Princeton, NJ

With a history dating well before the American Revolution and a University established in 1746, Princeton embodies some of the most gripping aspects of the birth of our nation. The borough of 18.4 square miles was settled in the late 1600s as Stony Brook and remained a sleepy village until the establishment of the university, originally called the College of New Jersey.

The University played a pivotal role in the founding of our country. Two signers of the Declaration of Independence – John Witherspoon and Richard Stockton – are honored with statues on campus. The 1777 Battle of Princeton, when General George Washington drove back the British, turned the tide toward victory.

The main area of Princeton revolves around Nassau Street. Lined with shops and restaurants, it extends the length of Princeton from its border with Kingston to Lawrence. On Nassau is
Morven Mansion, home to NJ governors for forty years. Slightly further along is Drumthwacket, which has been the governor’s mansion since 1982.

What We Love About Princeton

● Busy during the school term and quiet and relaxing all summer long.
● Filled with things to see and do, from the University Art Museum to historic sites and cemeteries where you may recognize a name or two.
● Albert Einstein’s house on Mercer Street. Is there another person so closely associated with Princeton?
● The Dinky, a train that operates seven days a week to bring riders from town to the main train line in Princeton Junction.

Lifestyle

Residents of Princeton have so many options in terms of where they live and the type of lifestyle they’d like. University performing and studio arts events are open to the public. McCarter Theatre brings well-known performers to the borough and hosts its annual version of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

Princeton’s Public Library anchors the plaza on Witherspoon Street, where visitors can grab a book and a snack from one of the many restaurants on the plaza and along Witherspoon Street.

Carnegie Lake, which for years hosted Olympics rowing trials, still hosts university sports events. The Delaware and Raritan Canal provides seasonal kayak and canoe rentals. Nassau
Swim Club hosts swimming and diving teams. Broadmead Swim Club, smaller and quieter, is a family-friendly spot to swim and picnic.

Twenty parks within the Borough offer recreation, including tennis, basketball, picnicking and a spray pad for hot summer days. The Princeton Recreation Department offers adaptive programs for children, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities. Adult chair fitness, sports leagues and a community garden round out the offerings for all abilities.