$323,787Average Value$184Average Price per Sq Ft62Homes For Sale
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 in 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.
Downtown Princeton has small town charm and features local shops and restaurants.
Princeton's NC's Just Gifts Gift Shop is a local favorite for fun finds and ice cream.
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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.
Developments filled with New Traditional homes are common in Princeton.
Princeton offers residents the perks of suburban developments along with rural small town charm.
Most of the homes in Princeton were built after 1990.
Princeton's homes are often surrounded by well-manicured lawns and landscaping.
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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.
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.
The average single family home in Princeton is around 1,800 sq ft.
Large New Traditional homes with attached garages can be found in Pricneton.
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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.
Princeton Elementary School has just over 700 students.
Princeton Middle/High receives an A-minus on Niche for its sports programs.
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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.
Princeton residents can find fresh local produce at WDW Strawberry Farm.
Princeton residents enjoy coffee at Milltown Java in the downtown strip.
Miltown Java is the go to for a hot cup of coffee and a pastry in Princeton.
Downtown Princeton's Woodard Drug store has an old school soda fountain.
Residents of Princeton can head to Woodard Drug Store for basic needs or an ice cream.
Princeton offers an eclectic mix of shops and cuisine.
Community Hardware True Value is located in downtown Princeton.
Most people in the Princeton do their grocery shopping at Food Lion.
Family Dollar and Dollar Tree share a side by side space convenient to Princeton residents.
Dollar General is a popular place to shop for everyday needs in Princeton, NC.
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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 awaits about 26 miles away at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, which features campsites and hiking trails. A weekend trip to the Crystal Coast is easy, too, with Morehead City about 110 miles away (roughly a 2-hour drive).
Ray M. Floors Community Park has a playground for the children of Princeton.
Princeton Little Tar League Field has 4 baseball fields.
Princeton Veteran's Memorial serves as a monument to locals that have served in the military.
Princeton locals can fish by the dam at Holts Pond.
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Written By
DeeVa Payne
Photography Contributed By
Bryan Regan
Video By
Edward Pokoj
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Samantha Digiovanni,
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Princeton, NC sell after 88 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Princeton, NC over the last 12 months is $320,990, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Positioned right on the Wayne/Johnston County line, this 2.083-acre tract offers the perfect blend of rural privacy and everyday convenience. Located in the highly regarded Rosewood School District, it's an ideal setting for anyone looking to build a custom home, start a small homestead, or simply enjoy extra space to spread out.
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MOVE-IN READY!! ASK ABOUT $5,000 IN BUILDER PAID CLOSING COSTS!! ADDITIONAL $5,000 FOR MILITARY/VETERANS!! Enjoy easy, low-maintenance living with the charm and character of a classic front porch neighborhood in the thoughtfully designed McAllister Plan at Pinecroft. From the welcoming covered front porch to the beautifully crafted interior, this home offers the perfect blend of Southern-inspired
2026 Johnston County Parade of Homes Winner! MOVE-IN READY!! Enjoy easy, low-maintenance living with the charm and character of a classic front porch neighborhood in the beautifully designed Hastings Plan at Pinecroft. From the inviting covered rocking chair porch to the thoughtfully crafted interior, this home blends timeless Southern-inspired style with modern comfort and convenience. The
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A RARE OPPORTUNITY to own a piece of PRINCETON HISTORY with ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES! Known for years as the beloved Gurley House and Titia's Garden, this EARLY 1900s property once served as a well-known WEDDING VENUE and now offers the perfect blend of HISTORIC CHARACTER, BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS, and FLEXIBLE USE potential on approximately 1.4 ACRES in the highly sought-after PRINCETON SCHOOL
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COMING SOON!! The Raley floor plan at Pinecroft offers a perfect balance of elegance and everyday livability. The spacious family room features a fireplace with mantle, creating a warm and inviting space for gathering and relaxing. The solid stone kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, an over-the-range microwave, and an undermount sink, combining style and functionality. The
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The Brandon II Plan - One-Story Comfort with No City Taxes! Welcome to this lovely, one-story, Private split bedroom layout that blends style, space, and functionality ~ Enjoy quiet mornings and evening breezes on the massive front porch OR covered back patio, Step inside to a spacious family room featuring a corner fireplace and vaulted ceiling~The open kitchen is a standout with granite
Property Id: 2336700This Charming 1,288 Sq Ft Home Offers 3 Bedrooms And 2 Bathrooms, Perfect For Comfortable Living. It Features An Updated Kitchen With Modern Appliances, Flooring And Stylish Bathrooms, All In Neutral Tones That Create A Welcoming Atmosphere. Natural Light Fills The Interior, Enhancing Its Warmth And Openness. Enjoy A Front Porch And A Rear Deck That Is Ideal For
Nice townhome in a quiet neighborhood nestled in the back of the subdivision. Recently renovated with stone countertops and appliances including a dishwasher. Great community with outstanding schools and community activities for everyone.
Walk up to this covered front porch and be immediately captivated by the southern charm of this spacious 3 bedroom 2 bath farm house. The first-floor living design features new luxtury vinyl flooring, open kitchen & living space, enormous bedrooms with ceiling fans, bright mudroom/laundry with sink & storage cabinets. Enjoy the farm land views from the covered back porch. Lots of yard space for
First month rent free with 24 month lease. Immaculately maintained home in the sought-after Gander Lake community. This well-kept property offers an easy-to-navigate floor plan featuring 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Enjoy outdoor living with a fully fenced backyard and covered back porch, perfect for relaxing or entertaining.
With a bright, 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch-style home w/spacious 2 car garage and driveway for ample parking space. Enjoy relaxing on the front porch or entertaining guests on the screened porch overlooking the fenced yard. This home is perfect for those seeking a comfortable and convenient living space in a desirable location. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make this house your new
Available July 1. This beautifully maintained home offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and just under 3,300 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed living space. Built with comfort and functionality in mind, the open floor plan flows seamlessly, making it perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen features a large island ideal for gatherings, while the generously sized living
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