Right in the center between Philadelphia and New York, the borough of Hightstown in the township of East Windsor offers convenient access to big cities, without sacrificing the small-town feel. Hightstown was formerly a bustling railroad hub in the late 1800s, but the construction of the New Jersey Turnpike has transformed Hightstown into a commuter suburb with access to both Philadelphia and New York City within approximately an hour’s drive. “It’s right off the turnpike in the center of New Jersey, which makes it really easy if you’re visiting another community or family or anything,” said Thomas Hutchinson, a Realtor with Hutchinson Homes Real Estate who lives in nearby East Windsor. “Normally, the draw to that area would be East Windsor, but Hightstown is slightly cheaper, and has a bit of a main street, small-town feel.”
Hightstown
Suburban Neighborhood in New Jersey
Mercer County 08520
Varying homes within the borough
The homes in Hightstown vary based on the segment of the borough. In the northeast area around Town Center Road, new construction of traditional and craftsman-style homes provides classic suburban living, with well-lit sidewalks, tidy lawns, and self-contained streets where 3- to 4-bedroom houses may sell for between $550,000 and $600,000. Along North and South Main Street, through the heart of the borough, historic colonials and Victorian homes built in the 1800s may sell for around $400,000 for a 4-bedroom home. On the eastern end of the borough, simple 2- or 3-bedroom bungalows may sell for around $350,000.
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Public or private schools offer extracurriculars for everyone
Students in Hightstown may attend Perry L. Drew Elementary School, which also offers an optional extended childcare program and has been given a B grade from Niche. From there, they may attend Melvin H. Kreps Middle School, which has a B-minus rating and hosts several clubs and activities, including a “hidden talents” club that aims to help students discover an acuity they may not have known. At Hightstown High School, students can participate in a variety of music programs or hobby clubs. The school has an A-minus rating from Niche. The Peddie School, a private boarding school serving grades 9-12, is a prestigious institution that houses a free art gallery open to the public, a popular theater program, and a highly selective college preparatory academic program.
Peddie Lake provides access to local parks
A major feature of downtown Hightstown is Peddie Lake, which is popular for kayaking, canoeing, and scenic strolls. Hightstown Memorial Park, on the banks of the lake, is a popular destination for bird watching. A few blocks away, the one-block Association Park includes a playground, picnic area and basketball court. Residents who want to spend an afternoon exploring can drive around 5 miles to Turnpike Park, which features walking trails and a small playground.
Local flavor along Main Street
Main Street through the heart of Hightstown has a scattering of local restaurants with diverse choices of cuisine. Residents can sample the Reuben sandwiches and burgers at the Hightstown Diner, or the Jamaican jerk chicken and curry shrimp at Morgan’s Island Grill. Tavern on the Lake offers wings and drinks overlooking Peddie Lake, while Mannino’s 4 Pizza and Trattoria, in business since 1994, dishes up classic pies. Nearby East Windsor offers all the shopping outlets of a bustling town, including a Target, a 130 Farmers Market for fresh produce, an Aldi supermarket, and several clothing stores and chain restaurants.
Nearby East Windsor keep residents busy
Although Hightstown doesn’t have a lot of attractions within the neighborhood boundaries, nearby East Windsor is a bustling town with plenty to do. The Town Center Shopping Center, located just off US-130, is home to a Picture Show movie theater, which boasts on its website that it offers competitive food and ticket prices. The East Windsor Bowl and Recreation Center, just west of the neighborhood, includes a full bar and arcade and has a full menu of classics like wings and burgers as well as a menu of Indian dishes.
Close to Princeton, Philadelphia and New York
Hightstown is located immediately next to Interstate 95, also known as the New Jersey Turnpike, providing a direct line for travelers to get to Philadelphia to the south and New Rork City to the north. Residents can also take Route 130 to nearby Trenton, about 17 miles away, for access to the Trenton-Mercer Airport and the Trenton Amtrak station, or drive the 11 miles to nearby Hamilton for access to the Northeast Corridor commuter rail line to Newark or New York City. The Route 130 Connection bus has multiple stops within Hightstown, including one at the corner of Mercer and Rogers, and can connect riders to Hamilton Township in the south and Cranbury to the north. Princeton-Hightstown road connects the borough to the nearby city, and offers access to Princeton Hospital within 9 miles.
Written By
Jacob Adelhoch
Video By
Syd Silberman
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Piotr Sudal
Piotr Sudal
EXP Realty
(609) 913-2425
108 Total Sales
1 in Hightstown
$220,000 Price
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Felix Santana
Felix Santana
J.J. Elek Realty, Inc.
(848) 212-8610
78 Total Sales
1 in Hightstown
$459,000 Price
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Nicole Haslett
Nicole Haslett
KELLER WILLIAMS METROPOLITAN
(908) 651-9178
140 Total Sales
1 in Hightstown
$600,000 Price
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Richard Abrams
Richard Abrams
Century 21 Abrams & Associates, Inc.
(609) 583-8104
369 Total Sales
7 in Hightstown
$194K - $760K Price Range
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John Wuertz
John Wuertz
BHHS Fox & Roach-Mt Laurel
(856) 242-7993
360 Total Sales
1 in Hightstown
$480,000 Price
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Beth Kimmick
Beth Kimmick
Responds QuicklyERA Central Realty Group - Cream Ridge
(732) 365-0166
61 Total Sales
1 in Hightstown
$479,000 Price
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 6th to 8th
- Public
- Pre-K to 4th
- Public
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Woods Road Community Park
- Trails
- Playground
- Multi-Purpose Field
Anker Park
- Trails
- Playground
Etra Lake Park
- Lake
- Picnic Area
- Trails
Hightstown Memorial Park
- Lake
- Picnic Area
- Trails
Turnpike Park
- Trails
Transit
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Hightstown | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 2 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 4 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 3 | 4 |
| Robbery | 3 | 4 |
| Burglary | 3 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 4 |
| Larceny | 3 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 3 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Hightstown, NJ sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Hightstown, NJ over the last 12 months is $556,147, up 15% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$520,000
Median Single Family Price
$625,000
Median Townhouse Price
$458,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$345,500
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$208,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$294
Number of Homes for Sale
18
Last 12 months Home Sales
131
Months of Supply
1.60
Median List Price
$530,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
12%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,613
Median Year Built
1997
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,903
Significantly above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,470
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,125
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
813
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
21,780
Open Houses
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Sunday, Apr 271 - 4pm
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Sunday, Apr 271 - 3pm
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Sunday, Apr 2712:30 - 2:30pm
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
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$1,650 - $1,850 per month
- Windsor Regency
- 1-2 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 43-19 Garden View Terrace
- East Windsor, NJ
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$2,500 - $2,750 per month
- Condo for Rent
- 2-3 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 1,478+ Sq Ft
- 873 Old York Rd
- East Windsor, NJ
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
12,820
Median Age
41
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$108,452
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$143,610
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
89%
College Graduates
50.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
23.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
70.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
49''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
20''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
51
/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
45
/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Twin Rivers
A modern walkable community, with easy access to NYC
East Windsor
A highway travel hub for major cities balanced with close-by community
Cranbury
Colonial-era history 10 miles from Princeton University
Princeton Junction
Stately homes and generous lawns fill this commuter-friendly stop off the train
Robbinsville Township
Convenient township between major job hubs with popular businesses and amenities
Plainsboro Township
Quick drive from Princeton and just a train ride from New York and Philly
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