10 Strong Reasons to Move to Mercer County, New Jersey – The 2025 Complete Guide10 Strong Reasons to Move to Mercer County, New Jersey – The 2025 Complete Guide
Discover everything you need to know about Mercer County, NJ—housing, jobs, schools, transport, and local life. See if this diverse and historic county fits your lifestyle.
Where Is Mercer County, New Jersey?
Right in the center of it all — literally.
Mercer County, New Jersey sits between New York City and Philadelphia, giving you access to both without the price tag or congestion of either. It’s home to Trenton (the state capital), Princeton University, and a mix of suburban towns, urban hubs, and countryside escapes.
Quick Snapshot:
- County Seat: Trenton
- Population: ~385,000
- Top Towns: Princeton, Hamilton, Lawrence, Ewing, Robbinsville
- Major Landmark: Princeton University
This is where ivy-covered walls meet real-world affordability.
Geography & Climate – Green, Accessible, and Beautiful
With rolling suburbs, riverfront views, and leafy neighborhoods, Mercer County is ideal for anyone who loves nature and city access.
Landscape Features:
- Delaware River border (to Pennsylvania)
- Mercer Meadows (biking, trails, wildlife)
- Suburban and semi-rural settings
- Proximity to both beaches and mountains
Seasonal Climate:
| Season | Avg Temp (°F) | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | 50–70 | Blooming & breezy  |
| Summer | 75–90 | Hot, with cool nights |
| Fall | 55–70 | Colorful foliage  |
| Winter | 25–40 | Light snow, chilly  |
Best Towns to Live in Mercer County
Looking for city life, campus vibes, or small-town charm? Mercer County has a place for everyone.
Top Towns & Lifestyles:
| Town/City | Vibe | Avg Home Price | Commute to NYC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Princeton | Historic, academic, elite | $950,000 | 60–75 min |
| Hamilton Twp | Suburban, family-focused | $420,000 | 60–75 min |
| Lawrence Twp | Quiet, upscale suburb | $480,000 | 60–70 min |
| Robbinsville | Newer developments, modern | $520,000 | 75–90 min |
| Ewing Twp | Affordable, student-friendly | $360,000 | 70–80 min |
| Trenton | Urban core, revitalizing | $250,000 | 60 min |
Princeton is luxury and learning. Hamilton is convenience and comfort. Robbinsville is newer and growing fast.
Jobs & Economy – Work Local, or Commute Easy
Mercer County offers great local jobs, but you’re also within reach of NYC, Philadelphia, and even the Jersey Shore tech belt.
Key Sectors:
- Education & Research (Princeton University, Rider, TCNJ)
- Government (Trenton = NJ State Capital)
- Healthcare (Capital Health, RWJ, Penn Medicine)
- Technology & Innovation
- Logistics & Warehousing (Amazon, FedEx, UPS hubs)
Income Stats:
- Median Household Income: ~$84,000
- Unemployment Rate: ~4.2%
- Thriving remote work and small business scene
Smart economy, educated workforce, and lots of opportunity—especially for young professionals and entrepreneurs.
Housing Market – Get More Without Losing Quality
Mercer County gives you great homes at prices far better than North Jersey or NYC, with options ranging from starter homes to million-dollar estates.
Real Estate Comparison:
| Town | Avg. Home Price | Avg. Rent (2BR) | Property Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Princeton | $950,000 | $2,800 | ~2.3% |
| Hamilton | $420,000 | $2,100 | ~2.2% |
| Lawrence | $480,000 | $2,200 | ~2.1% |
| Robbinsville | $520,000 | $2,400 | ~2.4% |
| Trenton | $250,000 | $1,600 | ~2.0% |
Great mix of affordability, space, and appreciation potential. Hamilton is a standout for first-time buyers.
Transportation – Location, Location, Commute
Mercer County is one of the most commuter-friendly counties in NJ with trains, highways, buses, and even an airport.
Transit & Travel Options:
- NJ Transit trains from Hamilton and Princeton Junction to NYC
- Amtrak service from Trenton to NYC/Philly/DC
- NJ Turnpike & I-295 cut through the county
- Mercer County Airport (TTN) for regional flights
- Bus services (NJ Transit, SEPTA, local shuttles)
You’re halfway between New York and Philly—with direct access to both.
Education & Public Schools – Elite to Everyday Excellence
Mercer County is a powerhouse when it comes to education, offering top public schools and elite universities.
Best School Districts:
- Princeton Public Schools
- West Windsor-Plainsboro (partially in Mercer)
- Lawrence Township Schools
- Hopewell Valley Regional
- Hamilton Township Schools
Colleges & Universities:
- Princeton University
- Rider University
- The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)
- Mercer County Community College
Top-tier education from preschool to PhD — no wonder the area attracts academics and families alike.
Healthcare Access – Safe, Advanced & Nearby
Mercer County offers high-quality healthcare options, from primary care to specialized surgery.
Top Providers:
- Capital Health (Regional Medical Center + Hopewell Campus)
- Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (Hamilton)
- Penn Medicine Princeton Health (nearby in Plainsboro)
- Multiple urgent care clinics and family practices
You won’t have to drive far for a top-rated hospital, no matter where you live.
Parks, Nature & Outdoor Fun
Mercer County is packed with green spaces, trails, lakes, and hidden gems for families, hikers, and anyone who just needs a break from the screen.
Must-See Outdoor Spots:
- Mercer County Park – 2,500 acres of trails, sports fields, and lakes
- Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park – great for walking & biking
- Sayen House & Gardens (Hamilton) – serene botanical gardens
- Rosedale Park – fishing, picnics, open fields
- Washington Crossing State Park
Suburban life doesn’t mean being stuck indoors. It means exploring whenever you want.
Dining, Shopping & Everyday Life
You’ll find a healthy mix of local gems and major retailers across Mercer County.
Where to Shop:
- Quaker Bridge Mall (Lawrence Twp)
- MarketFair Mall (Princeton)
- Downtown Princeton boutiques
- Trenton Farmers Market – fresh, local, year-round
What to Eat:
- Blue Point Grill (Princeton) – seafood excellence
- Italian Peoples Bakery (Trenton) – legendary pastries
- Chambers Walk (Lawrence) – bistro-style casual elegance
- TacoRito (Hamilton) – tacos worth the drive
Culture, Community & Diversity
Mercer County is a diverse and welcoming county, known for its rich culture, community pride, and events that bring people together.
- Multicultural population: Black, Latino, South Asian, Middle Eastern
- Active religious and cultural communities
- Events: Trenton Art All Night, Princeton JazzFeast, Hamilton Oktoberfest
- Thriving arts scene in Trenton and Princeton
- Family-friendly towns with excellent local services
Safety & Living Comfort
While Trenton’s core has higher crime rates, most of Mercer County is very safe, particularly in the suburbs.
| Town | Safety Score (1–10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Princeton | 2/10 | Very safe, well-patrolled |
| Hamilton | 3/10 | Safe, family-focused |
| Lawrence | 3/10 | Suburban and secure |
| Trenton | 6/10 | Improving in key areas |
Safety improves drastically as you move away from urban zones—suburbs are ideal for families and retirees.
Mercer County Snapshot
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Population | ~385,000 |
| Median Income | ~$84,000 |
| Median Home Price | ~$460,000 |
| Property Tax Rate (avg) | ~2.1% |
| Homeownership Rate | ~62% |
| Top School Rating | 9/10 (Princeton) |
Should You Move to Mercer County?
If you’re looking for:
- A blend of urban, suburban, and academic vibes
- Commute access to both NYC and Philly
- Great schools, healthcare, and lifestyle balance
- Reasonably priced homes in safe neighborhoods
Then Mercer County, New Jersey is absolutely worth considering.
Pros:
- Central location with elite schools
- Beautiful towns and countryside
- Top universities & healthcare
- Good for families, professionals, and retirees
Cons:
- Property taxes (welcome to NJ
) - Trenton still revitalizing in parts
- Car-dependent in most areas
External Resource
Visit the Official Mercer County Website for events, services, and county-wide updates.
Final Thoughts
Mercer County, New Jersey is what you get when you mix ivy league energy, suburban calm, and prime location into one livable, lovable place.
If you’re done with traffic, sky-high prices, or urban stress — but still want access to opportunity and culture — this county checks every box.
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