MERCER COUNTY
County Offices
640 South Broad Street
Trenton 609-989-6998
https://www.mercercounty.org/
Chamber of Commerce
1A Quakerbridge Plaza Drive, Suite 2
Hamilton 609-689-9960
http://www.midjerseychamber.org/
A study in diversity, the thirteen municipalities that make up Mercer County range from progressive suburban communities to quaint villages and flourishing farms. Trenton, the capital of New Jersey, is located along the Delaware River at the county’s eastern edge. Lush lawns and tall shade trees grace the more suburban southern section of the county, while grazing horses dot the landscape in the rural areas. Mercer County had established its reputation for high industrial output long before today’s business infusion of research and development, financial services, government, education, and high-tech corporations.
As early as 1925, Trenton was a national leader in pottery, rubber, wire and cable, iron, and steel. Today, electronic communications and pharmaceutical research are at the forefront of the area’s richly diverse economy. Both companies and employees enjoy the advantage of Mercer’s location, equidistant between Philadelphia and New York City. Although the county already enjoys all the elements for continued economic success — a stable work force, affordable housing, convenient transportation, and an economy backed by the permanent presence of state government — the duty-free Foreign Trade Zone at Mercer Airport promises to boost the area to a new level of international trade leadership.
Services
Linked by rail lines to some of the nation’s leading metropolitan centers, Mercer County’s own efficient system of convenient roadways provides a swift connection to all major forms of transportation. In addition to the close proximity of several major metropolitan airports, Mercer operates three local airfields, including the Mercer County Airport with connections to more than 100 cities. Bus and rail services include Amtrak, New Jersey Transit Bus and Rail, Princeton Junction Railroad Station and shuttle as well as the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority bus and rail system.
Healthcare in Mercer County encompasses full-scale medical facilities that offer around-the-clock care, providing the latest in diagnostics, treatment techniques and technological advances. Highly competent local hospitals offer first-rate, diversified services administered by expert staff members and outstanding professionals. Many of the area’s facilities have affiliations with some of the nation’s most highly respected teaching institutions, such as the 435-bed Medical Center at Princeton, St. Francis Medical Center, and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. The Capital Health System also offers two exceptional hospitals in Trenton.
Mercer County’s academic environment is based on high standards, strong community involvement, and the fostering of high achievement. In addition to a public school system that features award-winning schools, a number of private schools provide educational alternatives. In many of the area communities, more than 80 percent of the graduating high school seniors continue to pursue a higher education. In addition to producing students with consistently high SAT scores and overall academic excellence, Mercer County high schools earn consistent recognition for excellence. As home to one of the most prestigious colleges in the nation, Princeton University, Mercer County is also a magnet for some of the world’s brightest minds. Princeton’s exceptional facilities include a 600-acre campus, University Art Museum, and Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International affairs. A remarkable number of other distinguished colleges and universities are also available within easy commuting distance.
Lifestyle
Filling leisure hours in Mercer County is never a challenge for local residents and visitors. Museums, theater and musical events are as prolific in Mercer County as historic trails, vintage houses, and celebrated sites. Residents can enjoy the critically acclaimed performances of the New Jersey Symphony, explore the wonders of the vast Washington Crossing State Park, wander the myriad of museums and fine art galleries, or browse for hours through the massive State Museum. Some cultural activities are expressly designed for open-air enjoyment, such as the Opera Festival of New Jersey, Music in the Park, Heritage Days Festival, or the Trenton Avant Garde Festival. Celebrations, holiday festivals, and community events provide another source of entertainment from the Forestal Village Tree Lighting to dramatic re-enactment’s of Washington crossing the Delaware.
Housing choices in Mercer County are as varied as the landscape, from single-family homes to townhouses, condominiums, and apartments. The urban region of the county offers many desirable restored historic homes, while the western section features handsome residential communities nestled serenely amid Mercer’s gently rolling hills. Both home sales and home values continue to steadily rise, creating a strong climate for the first-time buyer as well as the subsequent sale of higher-priced homes.
Recreational pastimes in Mercer County range from skiing on Belle Mountain to boating on the Delaware River. An abundance of state, county, and local parks combine with golf courses, tennis courts, skating rinks, swim clubs, and historic buildings to appeal to a wide cross-section of age groups and interests. Pymatuning Deer Park encourages visitors to feed and pet more than 200 animals, take train rides, and enjoy the Western town. Pymatuning State Park and Maurice K. Goddard State Park provide expansive acreage for boating, fishing, water sports, hunting, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and every imaginable kind of winter sport from ice boating to cross-country skiing.
Many of the communities of Mercer County feature retail districts with small shops, specialty stores, boutiques, antique dealers, open markets, and quaint downtown main streets filled with a kaleidoscope of treasures. Bargain hunters will find an abundance of factory outlet centers as well as contemporary malls that display high fashion from the nation’s most popular retailers. Among the county’s focal points and highlights are such delights as the lovely town green situated in front of the historic Nassau Inn.
Every aspect of Mercer County plays a role in the region’s superior quality of life: a strong economy, state-of-the-art healthcare, and the responsive leadership of a hands-on government. Considering the outstanding educational opportunities, music, art, theater, sports, history, shopping, indoor recreation, and natural beauty of the great outdoors — little wonder that Mercer County is so immersed in growth and expansion.
East Windsor
Municipal Offices
609-443-4000
https://www.east-windsor.nj.us/
Chamber of Commerce
609-689-9960
http://midjerseychamber.org
Primarily residential, East Windsor offers well-established neighborhoods along quiet, tree-shaded lanes. With its strategic location and exceptional transportation connections, East Windsor has attracted several major corporations such Lockheed-Martin and McGraw Hill. Route 1, Princeton Junction Train Station, and the New Jersey Turnpike and Jersey Shore points are all easily accessed from East Windsor. Residents also enjoy local bus service to Mercer County Community College and regional shopping malls. Local recreational activities revolved around the community’s active full-time recreation program as well as the YMCA, team sports, athletic fields, tennis courts, swim clubs, and a fishing lake. The 160-acre Etra Lake Park provides expanded amenities for exercise and relaxation in a scenic setting.
Ewing
Municipal Offices
609-883-2900
https://ewingnj.org/
Chamber of Commerce
609-689-9960
http://midjerseychamber.org
This well-developed suburban area near the winding Delaware River includes some scenic rolling hills and open spaces. In contrast to many of the communities near Trenton, Ewing has managed to retain some its original rural flavor. Interstate 95 offers Ewing residents easy access to surrounding urban centers. Housing options in this community are plentiful, attractive, and varied in architectural periods. Area schools provide a quality education. The township is home to Trenton-Mercer Airport and enjoys significant commercial activity. Recreational amenities include parks, playgrounds, tennis courts, a swimming pool, golf courses, athletic fields, team sports, and supervised recreation programs. Delaware River and Washington
Crossing Park are nearby.
Hamilton
Municipal Offices
609-586-0311
https://www.hamiltonnj.com/
Chamber of Commerce
609-689-9960
http://midjerseychamber.org
The expansive Hamilton Township near the Delaware River enjoys an ideal location and proximity to major highway arteries. “Something for everyone” would best describe this area with its suburban communities, interesting landscapes, and scenic vistas. Although commercial and industrial activity is well-developed, a significant portion of the township remains either farmland or undeveloped territory. An excellent public school system is complemented by the availability of private and parochial schools, and the possibilities for vocational training or higher education are first rate. Recreation centers and parks combine with a conservation area, athletic fields, tennis courts, a boating area, and full-time recreation programs to fill leisure hours.
Hightstown
Municipal Offices
609-490-5100
https://www.hightstownborough.com/
Chamber of Commerce
609-689-9960
http://midjerseychamber.org
Offering the charm and relaxed lifestyle of small-town America, Hightstown offers an attractive and convenient retreat for commuters to major urban centers. Victorian and Colonial influences grace the local architecture, and housing options vary in both style and price range. A public transit system and easy access to major arteries add to the overall appeal of an old-world atmosphere. Free bus service is also available to the shopping centers and Mercer County Community College located in West Windsor. Recreational amenities in the borough or nearby include tennis courts, a fishing lake, swim clubs, and athletic fields.
Hopewell, Pennington
Hopewell Borough Offices
609-466-2636
https://www.hopewellboro-nj.us/
Hopewell Township Offices
609-737-0605
https://www.hopewelltwp.org/
Pennington Borough Offices
609-737-0276
https://www.penningtonboro.org/
Chamber of Commerce
609-689-9960
http://midjerseychamber.org
An area of indisputable beauty, Hopewell Township began as a farming community and has retained much of its early rural charm. The homes are equally impressive, from stately mansions to newer construction. A number of corporations and research centers have been attracted to Hopewell Township, which surrounds the charming boroughs of Hopewell and Pennington. Both boroughs boast fine examples of colonial and Victorian architecture in their shopping districts and well-preserved vintage homes. Excellent schools, a strategic location, and natural beauty make the Hopewell Valley an idyllic place to call home. In addition to local recreational amenities, the Delaware River, Belle Mountain Ski Area, and historic Washington Crossing State Park are nearby.
Lawrence
Municipal Offices
609-844-7000
https://www.lawrencetwp.com/
Chamber of Commerce
609-689-9960
http://midjerseychamber.org
Historic Lawrence Township is recognized for its appealing diversity and natural beauty. Residents and planners share a commitment to conservation, cultural diversity, and historic preservation as the hallmarks of the community. From stately Revolutionary War-era homes to contemporary housing, Lawrence is distinguished by its quality of life. Conveniently located between the Princeton area and the urban center of Trenton, Lawrence offers residents a more relaxed suburban lifestyle within a short commute of major employment opportunities. The village of Lawrenceville, home of the famous Lawrenceville School, is another charming hamlet. Famous historic sites include Squibb Galleries and Glen Cairn House.
Princeton
Borough Offices
609-737-7901
https://princetonol.com/
Township Offices
609-924-4141
https://www.princetonnj.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
609-689-9960
http://midjerseychamber.org
Offering a stimulating atmosphere and university town energy, Princeton Borough creates a distinctive small-town lifestyle. The area’s strong research base fueled a business explosion in the last two decades of the 20th century. Princeton University’s Neogothic structures, lovely tree-lined streets, historic monuments, and ornate homes create an enchanting setting. The university influence enriches the community and sets exceptionally high educational standards. Recreational amenities include active YMCA and YWCA, athletic fields, tennis courts, swimming pools, an ice-skating rink, and lush parks with trails. Also nearby are forested wildlife reservations, Historic Princeton Battlefield State Park, golfing, and Carnegie Lake for sailing and crew. Encircling the borough, Princeton Township provides a more suburban atmosphere with immediate access to the borough’s amenities.
Trenton
Municipal Offices
609-989-3187
https://www.trentonnj.org/
Chamber of Commerce
609-689-9960
http://midjerseychamber.org
The state capital and county seat, Trenton is a giant reawakening. Widespread revitalization and new growth in recent years have contributed to its emergence as a major business and government center. A variety of neighborhoods offer a myriad of housing options, and many are attracted the quaint older homes available at moderate prices. Tax incentives and strong neighborhood support organizations further encourage this renovation trend. Trenton provides excellent schools and a plethora of cultural amenities from symphony and theater to world-class museums. Leisure hours can be filled with year-round recreation programs, youth centers, numerous local parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, tennis courts, and swimming pools.
Washington
Municipal Offices
856-589-0520
https://www.twp.washington.nj.us/
Chamber of Commerce
609-689-9960
http://midjerseychamber.org
Washington Township offers some well-developed suburban areas, although it has managed to remain vastly agricultural and open in spite of recent growth and development. Housing options are attractive and include the possibility of generous lots and acreage that are not readily available in some of the more densely populated New Jersey municipalities. The cultural, educational, and business resources of Trenton and Princeton are within a short drive of Washington, although the influential urban centers of Philadelphia and New York City are also accessible. Recreational amenities include a local 40-acre park, sports facilities, the Assunpink Wildlife Management Area, and boating and fishing on the Delaware River.
West Windsor
Municipal Offices
609-799-2400
https://www.westwindsornj.org/
Chamber of Commerce
609-689-9960
http://midjerseychamber.org
Advantageously located adjacent to Princeton, West Windsor is characterized as a suburban, residential community. Although the township offers a significant element of industry and commerce, excellent transportation amenities make it ideal for commuters. True to the influence of Princeton, West Windsor provides area youth with a first-rate education marked by small classes and innovative programs. Recreational facilities include local parks with playgrounds and athletic fields as well as team sports, organized programs, and tennis courts. Additional recreational amenities are available at Mercer County Park and West Windsor Township Community Park.
