A vibrant, local arts scene and community is what defines Trenton, located in west-central New Jersey on the Delaware River. The state’s capital city, comprised of just over 90,000 people, arcs along the northern banks of the river and sits within relative distance of Philadelphia and New York City. “The culture is really what makes Trenton special,” says Fareeda Stokes, a Realtor with Harkes Realty & Associates. “We have an active art scene and a sense of community involvement that attracts a lot of people.”
As Trenton expands outward from the river, it becomes more residential, with townhouses concentrated around the city proper giving way to more single-family homes; some of the farthest-reaching tendrils of the city give off a suburban atmosphere. “You have low property taxes there compared to all the other areas around,” says Chris Carter, a Realtor with HomeSmart.
Founded over 300 years ago, the city’s historical roots are a key part of its identity, with museums showcasing its evolution over three centuries. A number of buildings and sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the city even served as the nation’s capital for just under two months in 1784. Residents look to the city for its convenient location, unique past and vibrant present.”
Welcome to Trenton where murals can be found as you walk around town.
Battle Monument features a bronze statue of George Washington in Battle Monument, NJ.
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A mix of rowhouses and single-family homes
As Trenton unfolds north and east from the riverbanks, its landscape gradually becomes more residential. Single-family homes become more common the further out it goes, but townhouses and rowhouses make up most of the properties concentrated around Trenton proper. The median sold price in the area is $325,000, with most properties averaging 21 days on the market. “The last few years, since COVID especially, there’s been a real increase in popularity,” Stokes says. “Many people in Philly or farther up realized they could move here and own for what they were paying in rent.”
Townhouses often sell for between $150,000 and $270,000, while single-family homes commonly range from $300,000 to $500,000 or slightly above. “Prices have been going up like crazy,” Carter says. “You can get some stuff under $200,000, but a lot of them have been going above that lately. It really depends on condition and location.” Similar to Camden, which sits about 40 miles south down the river, Trenton is heavily comprised of investment properties. “The majority of homeowners are investors,” Carter says. “Maybe two or three out of every 10 people own their home.” Along with the townhouses, architecture most often includes traditional colonials and Cape Cods.
South Trenton is a colorful neighborhood with lots of charm.
Detached single-family homes reflect the late 18th century heritage of the area.
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Getting around by car, bus or train
Route 1 and Route 206 intersect close to central Trenton, while access to Interstate 295 is located about 8 miles west of the city. Interstate 95 is about 10 miles outside the city. “It’s pretty close to 295,” Carter says. “There are two bridges to Pennsylvania, so you can get anywhere in Pennsylvania pretty quickly. It’s pretty close to a lot of things in New Jersey, and whether you’re driving or using public transportation, Trenton is probably better than almost all the surrounding areas because of the trains.”
Those trains, as well as the area’s bus lines, are operated by NJ Transit. “The public transportation there is great,” Carter says. “You can get trains to New York, Camden or Philadelphia.” Its central location means drivers can reach major cities like Philadelphia about 30 miles southwest or New York City under 70 miles north. “Trenton is a prime spot for people who enjoy going to NYC, Philly or the Jersey Shore,” Stokes says.
Events spotlighting local creations
Local museums and community events help to showcase and shape the area’s culture. The Trenton City Museum is home to a collection of art as well as artifacts tracing the city’s past. For more than a decade, the Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market has offered traditional flea market fare like vintage clothing and toys, as well as handmade and original art. Those items are in addition to various oddities from a host of vendors, and the market even has events and celebrity guests while running several times a year.
During the summer, Art All Night takes place over 24 hours on a weekend and is facilitated by Artworks. The visual arts center puts on the event to showcase artist on local, national and international scales. It incorporates demonstrations and even film screenings into its programming. “There are a decent amount of events,” Carter says. “Each town around there kind of has their own thing. There are a couple museums. One is Grounds for Sculptures, and there’s tons of sculptures outdoors.”
Along the river, the Trenton Thunder play baseball at Trenton Thunder Ballpark. Now a part of the MLB Draft League, the collegiate summer team was an AA affiliate of several Major League Baseball teams, most notably the New York Yankees from 2003 to 2020.
Artworks in Mill Hill offers a rotating gallery from local artists.
South Trenton sits less than one mile south of downtown Trenton.
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A major park rooted in history
Cadwalader Park is by far the largest green space in Trenton, spanning almost 100 acres and dating back over a century. Designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, the mind behind New York’s famous Central Park, Cadwalader has several small bodies of water, an adjacent stream, trails, a baseball diamond and a museum on its grounds. Small pocket parks dot Trenton as well, totaling more than 60, and on the west side the Trenton Golf Club offers an 18-hole championship course. Recreation can also be found on the Delaware River, though more prominent on the Pennsylvania side. Popular pastimes on the water include fishing and paddling.
South Riverwalk Park offers South Trenton residents a place learn about the area.
Trenton Country Club is a private club located in Trenton.
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An array of international food and relaxed lounges
Most of Trenton’s restaurants and stores are concentrated in the southeastern portion of the city proper. “It’s pretty split up,” Carter says. “It kind of depends on where you live. There are a ton of restaurants all over the place.” An assortment of international outlets dot the southeast side, ranging from Honduran and Guatemalan fare to menus listing Jamaican food, European dishes and more. “There’s a lot of diversified culture here,” says Stokes. “From the restaurants to the entertainment, there are a number of options to choose from on any given night.” Some restaurants and lounges marry the aspects of food and entertainment, like the Infinity Lounge and the Candlelight Lounge. Other outlets sit along the river, offering a waterside view for diners. Small, local markets are the main grocery sources in the city itself, but larger stores like Aldi and ShopRite are found farther out.
Inside La Parilla, you will find a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Come to Guatepan Bakery to satisfy your sweet tooth.
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Numerous elementary schools in Trenton
Students find education within the Trenton Public School District for the area. The district, which receives a C-minus from Niche, encompasses 16 elementary schools, which either serve kindergarten through third grade or fourth through sixth grade. Three middle schools each enroll seventh and eighth graders, while Trenton Central High School – 9th Grade Academy and one dedicated high school complete education for the area. Trenton Catholic Preparatory Academy is rated an A by Niche, while Thomas Edison State University’s campus sits in western Trenton and accommodates almost 14,000 students.
Students receive the knowledge for a brighter future at Trenton Central High School.
Monument Elementary School serves children from many Neighborhoods in Trenton.
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Crime rates on the higher side and cold winters
According to FBI crime data, the Trenton Police Department reported an average of 214 violent crimes per month in 2023, as compared to the statewide rate of 6,671.4 each month. For property crimes, the department recorded an average of 139.8 each month, while the statewide average was 11,095.1 per month.
Cold winters, with temperatures often dipping into the 20-degree range, cycle back into warm summers that typically heat up to high-80-degree territory. Precipitation generally tallies about 38 inches a year, aligning close to the national average.
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