Princeton & Central NJ Real Estate: Where Buyers Can Still Find Upside

If you have been watching the Princeton real estate market, you already know how competitive it is. Buyers always ask me if anything reasonable still exists — particularly for median income and investors. The answer is yes. You just need to know where to look.

I’m Marina Echavarria, a Princeton, New Jersey real estate agent. I have worked with buyers and sellers in Princeton and Central New Jersey for over ten years. What I share here comes from real experience, not headlines or market buzz.

What the Market Feels Like Right Now

Inventory across Princeton is loosening up a bit. Homes that are fully renovated often sell fast and at strong prices. That part has not changed.  What has changed is how buyers win. Buyers who stay flexible tend to succeed. Homes that need updates still offer opportunity. So do properties on quieter streets that buyers often overlook.

Why Streets Matter More Than Ever

Princeton works on a street-by-street level. Two homes can sit close to each other and sell for very different prices. I see this happen all the time.  Streets like Birch, Leigh, John, and Quarry continue to show long-term potential. These streets offer good location and walkability. They may not feel flashy, but they reward buyers who think long term.

Real Deals From My Own Experience

Working directly in these neighborhoods, I see the market shifts first hand. I represented the buyer at 57 Birch Street. That multifamily property sold for $1.2 million. Buyers still want income-producing homes in Princeton.  I also represented the buyer on Witherspoon Street. That three-bedroom home sold for $800,000 — showing buyers can still enter Princeton with the right strategy.

A few years ago, I sold a home on Ewing Street for just over $500,000. Homes at that price point rarely come up now. That change shows how much the market has moved.

What Buyers Should Focus On

Location is still king especially in Princeton.  Look for a home with a great location first. Buyers often focus on finishes. I encourage them to look at location instead. Paint and kitchens change. Streets do not.  Homes that need work can still make sense. Multifamily properties continue to attract strong interest especially from investors as Princeton has a strong rental market. Buyers who understand the street usually feel better about their decision later.

What Sellers Need to Know

Today’s buyers come prepared. They research before they step inside a home. Pricing correctly from the start matters more than ever. Presentation also matters. Even small updates can shift buyer perception. A clear strategy almost always works better than chasing the highest number.

An Agent’s Perspective

Buyers who do best do not chase every listing online. They stay patient. They ask good questions. They understand that Princeton rewards local knowledge.  This market still offers upside. It just looks different than it did years ago.

Common Questions I Hear

People often ask if Princeton still makes sense as a place to buy. It does. Demand remains strong, especially near town and the university.  Others ask if homes under a million dollars still exist. They do, but they require flexibility and timing.  Many buyers also ask about nearby towns. Central New Jersey offers strong alternatives while keeping Princeton close. These include towns like West Windsor, Plainsboro, Montgomery, and Basking Ridge are often popular choices due to their well-regarded public schools and long-term homeowner value.

Thinking About Buying or Selling?

If you are thinking about buying or selling in Princeton or anywhere in Central New Jersey, I am happy to share honest, street-specific insight. Every situation is different, and local details matter.