Princeton offers small-town vibes between Selma and Goldsboro
Princeton is a small Johnston County town, less than 50 miles outside Raleigh. It’s known for its tight-knit public schools and mom-and-pop shops where customers are treated like family. Its access to U.S. Highway 70 draws commuters who work in nearby cities but want to come home to the peaceful countryside. Properties range widely, from century-old bungalows near the center of town to newer builds and luxury properties on generous parcels of land. Add a variety of recreational activities and weekend getaways to the beach, and you can see why Princeton is a growing choice for homebuyers and homebuilders.
From bungalows downtown to ranch-style homes surrounded by farms
Like many rural communities, Princeton’s housing stock includes many midcentury ranch-style homes and manufactured homes that sit along winding country roads between farms and patches of undeveloped land. But you’ll find early 20th-century farmhouses, bungalows and cottages lining small blocks downtown. If you’re looking for a newer home, recently developed subdivisions, such as Cloverdale Farm and Gander Lake, feature transitional new construction. Meanwhile, custom waterfront luxury homes dot the popular Lakeview Estates community. Lots vary widely in size, ranging from under a quarter of an acre to several acres.
Home prices range from entry-level to luxury
The median sale price in Princeton is around $320,000, which is on par with Goldsboro's median but much lower than Smithfield's. Here’s how home prices break down by type:
- Most houses fall between the mid-$100,000s and the lower $500,000s.
- However, high-end waterfront properties can reach the mid- to upper $900,000s.
- Manufactured homes range from the lower $100,000s to the mid-$300,000s.
Townhouses rarely go on the market. Only one two-bedroom unit was sold in the lower $200,000s in recent years.
A highly rated elementary school and a combined middle and high school
Johnston County Schools is highly rated and serves over 37,000 students across more than 40 schools. Many students in Princeton are zoned to Princeton Elementary School, which earns high marks, and Princeton Middle/High School, which offers sixth through 12th grade on one campus. “The high school classes have like 100-something students. It’s a very small community,” says Amy Stanley, a Realtor with LPT Realty, who adds that Friday night football is a big deal around here. Families interested in other district schools can request a reassignment, provided their school of choice has space available.
Highway 70 links Princeton to nearby cities and job hubs
U.S. Highway 70 passes through Princeton, connecting commuters to larger towns and cities. Popular destinations include:
- Smithfield, which is less than 12 miles away (or 14 to 22 minutes)
- Goldsboro, which is about 14 miles away (or 16 to 20 minutes)
- Clayton, which is nearly 24 miles away (or 24 to 35 minutes)
- Raleigh, which is around 42 miles away (or 40 to 55 minutes)
“A lot of military people choose Princeton because they may be assigned to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro. It’s an easy commute,” Stanley says.
Locally owned stores and restaurants anchor Princeton’s downtown
Princeton’s humble downtown features locally owned businesses and restaurants that fill historic storefronts along South Center and West Edwards streets. You can pop into True Value Community Hardware to pick up tools and gardening supplies, then stop by Woodard Drug Store, a local favorite since 1943. “Everybody loves the hardware store and the pharmacy. They give back to the community. They know your name when you walk in,” Stanley says. Milltown Java is the spot for coffee and croissants. Across the street, Oli and Eli’s Grill serves American fare for breakfast and lunch. Food Lion, Family Dollar and Dollar General are in town, but for big-box and name-brand shopping, you’ll need to head to Goldsboro, Smithfield or Selma. “Selma just added Eastfield Crossing, which has Target, Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse and Hobby Lobby,” Stanley says.
Town parks, river access and trips to the Crystal Coast
The town offers a handful of places to enjoy the outdoors. At Ray M. Floors Community Park, you can step along a walking track that loops around a playground. Nearby, youth athletes step up to bat at Princeton Little Tarheels League Athletic Field. You can enjoy a hot summer day by the pool at Hatfield’s High Dive, or if fishing is more your speed, there are several public boat ramps along the Neuse River. More adventure is about 26 miles away at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, which features campsites and hiking trails. Plus, a weekend trip to the Crystal Coast is easy, with Morehead City about 110 miles away (roughly a 2-hour drive).
