Princeton is a small Appalachian community united by growth
The common theme in Princeton is growth. With just under 6,000 people, it's similar to other southern West Virginia communities — with a low cost of living, abundant outdoor recreation opportunities and a long drive to major cities. Like much of the region, Princeton also suffered economically when the railroad industry dried up. But in recent years, a wave of revitalization has brought a vibrant arts scene to the once-empty downtown and encouraged a growing health-care industry at Princeton Community Hospital. "We're seeing growth — not only in the arts, not only in the health-care system, not only in the parks and recreation — it's all of it cumulatively," says City Manager Mike Webb. "Princeton is turning into a place where you don't have to go elsewhere to find what you need."
Lori McKinney, co-founder of The RiffRaff Arts Collective, agrees. "When I'm downtown, I feel like I could be in any major city, but it's all located in the middle of this small-town life," she says. "We are kind of like an oasis where people from any walk of life can find a place to fit in."
Hilly streets have homes from a variety of decades
Parts of Princeton's hilly streets feel like suburbia, with green lawns and sidewalk-lined streets. In other areas, expansive rural lots have space for backyard barns, tree swings and ATVs. At the center of town, American Foursquares, bungalows and National Folk properties date back to the early 1900s. Over the years, midcentury ranch-style homes and modern subdivisions have filled in the city's edges.
Homes needing renovations sell for under $70,000. From $80,000 to $200,000, homebuyers can find mostly older properties and manufactured homes. From $200,000 to $550,000, larger homes are freshly renovated or newly built. FirstStreet.org rates the area's flood risk as moderate, especially around Brush Creek.
Creativity, culture and community pride in a growing arts scene
Mercer Street Grassroots District is the heartbeat of the city's growing arts and culture scene. The main street's once-empty storefronts have come to life with galleries, a bookstore, a brewery and a toy shop. Residents can meet neighbors at open mic nights, try their hand at painting or sign kids up for ukulele lessons. Right across from a mural of books, the public library is housed in a renovated historic post office. "I'm looking out the window at all the murals and the beautiful banners and the flowers and the twinkling lights and seeing my friends walk across the street to the coffee house," says McKinney, who lives among Princeton's unique artist community. "We've got something really rare and special here — and we all know it," she says. Downtown events include First Friday street fairs and monthly car cruises. Culturefest showcases music and art from all over the world, and costumed fire dancers light up the street during Halloween's Monster Mash.
The district plans to keep growing, hoping to open the retro 1980s Renaissance Theater and a new museum in the coming years. Just down the road, the Chuck Mathena Center is another cultural cornerstone with a roster of theater, music, dance and other performing arts.
Mercer County schools have career-focused courses
Princeton Primary School serves kindergarten through second grade, and Mercer Elementary is for third through fifth grade. Both schools receive a B-minus from Niche. Princeton Middle School gets a C-plus, and Princeton Senior High School receives a B-minus. The high school offers career-focused courses in fields like automotive technology, healthcare and carpentry. According to Webb, locals enjoy supporting the school's sports teams. "People will turn out for Friday night football games, but they also turn up for Tuesday night volleyball," he says. Concord University, less than 10 miles away in Athens, is a popular choice for secondary education.
Upcoming park developments and exploring Appalachian forests
The City of Princeton is investing more than $10 million in a new community center and an outdoor wave pool, expected to open in 2026. Plus, Mercer County recently broke ground on The Ridges Sports Complex and Expo Center, a $100 million project that will add 12 ball fields and a commercial area right outside the city. These initiatives complement what the area already offers — neighborhood playgrounds, a public pool and shaded walking trails.
Residents can also reach multiple state parks within a 30-minute drive. Pipestem Resort State Park has views of the Bluestone River Gorge, a public golf course, zip lines, lakefront activities and fine dining. Camp Creek State Park is known for its waterfalls, and Bluestone State Park is popular for boating. When snow begins to fall, Winterplace is a go-to spot for skiing, snowboarding and tubing.
Old-school diners and diverse grocery options
Princeton has a variety of chain restaurants and some standout local diners. Jimmies Restaurant first opened in the 1920s and still serves daily dinner specials. Dolly's Diner is a newer addition to town, but it feels straight out of the 1950s, with neon lights and red vinyl booths. For groceries, there's Kroger, two Grant's IGA Supermarkets and a Walmart on the edge of town. Jim's Produce is a local favorite for farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, only open in the summer. About 10 minutes south, Mercer Mall has struggled in recent years with empty storefronts, but a Golden Ticket Cinemas opened there in 2025.
Big-city access and a growing healthcare industry
Interstate 77 and U.S. Route 460 are easily accessible for direct trips to neighboring cities. Bluefield is the closest option, just 10 miles away. Wytheville and Beckley are also less than 40 miles away. "It's such an accessible spot," McKinney says. "You are in the small town world, but then you can be in Charlotte in a 3-hour straight shot along 77. Roanoke and Charleston airports have international flights, just over 90 miles away.
Princeton Community Hospital is the largest employer in the region and is expanding after being integrated as a member of WVU Medicine. In 2025, the hospital broke ground on its new state-of-the-art campus in Bluefield.
Written By
Catherine Lashley
