Princeton is an attractive town, for a variety of reasons. In general, people tend to love the university town for the beauty of its campus, the robust town center, and its geographic location situated halfway between New York and Philadelphia. For those who live here, they often come for a job, post-graduate work or the schools. But once they arrive, they tend to find there are many reasons to stay.
What are some of Princeton’s strongest attractions? We put out a survey and asked our locals to tell us what they love most. From leaders to layman, many shared their thoughts. Whether it is food or drink, outdoor spaces or the deep history, there are a variety of reasons this town is loved.
“What truly makes Princeton special is its people,” shares Christopher Tash, Chief of Police at Princeton Police Department. “They are warm, welcoming, and very engaged in the community. Princeton offers something for everyone—whether it’s walking the Princeton University campus, shopping at local stores, or dining at the many restaurants. Having lived here when I was younger and being a part of the community my entire life, I can confidently say Princeton is a wonderful town and community.”
It is the people that contribute most to making the town and community, and 21% of locals that responded to our survey indicated it is the diversity of those people that makes Princeton most unique and special. People come here from around the world, often to learn or work in industries such as pharmaceutical, education or sci-tech. Beyond those transplanted for a job, there are immigrants, both documented and undocumented, who come to be near others from their former communities. This population brings with it diversity of thought, socioeconomics, education, ethnic influences and more. Due to the presence of Princeton University, Institute for Advanced Study and Princeton Theological Seminary, town tends to be filled with brilliant minds. Many love that about Princeton! These geniuses could be anywhere and most just go about their day, like everyone else. As one respondent said, “You can stand in line and be next to a Nobel Laureate!”
The university town, to many, also offers a small town feel with the bonus of city-type amenities. The opportunity of having much within walking distance and plenty to see and do, has many loving Princeton.
“For us we love that it is walkable, and it is safe for families. High schoolers like to gather with friends. There is always something to do, watch or participate in and around town. People are kind and town is small,” a local expressed.
Walking around in the less inundated areas of town are also a highlight to many. Whether it’s just around one’s neighborhood or to the local recreation areas like Grover Park. Princetonians also love heading into the natural areas like Herrontown Woods, Witherspoon Woods or Pettoranello Gardens.
Such activity outdoors can make one quite hungry, and locals have their go-to restaurants and eateries for sure. Conte’s topped the list with many loving their pizza pies. Blue Point Grill is also a favorite, from the oysters to the Chilean sea bass and grilled shrimp. Their sides are also beloved. One thing is for sure, our readers love the ethnic variety of cuisine around town including Thai, Indian and Latin American.
“I am a dedicated foodie who loves to indulge in new culinary experiences. Some of my guilty go-tos in Princeton include Cross Culture, Nomad, Conte’s, and yes, in the great ice cream debate, I am a the Bent Spoon fan. I love to marry salty and sweet flavors,” shares Princeton Public Schools Interim Superintendent, Kathie Foster.
If it’s just a drink one is craving, Small World Coffee seems to have a market on options that satisfy. Coffee, Scarlet Palmer Iced Tea, Iced London Fog and the hot chocolate are some of the most loved. Hot chocolate, either regular or spicy, is also a hit from the Bent Spoon. When it comes to adult beverages, Kristine’s is a top choice for its Cosmopolitan, French Martini and French 75. Some also love the beers at Triumph and the sangria made at Mediterra.
If one is in town, they might also take a moment to stop at their favorite shop. Princeton Record Exchange is loved for its selection of music and new vinyl options. jaZams, whether for gifts or just fun, is another top choice. For more gift choices (for both oneself and others!), our survey respondents shared they love to go to Dandelion, Toobydoo, The Museum Store, Princeton Makes, Faherty and Homestead.
But what about when others come to visit? Besides the great downtown, what is the #1 place our readers recommend visitors go? 45% of respondents said it must be Princeton University.
“Enter Princeton University’s Campus at the Nassau Hall entrance. Meander, read monuments, and take a moment to meditate at the breath-taking Princeton Chapel,” shared a resident.
The beautiful campus, Nassau Hall itself and notably Princeton University Art Museum (when it reopens) are also of strongest suggestion. Additionally, there are off-campus sites that enhance the municipality that many love to share when one comes to town, such as the homes of Albert Einstein and Paul Robeson, as well as McCarter Theatre.
“Princeton is an amazing place; it is full of culture, has a lively atmosphere, and is surrounded by natural beauty,” says Princeton Symphony Orchestra Conductor and Musical Director, Rossen Milanov. “I look forward to the Princeton Festival on the grounds of Morven Museum & Garden each June.”
Morven, former home of Richard Stockton, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and then to five New Jersey governors, is an historic site that is unique to Princeton. In this town, there are many other locations and stories that also help it stand apart. Nearly 25% of those that responded to our survey shared Princeton Battlefield is the historic spot they love most. Site of the Battle of Princeton and a turning point of the American Revolution, there are monuments to read there, reenactments through the year and the original home of Thomas Clarke. Locals also shared some lesser-known chronicles of the past that they love about Princeton.
“I love learning about the African American history of Princeton. Beyond Paul Robeson, I don’t think enough people are aware of Black Princeton history,” one stated. Another reminds us of “the story behind the stars below certain Princeton University campus dorm windows commemorating alumni who died serving our country.”
Beyond the sites and stories like those mentioned, available to all, there are also the personal histories that are created by those who have spent a lifetime in Princeton. Princeton Council President Mia Sacks is a 3rd generation Princetonian. It is her family’s lineage and what has been experienced here that creates an unbreakable love of Princeton for her.
“Because my family’s history has been so shaped by this town, living in Princeton is a frequently nostalgic, sometimes bittersweet, experience for me. I have memories going back to childhood on almost every street. My grandmother loved trees and many of the ones she planted around town are still thriving. When I drive along Washington Road, it reminds me of the magical hospital fete that happened in June every year, and I miss it. I also miss all the family-owned shops along Nassau Street that no longer exist,” Sacks recalls. “One thing I appreciate about our town is that people do not dress ostentatiously. I have clogs from Hulits and wool sweaters from Landaus that I bought decades ago, and still wear.”
And she is likely not the only one! Maybe you can pull out your old clogs or sweater this winter next time you head out for your favorite bite, for a walk in the woods or simply to experience all one could love about Princeton.
Lisa Jacknow spent years working in national and local news in and around New York City before moving to Princeton. Working as both a TV producer and news reporter, Lisa came to this area to focus on the local news of Mercer County at WZBN-TV. In recent years, she got immersed in the Princeton community by serving leadership roles at local schools in addition to volunteering for other local non-profits. In her free time, Lisa loves to spend time with her family, play tennis, sing and play the piano. A graduate of the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, Lisa was raised just north of Boston, Massachusetts but has lived in the tri-state area since college. She is excited to be Editor and head writer for Princeton Perspectives!