Cultured suburb with modern housing, less than 10 miles from Princeton University
Less than 10 miles east of a bustling Ivy League university, Princeton Meadows shares the cultured energy that its name implies. While its know for its parks and creative restaurants, the area also contains a quieter residential scene, known for winding streets with cul-de-sacs and sprawling homes on wide, grassy lots. “You can think of these cities surrounding Princeton as having the feel of the Washington D.C. area. They’re very suburban,” says Charlie Wu, a Realtor with Queenston Realty and a local since 2004. “Versus downtown, where the lots are smaller and they’re taking down single-owner homes to put up multi-family housing.” About 15,000 people live in this part of Middlesex County, and the median age is 35. “Most of my clients come here for the educational opportunities, but there are lots of pharmaceutical companies like Bristol Meyers and Johnson & Johnson,” says Wu. “There are also lots of financial companies.”
Known for its winding cul-de-sacs and spacious homes, Princeton Meadows provides a peaceful retreat while still being close to the academic and professional opportunities of Princeton.
Unlike the denser downtown Princeton area, Princeton Meadows maintains a more suburban feel, with expansive lawns and single-family homes replacing the multi-family developments of the city center.
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Townhomes from abou5 585,000
Homes have a median price of $585,000, putting them well above the national median. Three-bedroom townhomes are some of the most common units found here. But from $700,000 and up into the million-dollar range, there are modern traditional homes. Some of these are contemporary construction from the 2020s, recognizable from their stark white siding. Many others are from the 1990s and have colonial influences, like covered front porches. Planned subdivisions are often the way housing styles are grouped: for example, newer construction is found in the Regency at Cranbury or in Serenity Walk off Dey Road. Models from the 90s are found in the Gentry subdivision on the east side.
Townhomes are a popular choice in Princeton Meadows, offering a blend of affordability, convenience, and modern living within a suburban setting.
With strong property values and a mix of new and classic homes, Princeton Meadows continues to be a sought-after market for homebuyers in Middlesex County.
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West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District gets an A-plus
Realtors mention that many homebuyers know that the suburbs of Princeton have all-star public schools. Students in Princeton Meadows can attend West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District, which earns an A-plus from Niche. Princeton University is a magnet for computer science, economics and international affairs majors, but it’s known just as much for its historic architecture.
Homebuyers in Princeton Meadows are often drawn to the area for its top-rated schools, with the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District earning an A-plus rating from Niche.
Princeton University, famous for its stunning historic architecture, also serves as an intellectual hub, attracting scholars and professionals to the area
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Enjoying nature at Plainsboro Preserve
Having a university nearby also means having public spaces within easy reach. “Battlefield State Park isn’t your usual sense of a park. There’s a canal where people can kayak and canoe. It has plenty of trails for hikers and bikers,” says Wu. “It’s next to the Institute for Advanced Study, where Einstein used to live.” Closer to home, the Quail Ridge Dog Park is a small gathering spot, while Morris Davison Park has a playground, paths and sport facilities. The Meadows at Middlesex has an 18-hole golf course that weaves through the center of town and connects with homes. For intrepid hikers, Plainsboro Preserve on the north side offers over 1,000 acres of pristine nature and a 50-acre lake.
For dog owners, Quail Ridge Dog Park provides a cozy community space, while Morris Davison Park features a playground, walking paths, and sports facilities.
Nature lovers will appreciate Plainsboro Preserve, which spans over 1,000 acres and includes a serene 50-acre lake, perfect for wildlife observation and hiking.
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Shopping and dining in Princeton Meadows
It might seem that the suburbs of Princeton would contain chain eateries only, but Wu says they actually have creative restaurant scenes. Just off Plainsboro Road, the Big Bazaar Farmers Market is placed next to Indian, Japanese and Thai restaurants. Bagel Street Grill shares the shopping center and is a reliable standby for breakfast. On the west side, there are more international flavors and even national franchises, especially around Schalks Crossing Road. There’s a specialty supermarket for Asian goods as well as a CVS.
Known for its fresh, hand-rolled bagels, Bagel Street Grill serves up classic breakfast sandwiches, hearty lunch options, and a variety of spreads.
Princeton Meadows features a Korean-American supermarket that carries a variety of Japanese, Chinese, and Korean staples, including fresh seafood, marinated meats, and an extensive selection of noodles and sauces.
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Commuting to NYC, Philadelphia by car and train
As a suburban city, Princeton Meadows is geared toward cars. It’s possible to drive 50 miles, or about an hour, to Philadelphia or New York City. Many commuters, though, travel by train through Princeton Junction. Well-maintained sidewalks encourage walking throughout the area's neighborhoods. Princeton Hospital is less than 4 miles away. The closest major airport is Newark Liberty, about 40 miles away.
An uptick in property crimes
New Jersey State Police report that Middlesex Borough saw an uptick in overall crime from 2021 to 2022. Increased property crime contributed to the change.
Written By
Paul Spencer
Photography Contributed By
Suzi Schirm
Video By
Chris Norton
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rohan Shende,
an experienced agent in this area.
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.
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On average, homes in Princeton Meadows, NJ sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Princeton Meadows, NJ over the last 12 months is $453,000, down 23% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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