton, West Windsor, and Lawrenceville, Mercer County offers a variety of housing options, from historic homes to modern developments. With excellent schools, renowned universities, scenic parks, and top-tier healthcare, it's an ideal place for families, professionals, and retirees. 

Overview

• Location: Central New Jersey, bordering Middlesex County (northeast), Somerset County (northwest), Hunterdon County (west), Burlington County (south), and Pennsylvania (west).
• Major Cities & Towns: Trenton (county seat), Princeton, Hamilton, West Windsor, Lawrence Township, Ewing, Robbinsville, Hopewell.
• Proximity to Major Cities:
  • Philadelphia: ~40 minutes
  • New York City: ~1-1.5 hours
  • Newark: ~1 hour

Real Estate & Housing

• Market Trends: Offers a range of affordable, mid-range, and high-end homes, from urban apartments to luxury estates.
• Popular Neighborhoods & Communities:
  • Princeton: Home to Princeton University, a historic and upscale area with excellent schools and culture.
  • West Windsor: A top suburban choice with a strong school system and easy train access to NYC.
  • Hamilton Township: One of NJ’s largest townships, offering affordable housing and great parks.
  • Lawrence Township: A mix of suburban and rural settings with strong schools.
  • Robbinsville: A growing area with new developments and a strong sense of community.
  • Hopewell: Known for its rural charm, historic sites, and highly rated schools.

Schools & Education

Mercer County is home to some of the best public and private schools in New Jersey.

• Top Public School Districts:

  • Princeton Public Schools
  • West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District
  • Hopewell Valley Regional School District
  • Robbinsville Public Schools
  • Lawrence Township Public Schools

• Higher Education:

  • Princeton University (Ivy League institution)
  • Rider University (Lawrence Township)
  • The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) (Ewing)
  • Mercer County Community College

Commuting & Transportation

• Highways:

  • I-295 & I-95: Connect Mercer County to Philadelphia and North Jersey.
  • NJ Turnpike (I-95): Provides direct access to NYC and South Jersey.
  • Route 1 & Route 130: Major commercial and commuter routes.

• Public Transit:

  • NJ Transit Northeast Corridor Line: Trains from Princeton Junction and Hamilton to NYC & Philadelphia.
  • Amtrak Service: Stops at Trenton Transit Center for long-distance travel.
  • NJ Transit Buses: Provide local and regional service.

• Airports:

  • Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN): Offers domestic flights.
  • Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): ~1-hour drive.
  • Philadelphia International Airport (PHL): ~45-minute drive.

Lifestyle & Amenities

• Parks & Outdoor Activities:

  • Mercer County Park: A massive park with trails, a lake, sports fields, and an ice rink.
  • Washington Crossing State Park: Historic site of George Washington’s famous Delaware River crossing.
  • Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park: Ideal for biking, jogging, and kayaking.
  • Sayen House & Gardens (Hamilton): Beautiful botanical gardens.

• Shopping & Dining:

  • Quaker Bridge Mall (Lawrence Township): Major retail shopping center.
  • Palmer Square (Princeton): High-end shopping and dining.
  • MarketFair (West Windsor): Mix of shopping, restaurants, and entertainment.

• Entertainment & Culture:

  • McCarter Theatre Center (Princeton): Live performances, concerts, and Broadway-caliber productions.
  • Grounds for Sculpture (Hamilton): A 42-acre outdoor art exhibit and museum.
  • Trenton Thunder Baseball: Minor league baseball team.
  • Old Barracks Museum (Trenton): A Revolutionary War historic site.

• Breweries & Wineries:

  • River Horse Brewing Company (Ewing): One of NJ’s top craft breweries.
  • Terhune Orchards & Winery (Princeton): Local wines, farm market, and seasonal festivals.
  • Working Dog Winery (Robbinsville): Scenic vineyard with wine tastings.