Researching buying a local retail business in Ewing NJ. Thoughts on the area? N. Olden Ave. Ext. (Trenton: for sale, crime)

[mark111]

Greetings: I am in the process of researching businesses for sale and found one that looks of interest to me in Ewing, New Jersey. I currently reside about 50 minutes NE of the area in Monmouth County.

I do plan on doing a drive by sometime next week but I am not familiar whatsoever with the Ewing area. The business is located on N. Olden Ave. Ext.

Any current or former residents familiar with this area and if so can you give me your opinions on safety, crime, immediate local residential area, etc. The buiness will be open 9 AM to 9 PM 7 days a week.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks much !

Mark111

[SweepTheLeg]

I used to work in the area.

In a word: ugh.

[SweepTheLeg]

Actually... I'll put it this way.

The shop-rite shopping center is the dividing line. Past that, avoid.

But I've only been there during the day. The times I've been there at night... I didn't feel good about it.

[mark111]

Thank you for your reply. I am already cautious with the area being so close to Trenton. The business is in the 1900 block of N Olden Ave. Ext so that is in your "be aware and avoid" area.

Thanks again, I appreciate it.

[jerseyj]

It really depends on what type of business you are looking to buy.
As SweepThe Leg says, that part of Ewing is iffy. Crime there is not the worst but it is very close to Trenton.

The Shoprite in Ewing is in the 1700 block and very busy. The other stores in that strip mall have not fared well.

The Trenton Farmers Market is fairly close and very popular (on Brunswick Ave.)

Good idea to down and see what you think.

[SweepTheLeg]

Originally Posted by mark111

Thank you for your reply. I am already cautious with the area being so close to Trenton. The business is in the 1900 block of N Olden Ave. Ext so that is in your "be aware and avoid" area.

Thanks again, I appreciate it.

I looked that up on Google Maps, it actually may not be THAT bad, but you're still close to Trenton.

Depends on what the business is and how much of a slam dunk it will be. But don't take an anonymous guy's advice on the internet. Check it out both during the day AND night.

[mark111]

Yep, I most definitely will be staking out the area next week. The business is one of selling retail products at discounts which seems to fit this area well. The initial numbers being put forward look attactive. But, there is still much diligence to be done on my end.

Thanks again for your input. Much appreciated.

[VeradoDan]

I know this area very well, as my girlfriend lives nearby. It's iffy, though not the worst out there. Night time, however, is pretty bad and there have even been shootings along Olden Ave. at the Boston Market, Wendy's and local diner. The Shop-Rite has an emergency phone that directly calls the police during the PM hours.

As someone else mentioned, I think it depends what type of business you're looking to open. A retail store - you're probably fine. A fast food joint, watch out, the clientele won't be the cream of the crop, for sure.

[mark111]

Thanks Verado Dan. It will be a retail store. Usual hours 9 am - 9 pm. I tell ya though from what you are saying, it sounds like I may want to avoid this potential business opportunity. However, I will still make a few trips down that way both day and night to see what I may be up against.

Thanks again for your input.

[SweepTheLeg]

Originally Posted by mark111

Thanks Verado Dan. It will be a retail store. Usual hours 9 am - 9 pm. I tell ya though from what you are saying, it sounds like I may want to avoid this potential business opportunity. However, I will still make a few trips down that way both day and night to see what I may be up against.

Thanks again for your input.

As a recommendation, when you go during the night time hours, I'd advise taking a back route from Rider University or directly off 31. If you take the exit off Route 1 you might end up getting lost in an area you don't want to be at.