Small, rural town with access to major metro areas
Fifty miles southwest of New York City, Montgomery offers single-family homes with rustic, small-town seclusion. "The township is known for being family-oriented and tucked away with excellent schools," says Kostyantyn Kashchanov, a Realtor with Exp Realty with over 6 years of experience. "You get peace and quiet, but you're also near everything you need." Many residents commute to work; U.S. Route 206 provides easy access to neighboring Princeton and metro hubs like Newark, Trenton and Jersey City. "The main selling point is it's a family-oriented town," says Kashchanov. "If you're looking for less hustle and bustle, I would definitely suggest Montgomery."
Planned subdivisions and secluded Colonial estates
Montgomery's homes are diverse, dating from the 18th century through today; most were built during the late 20th century and early 2000s. "You're mostly going to find Colonial styles from the '80s and '90s," Kashchanov says. "It's a mix of suburbia and rural farms."
Single-family Colonial Revivals are often set in planned subdivisions along narrow streets lined with sidewalks and mature trees; dormer windows and board-and-batten shutters are typical features, while covered porches and attached garages are desirable additions. Larger Colonial estates sit atop private driveways with space between neighbors. "Some of them have pretty sizable acreage," Kashchanov says. Acre-sized lots allow for additions like detached workshops or barns. "The major housing developments have public utilities, but some properties on larger acreage have oil heating, septic tanks and private wells. It's just a part of living a little further away."
The median home price in Montgomery is about $980,000, compared to the national median of $415,000. "Prices are on the higher end, but what you're getting is the location," Kashchanov says.
Montgomery Township School District receives high marks from Niche
Montgomery is part of the Montgomery Township School District, which serves about 4,500 students and is rated A overall by Niche. Several of the district's schools have been recognized as National Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence, including Montgomery High, which is also ranked the best public high school in Somerset County.
Forests, farmland and pocket parks
Much of Montgomery is farmland and forest, so residents can always escape into nature at a moment's notice. "You get a lot of trees, parks, trails, hills and streams — a little bit of everything," Kashchanov says. "There are a few big-name parks that people love." The 250-acre Skillman Park is the go-to green space for a picnic or walk along the paved, 2-mile Skillman Park Loop. Anglers can cast their lines in Sylvan Lake for bluegill, rainbow trout and largemouth bass, while birdwatchers may spot over 100 species, including American pipits, dark-eyed juncos and chimney swifts. Nearby, Montgomery Veterans Park offers playing fields, basketball courts and softball diamonds. There are also dozens of other pocket-sized green spaces throughout the township, including Bessie Grover Memorial Park with a playground and the Montgomery Arboretum, where parkgoers can explore over 150 species of plants and trees.
Casual dining and daily essentials
Shopping and dining are limited, but residents can generally find their daily essentials in town. "You'll find simple grocery shopping in Montgomery," Kashchanov says. Along U.S. Route 206, there's a ShopRite for groceries and a handful of small businesses and casual eateries. Residents can start the morning at Princeton Cafe with a latte or head next door to Bagel Barn & Deli for pastries and sandwiches. Nearby, Tito's Deli & Taco Place serves tortas, tamales and tacos, while Alfonso's Pizzeria has been the go-to spot for a New York- or Sicilian-style slice since 1973. For an evening out, The Tiger's Tale is a laid-back bar and restaurant with rustic pub food, like the oven-baked cordon bleu with smoked ham and Swiss cheese. About 5 miles away, the Pennsylvania Dutch Farmers Market offers locally sourced produce, meats and dairy.
Annual festivities
In May, residents celebrate Spring Fling by dressing in white and tossing colored powder in the air, accompanied by live music. There's also the Strawberry Festival in June, which has been a Montgomery tradition for over 50 years, hosted by Boy Scout Troop 46. The festival includes games, dancing and plenty of locally sourced strawberries served with ice cream and angel food cake.
Commuting from Montgomery
Route 206 passes through Montgomery, offering a direct route to neighboring Princeton and connecting access to New York City, 50 miles away. NJ Transit buses stop in Montgomery, and the Princeton Junction Station is 10 miles away with service to NYC. "Princeton Junction is the best mode to commute," Kashchanov says. "A lot of people don't mind having to drive to the train station, if it means having a home they love in Montgomery" Princeton Hospital is 8 miles away, and Newark Liberty International Airport is 39 miles away.
