What's the difference between living in Princeton borough vs. the township? (rent, homes)

[mari70]

My husband and I with our two kids were thinking about looking into Princeton. It seems like a very exciting and interesting town. The problem is we don't know which area to look into. We have two young kids so schools are important. What is the difference living between these two areas. Is one better than the other?

[jerseyj]

Mari-Interesting question.
First thing, I don't think one is better than the other.
The Boro is quite small, comprised of older homes, close to the University, and the downtown. The township sprawls around the area, some of it walkable to the town, some not. The bigger homes tend to be in the township, although they are tearing down some of the Boro homes to build "in town" huge homes. A Boro controversy.
The Boro and the Township have different governing bodies but they share a great regional school district.
I don't think either one would disappoint you.

[Fairfax Mom]

I think the Boro is more "old money" and prestigious - but all of Princeton is pretty good. But watch out - they had some recent gang activity in Princeton believe it or not. If you go to NJ.com they have forums on mostly all the towns in NJ - they have one on Princeton too.

[Viralmd]

And there are, I believe, more taxes for one than for the other. I lived in the township. Really liked it.

[becauseimthemom]

We live in the Boro. and enjoy the proximity to all the town has to offer. Our kids are 7-8 yrs old --just getting strong enough to walk up WITHERSPOON St. to town, have fun, and still have enough energy to walk back the 8-10 small blocks home.
We live about 300 steps to our elementary school and we LOVE THAT.
To buy in PR Boro or Twnship is very expensive-- heck, just to LIVE in PR is expensive.
There are many young families we know that rent their homes (also duplexes, some apts.) We have a choice to move west for a job but we stay here for our kids to grow up amidst the history and nature here.