Life in Trenton, NJ (Newark, Princeton: real estate, crime, house)

[HarHarHar]

I would like opinions on the advisability of a middle-aged professional couple (no kids) moving to the Berkeley Square or Hiltonia area of Trenton. My husband and I are burned out on looking for a house in Princeton. What do you think would be the advantages and disadvantages of buying a wonderful old home in one of those areas? or ?????

[JBrown]

Those old homes in the Hiltonia area are nice of course but the property taxes are thru the roof. Also note as you drive around that many owners have applied bars to all the first level windows etc. What does that tell you ?? As a result of that property values down there are going anywhere but up.

[cyntmac]

Originally Posted by HarHarHar

I would like opinions on the advisability of a middle-aged professional couple (no kids) moving to the Berkeley Square or Hiltonia area of Trenton. My husband and I are burned out on looking for a house in Princeton. What do you think would be the advantages and disadvantages of buying a wonderful old home in one of those areas? or ?????

If you like an adventure it could be interesting. You will not be the first in the neighborhoods mentioned to "rediscover". It is a far cry from Princeton but Hiltonia has nice stuff to look at for sure. Just ask yourself why you are considering this town? There are the obvious negatives and it seems strange when people post on here that they are looking at extremes only. Princeton vs Trenton, Tribeca vs S Bronx, Short Hills vs Newark. The real question is what is it about these two ends of the spectrum that appeal to you? Most people look at the more numerous options. If you don't like any other options than your motivations for relocation to Trenton may be less practical and more of a personal nature. Talk to some associations there. They def have a renewal group-I have seen it online and Hiltonia is old and established so you should be able to get info easily on that.

[HarHarHar]

Thanks for both the comments. As to looking at the extremes, it is largely to avoid the huge suburban sprawl and big box shopping that is taking over the area. Princeton has character and local shopping, that's more than can be said of a lot of areas. I don't want to live in a sprawling subdivision requiring a car for every outing. But maybe I'm looking for the impossible. I also don't want to be killed in my bed at night, even in a charming old house.....................

[JBrown]

BTW... The post by Cyntmac got me thinking.... Perhaps it's the architecture/ style of the fine older style homes in the Princeton and Hiltonia areas that peaks your interest. If that's the case you may want to look at Pennington , Hopewell, and Rocky Hill areas as well. All three have many many large older homes, excellent safe communities with appreciating real estate values and top notch school systems. I understand no kids but it's a major consideration if/when you decide to sell etc. In addition all are within a short drive of both Princeton and Trenton if that's a consideration. All three tend to be less expensive than Princeton but much much safer than Trenton. I hope this helps.

[christina0001]

Both areas have some lovely homes. Given a choice between the two, I would feel a little safer in the Hiltonia district vs. Berkeley Square, but that's just me, stats might tell a different story. Being that schools/kids aren't an issue, I think you'd probably be fine there. But drive through on a Saturday night, late, just to make sure you know exactly how it is. The people I have met who live in this area are really nice and take a lot of pride in their neighborhood.

[HarHarHar]

Thanks again - I did check out the web site for the Hiltonia Association. It's a shame that crime has to be such a factor. Are there any other areas of Trenton that we should consider? And we have been looking in Pennington and Hopewell as well, there just isn't much left in those towns on the Main Streets - struggling coffee shops and a few deli type businesses. What has happened to America's small towns and cities?

[jerseyj]

Trenton is a tough call, have you looked at Mill Hill?
Cranbury has a sweet main street, limited businesses and some lovely old homes.
Or, Lambertville, very cute river town, loaded with older, well kept homes, great restaurants and shops. New Hope is a short walk across the bridge into PA, a funky little town with lots of quirky shops and antiques. Both of these river towns get lots of tourists and can be quite congested especially in the summer months.
Lambertville might be worth checking out!

[HarHarHar]

I'm going to check out Lambertville and Cranberry. We just "lost" a house in Princeton that got bid up way past the already high asking price. It seems like a lot of the nice communities are just plain unaffordable.

[jjj]

Stay far away from Trenton!