Princeton is a growing commuter hub on the Rum River
Split by the scenic Rum River, Princeton is a growing town of about 5,400 residents. Although the community got its start as a hub for agriculture and lumber, Princeton has adapted to accommodate commuters looking for a laid-back lifestyle within reach of the metro area. “We’re close enough to the Twin Cities, yet we still have maintained what I would call a small-town charm,” says Princeton City Administrator Michele McPherson. Many residents connect through volunteering with nonprofits, houses of worship and community groups. “Between the philanthropic attitude and the people power through all of the civic organizations, I think all that builds connections and support for new residents,” McPherson says. Mayor Jack Edmonds, a lifelong resident, says he’s seen Princeton change over the years. “We’re a growing community,” he says. “People can live out here and commute to the metro, and a lot of our residents do. We’re trying not to leave that small-town atmosphere behind.”
Home prices typically range from $200,000 to $400,000
Housing styles in Princeton range from early 20th-century farmhouses and Craftsman-style homes to midcentury cottages and ranch-style homes. Split-levels and new traditional builds began popping up on the market in the 1980s, and new construction continues today in subdivisions around town. Sidewalks line most residential streets, and homes tend to sit on roomy lots, even in the center of town. Fixer-uppers and smaller homes sell for $150,000 to $250,000, but most single-family homes go for $200,000 to $400,000. Townhouses sell for $200,000 to $350,000.
Kayaking, camping and fishing on the Rum River
The Rum River flows from Mille Lacs Lake and winds along the western edge of town. “It’s this scenic, wild river system and the main branch is deep enough for kayaking and canoeing. A lot of people take advantage of it,” McPherson says. Riverside Park takes full advantage of the waterway with campsites, a boat launch and fishing access. Mark Park, located downtown, is a favorite among families for its playground, splash pad, sports courts and ball fields. Snowmobiling and skiing are popular in the winter, but residents can ice skate year-round at the Princeton Ice Arena. Spring is the best time for wildlife spotting at Kunkel Wildlife Management Area, which is also a popular hunting ground for deer, bear, waterfowl and other game.
Career academies at Princeton High School
Princeton Public Schools serve the area and receive an overall B-minus grade from Niche. The district offers a Spanish immersion program with the option to start in Kindergarten or first grade. Princeton High School, rated B-minus, offers six career academies, where students can graduate with industry credentials and college credit.
Less than 60 miles to the Twin Cities
State Route 95 and U.S. Route 169 intersect in town, putting residents in a prime position to commute to nearby cities like St. Cloud, 30 miles west, and Cambridge, 20 miles east. Princeton is about 50 miles north of Minneapolis and roughly 60 miles from St. Paul and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. M Health Fairview Northland Medical Center offers emergency medical care in town.
Princeton is a regional shopping and dining destination
“Princeton still has a traditional downtown, but we’re a regional draw when it comes to retail and services because we have Walmart, we have banks, we have the hospital,” McPherson says. The town has fast-food restaurants, including a recently opened Culver’s, but residents support local sit-down spots like Merlin’s Family Restaurant, a Princeton institution for breakfast and lunch. “We have a huge philanthropic attitude from our businesses. We have a local nonprofit, Twice New Clothing and Treasures, and they run a retail store entirely on volunteers,” McPherson says. “They funnel close to $80,000 back into the community from donations that they sell.” The community has a weekly farmers market from May through October downtown, which continues monthly indoors from November through April.
Rum River Festival draws thousands to Princeton
One of Princeton’s biggest events is the Rum River Festival. “It’s a four-day event in June of every year that celebrates the community. We had close to 75,000 people come through town over the four days [in 2025],” McPherson says. During the winter, locals head to the fairgrounds for Light Up Princeton, which features a mini parade and a drive-thru light display. “It’s staffed by non-profits and local groups that then collect donations on behalf of a group or cause that’s near and dear to them,” Mayor Edmonds says. “It’s a way to fundraise in the wintertime when it’s really hard to otherwise.” The city also hosts the annual Millie Lacs County Fair every August.
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
