Princeton Apartments for Rent

About Princeton

Why rent an apartment in Princeton, NJ?

Princeton University: Whether you are a student, grad, faculty or staff, Princeton University is a top reason why many renters choose an apartment in Princeton. This Ivy League school attracts new residents from all over the world bringing together lots of interesting people.

Major Employers: Lots of big businesses make up the landscape around Princeton, many hoping to soak up the talent from recent grads. Perhaps you are seeking Princeton apartments near Black Rock Financial, Tyco and GE Healthcare Medical Diagnostics - all nicely positioned off of Alexander Road. SRI International, University Medical Center, ETS, and URS Corp (and others in Carnegie Center) are just a few of the large employers surrounding Princeton.

Private Rentals in Princeton, NJ

There is typically a decent selection of privately owned multi-family apartments in Princeton, along with single family homes and condos. But don’t expect them to be cheap. The price range for a 2-3 bedroom unit could be $1,600 to $4,000 per month. Still, this is a good option for some renters, particularly if you want to live with some space in the heart of Princeton.

Here are some common developments where you can find frequent rentals:

• Canal Pointe Townhomes – 2-3 bedroom homes off Alexander Road near US 1 near corporate center.
• Windsor Haven – (Attention NYC commuters) Walking distance to Princeton Junction Train Station!
• Montgomery Woods – Townhomes on the Rocky Hill side of Princeton

Note: Many privately owned Princeton apartments have limitation such as no parking, smoking or pets.

Things to do in Princeton

There is no reason to ever be bored when you make a Princeton, NJ apartment your new home. Your day may include renting a canoe to paddle around the canal, 18 holes at Springdale Golf Club or a live show at McCarter Theatre.

Renters can enjoy exploring many historical homes, strolling the many shops and eateries in Palmer Square, or discovering something at the Princeton Library. A few popular stops for a treat include House of Cupcakes, Small World Coffee and Thomas Sweet Ice Cream.

Need more ideas to fill an afternoon in Princeton?

• University Art Museum – dating back to 1882, holds nearly 100,000 works of art.
• Herrontown Woods Arboretum – There are lots of places to go for a hike but here you will discover 142 acres of pine forest filled with shrubs and flowers.
• Take a tour of Drumthwacket - the official home of the NJ governor.

Princeton Schools

Princeton has a highly regarded school system with several elementary schools rolling up to John Witherspoon Middle School and eventually Princeton High School. Some residents may choose to attend Princeton Day School or Princeton Montessori.

Shopping

You might be able to get most of your shopping done right in town at Palmer Square and many connecting streets loaded with high-end stores. Residents of Princeton Apartments who are serious shopping will find loads of other options along US 1 including Princeton Market Fair which has an AMC movie theater, The Square at West Windsor, Nassau Park Pavilion and Quaker Bridge Mall. Princeton is a shopper’s paradise.

Public Transportation

If you are thinking of commuting to New York while renting an apartment in Princeton, your best option will likely be to take a train. Residents can hop the Dinky train at the Princeton Station which is a short shuttle ride to the Princeton Junction Station. Residents can walk to Princeton Station and there is also some parking for those living further away.

The trip from Princeton Junction Station to NYC will be just under an hour if you catch an express. There are usually seats available. Renters will want to get a rail pass for regular travel to save money.

You can also use the NJ Transit to reach Philadelphia but it will take much longer as you have to switch to a SEPTA train in Trenton.

Princeton has a few bus options to get around town. Tiger Transit offered by the university has a fixed route and is free. Apartment dwellers can also use Princeton’s freeB bus service to numerous neighborhoods.

Tips for living in Princeton

The cost of living in Princeton is about 62% higher than the rest of the nation, so expect to pay a little more for dining out and services.

The Princeton Junction Station has a lottery for parking spaces so don’t plan to drive there if you are a commuter.

If you can’t find a rental here, check out the Princeton Packet online newspaper, packetonline.com.

Alternatives to a Princeton, NJ apartment

If you can’t find the right Princeton apartment there are some other options. West Windsor just to the south is a popular area with many rental options and access to the NJ Transit train. Plainsboro has many apartments plus you can hop the Tiger Transit bus to university (or the train). Hamilton has its own train stop with lots of parking just south of Princeton. Rocky Hill, Hopewell and Ewing Township are a few of the other surrounding towns with lots of rental options.

Bottom Line

Princeton is a wonderful place to live filled with history, college vibe, big business and recreation. Living in a Princeton apartment will not be cheap but there are lots of places to stay outside of Princeton if you need to save a few bucks. Also note that when you choose and apartment in Princeton, NJ getting around is doable but not always the easiest. For the most satisfying experience, find a rental close to your destination such as the university, train station or employer.

A post office in Princeton is located at 20 Palmer Square East. The phone number is 609-921-9563.

The following chart shows the average rent for an apartment in Princeton, NJ and nearby cities: