Right in the center between Philadelphia and New York, the borough of Hightstown in the township of East Windsor offers convenient access to big cities, without sacrificing the small-town feel. Hightstown was formerly a bustling railroad hub in the late 1800s, but the construction of the New Jersey Turnpike has transformed Hightstown into a commuter suburb with access to both Philadelphia and New York City within approximately an hour’s drive.
“It’s right off the turnpike in the center of New Jersey, which makes it really easy if you’re visiting another community or family or anything,” said Thomas Hutchinson, a Realtor with Hutchinson Homes Real Estate who lives in nearby East Windsor. “Normally, the draw to that area would be East Windsor, but Hightstown is slightly cheaper, and has a bit of a main street, small-town feel.”
Hightstown
Located in Mercer County
Varying homes within the borough
The homes in Hightstown vary based on the segment of the borough. In the northeast area around Town Center Road, new construction of traditional and craftsman-style homes provides classic suburban living, with well-lit sidewalks, tidy lawns, and self-contained streets where 3- to 4-bedroom houses may sell for between $550,000 and $600,000. Along North and South Main Street, through the heart of the borough, historic colonials and Victorian homes built in the 1800s may sell for around $400,000 for a 4-bedroom home. On the eastern end of the borough, simple 2- or 3-bedroom bungalows may sell for around $350,000.
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Public or private schools offer extracurriculars for everyone
Students in Hightstown may attend Perry L. Drew Elementary School, which also offers an optional extended childcare program and has been given a B grade from Niche. From there, they may attend Melvin H. Kreps Middle School, which has a B-minus rating and hosts several clubs and activities, including a “hidden talents” club that aims to help students discover an acuity they may not have known. At Hightstown High School, students can participate in a variety of music programs or hobby clubs. The school has an A-minus rating from Niche. The Peddie School, a private boarding school serving grades 9-12, is a prestigious institution that houses a free art gallery open to the public, a popular theater program, and a highly selective college preparatory academic program.
Peddie Lake provides access to local parks
A major feature of downtown Hightstown is Peddie Lake, which is popular for kayaking, canoeing, and scenic strolls. Hightstown Memorial Park, on the banks of the lake, is a popular destination for bird watching. A few blocks away, the one-block Association Park includes a playground, picnic area and basketball court. Residents who want to spend an afternoon exploring can drive around 5 miles to Turnpike Park, which features walking trails and a small playground.
Local flavor along Main Street
Main Street through the heart of Hightstown has a scattering of local restaurants with diverse choices of cuisine. Residents can sample the Reuben sandwiches and burgers at the Hightstown Diner, or the Jamaican jerk chicken and curry shrimp at Morgan’s Island Grill. Tavern on the Lake offers wings and drinks overlooking Peddie Lake, while Mannino’s 4 Pizza and Trattoria, in business since 1994, dishes up classic pies. Nearby East Windsor offers all the shopping outlets of a bustling town, including a Target, a 130 Farmers Market for fresh produce, an Aldi supermarket, and several clothing stores and chain restaurants.
Nearby East Windsor keep residents busy
Although Hightstown doesn’t have a lot of attractions within the neighborhood boundaries, nearby East Windsor is a bustling town with plenty to do. The Town Center Shopping Center, located just off US-130, is home to a Picture Show movie theater, which boasts on its website that it offers competitive food and ticket prices. The East Windsor Bowl and Recreation Center, just west of the neighborhood, includes a full bar and arcade and has a full menu of classics like wings and burgers as well as a menu of Indian dishes.
Close to Princeton, Philadelphia and New York
Hightstown is located immediately next to Interstate 95, also known as the New Jersey Turnpike, providing a direct line for travelers to get to Philadelphia to the south and New Rork City to the north. Residents can also take Route 130 to nearby Trenton, about 17 miles away, for access to the Trenton-Mercer Airport and the Trenton Amtrak station, or drive the 11 miles to nearby Hamilton for access to the Northeast Corridor commuter rail line to Newark or New York City. The Route 130 Connection bus has multiple stops within Hightstown, including one at the corner of Mercer and Rogers, and can connect riders to Hamilton Township in the south and Cranbury to the north. Princeton-Hightstown road connects the borough to the nearby city, and offers access to Princeton Hospital within 9 miles.
Written By
Jacob Adelhoch
Video By
Syd Silberman
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this area.
Agents Specializing in this Area
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Richard Abrams
Richard Abrams
Century 21 Abrams & Associates, Inc.
(609) 583-8104
391 Total Sales
4 in Hightstown
$259K - $625K Price Range
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John Wuertz
John Wuertz
BHHS Fox & Roach-Mt Laurel
(856) 242-7993
361 Total Sales
2 in Hightstown
$480K - $785K Price Range
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Thomas Hutchinson
Thomas Hutchinson
Hutchinson Homes Real Estate
(640) 222-0362
63 Total Sales
2 in Hightstown
$330K - $735K Price Range
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Michele Klug
Michele Klug
KELLER WILLIAMS TOWNE SQUARE
(908) 883-3374
781 Total Sales
1 in Hightstown
$425,000 Price
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Surekha Raghuram
Surekha Raghuram
Century 21 Abrams & Associates, Inc.
(848) 301-1031
66 Total Sales
2 in Hightstown
$263K - $320K Price Range
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Maria Garcia-Herreros
Maria Garcia-Herreros
BHHS Fox & Roach - Robbinsville
(267) 573-8343
85 Total Sales
2 in Hightstown
$405K - $545K Price Range
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
- K to 2nd
- Public
- 6th to 8th
- Public
- 9th to 12th
- Public
Hightstown Housing Trends
On average, homes in Hightstown, NJ sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Hightstown, NJ over the last 12 months is $435,000, up 18% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$450,000
Median Sale Price
$435,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$480,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$350,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
52
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
18%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$300
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes for Sale
12
Months of Supply
2.80
Open Houses
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Sunday, Jul 201 - 3pm
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Sunday, Jul 201 - 3pm
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Distribution of Home Values
Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
Weather
Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
25''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
61
/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
75
/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.