Facts At A Glance | Community Closeups
Transportation | Where To Go... What To Do
Facts at a Glance
Land Area = 226 sq. mi.
| Land Use |
| Residential | 94,071 |
| Commercial | 5,641 |
| Industrial | 339 |
| Apartments | 357 |
| Farm Qualified | 1,549 |
| Vacant | 7,795 |
| Source: Mercer County Board of Taxation |
| New Authorized Housing |
| Cost | $107,157,845 |
| Total Units | 1,063 |
| Single Family Units | 1,040 |
| Two Family Units | 2 |
| 3-4-5- Family Units | 0 |
| Rental Costs |
| Industrial Space | $2.00 - $5.50/sq. ft. |
| Office Space | $8.00 - $24.00/sq.ft. |
| Industrial Land | $30,000 - $100,000/acre |
| Commercial Land | $100,000 - $500,000/acre |
| Source:Mercer County Division of Economic Development |
| Population |
| Total | 329,431 |
| Male | 159,711 |
| Female | 169,720 |
| Population by Age
|
| 0-19 | 86,608 |
| 20 - 39 |
78,860 |
| 40 - 64 | 92,222 |
| 65+ | 43,589 |
| Source:US Bureau of the Census |
| Industries with Greatest Employment Increase Projections
|
| Industry | Increase |
| Health Services | 8.0% |
| Business Services | 5.4% |
| Engineering & Management Services | 5.0% |
| Social Services | 2.3% |
| Membership Organizations | 2.2% |
| Source: US Bureau of the Census |
| Effective Buying Income |
| Total County EBI | $7,094,460 |
| Median Household EBI | 48,502 |
| $Households by EBI Group |
| $20,000 - $34,999 | 17.3% |
| $35,000 - $49,999 | 16.4% |
| $50,000 plus | 48.3% |
County & State Telephone Numbers
| County |
| Board of Chosen Freeholders, Clerk | 989-6584 |
| County Clerk's Office | 989-6477 |
| Cultural & Heritage Commission | 989-6899 |
| Division of Economic Development | 989-6555 |
| Workforce Investment Board | 989-6827 |
| Vocational Technical Programs | 586-5146 |
| Division of Youth & Family Services | 800-331-3937 |
| Education | 588-5877 |
| Human Services | 989-6526 |
| Office of Aging | 989-6661 |
| Parks | 989-6530 |
| Public Safety | 989-6656 |
| Social Services | 989-4320 |
| Surrogate's Office | 989-6331 |
| Veteran's Outreach Service | 989-6120 |
| State of New Jersey |
| Division on Woman | 292-8840 |
| DYFS Hotline | 800-843-5437 |
| Department of Community Affairs | 292-6402 |
| Department of Education | 292-4469 |
| Economic Development | 292-7757 |
| Fish, Game & Wildlife | 292-2965 |
| Health Department | 800-367-6543 |
| Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency | 800-654-6873 |
| Dept. of Human Services | 292-3717 |
| Motor Vehicles | 292-6500 |
| Travel & Tourism | 800-JERSEY-7 |
| Miscellaneous Numbers |
| Food Stamps | 800-989-4491 |
| Library for the Blind and Handicapped | 800-792-8322 |
| NJ Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired | 800-648-3333 |
| NJ Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing | 800-792-8339 |
| New Jersey Transit | 800-772-2222 |
| NJ Transit Reduced Fare Program | 201-378-6327 | | 201-378-6401 |
Community Closeups
EAST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP
443-4000
One hundred and sixty years ago, a small, prosperous portion of land seceded from Windsor Township and formed East Windsor. This trend of economic strength and prosperity is still strong today. An advanced infrastructure attracts corporations to the township while business-friendly policies provide expansion opportunities for established companies. The township's welcoming environment extends to families as well. A warm, close-knit community, picturesque landscape, and excellent school system help families who settle here feel right at home.
Area: 15.6
Pop: 22,353
Avg. Tax Rate: 3.26
Average Housing: $95,000 - $450,000
Services: Police, Volunteer Fire Depts., Paid and Volunteer Emergency Medicare Technicians, Volunteer Rescue Squads, Municipal Sewage and Private Septic Systems, Municipal & Private Refuse Collection
Religious Institutions: II Protestant, 2 Jewish, I Catholic
Transportation: Princeton Junction Shuttle, Suburban Transit buses.
TOWNSHIP OF EWING
883-2900
Families and businesses are drawn to Ewing for a multitude of reasons, the most common being location. Commuters, attracted to the proximity of Trenton and Philadelphia, have the option of living in a quiet, suburban setting only minutes away from the excitement of the city. Corporations target the area because of its complex infrastructure. The presence of major highways like Routes 1-95 and I as well as the Trenton-Mercer County Airport can help facilitate commercial transport.
Area: 15.7
Pop: 34,185
Avg. Tax Rate: 2.93
Government: Mayor/Council
Average Housing: $90,000 - $350,000
Services: Local police. Volunteer Fire Dept. (3), First Aid Squad, Water - Trenton Water Works
Religious Institutions: Representing all faiths
Transportation: NJ Transit trains and buses.
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP
890-3622
Established in 1842, this town on the rise, with Routes 195, 33, and 295 running through it, has balanced commercial development with small town charm. It is the residents, however, who really make up the lifeblood of this town. The strong sense of community fostered in each of the small villages that make up Hamilton Township (Mercerville, Hamilton Square, White Horse, and Yardville) enables residents to bond with and take special interest in the township itself.
Area: 40
Pop: 86,553
Avg. Tax Rate: N/A*
Government: Mayor/Council
Average Housing: $80,000 - $300,000
Services: Local Police, Volunteer Fire Co., First Aid Squad, Municipal and Private Water, Municipal Sewage, Municipal and Private Refuse
Religious Institutions: Representing all faiths
Transportation: NJ Transit trains and buses.
BOROUGH OF HIGHTSTOWN
490-5100
Hightstown can best be described as the crossroads of Mercer County. This tiny parcel of farmland has evolved into a bustling center of activity. A major factor behind this rapid modernization is the township's prime location near major access roads like the New jersey Turnpike, Route 130, and Route 33. Industry is attracted to the potential for easy delivery of goods while commuters find that the complex infrastructure facilitates the commute to work. Despite its rapid growth during the last few decades, Hightstown has managed to maintain its small town aura.
Area: 1.2
Pop: 4,974
Avg. Tax Rate: 3.67
Average Housing:$110,000 - $250,000
Services: Local Police, Volunteer Fire Dept., First Aid Squad, Municipal Water, Municipal Sewage, Municipal & Private Refuse.
Religious Institutions: I Catholic, 5 Protestant
Transportation: Suburban Transit bus
HOPEWELL
466-2636
A stroll through Hopewell Borough is like stepping into a Norman Rockwell painting. The sound of children playing, the tree lined streets and the Victorian homes with well-manicured yards are reminiscent peaceful serenity of yesteryear. The charming down town shops form the social hub of community life. It is difficult to believe that this charming little town is located so close to the modern metropolises of New York and Philadelphia.
Area: .8
Pop: 1,968
TAX Rate: 2.73
Average Housing: $125,000 - $300,000
Services: Share Hopewell Twp Police, Volunteer Fire Dept., First Aid Squad, Municipal Water, Municipal Sewage, Municipal & Private Refuse
Religious Institutions: 1 Catholic, 4 Protestant
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP
732-0688
Hopewell Township's sprawling 60.4 square miles is home to some of Mercer County's most diverse settings. Open farmland dotted with farmhouses, some of which date back to the 17th century, blankets large sections of land. Hopewell is proud of its recent industrial development. Major corporate and research centers are welcome new additions to the community.
Chief amongst the township's priorities is its education system. The many progressive programs offered by its schools afford students a high quality education.
Area: 60.4
Pop: 11,590
Avg. Tax Rate: 3.50
Average Housing: $225,000 - $375,000
Services: Local Police, Volunteer Fire Dept., First Aid Squad, Well Water, Septic Sewage (I area Municipal) 737-0630, Private Refuse
Religious Institutions: 1 Catholic, 6 Protestant, 5 Non Denominational Churches
Transportation: Mercer Metro buses
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP
844-7000
Commercial and residential communities co-exist harmoniously in this growing town. Lawrence's location along the Route I Corridor makes it an ideal choice for corporations looking to relocate. Its proximity to and Princeton benefit both businesses and residents. While these nearby cities support much of the local commerce, individuals enjoy the culture to offer. The township's name-sake James Lawrence, would be proud of the progress made by this thriving town.
Area: 20
Pop:25,787
Avg. Tax Rate: 2.49
Government: Council/Manager
Average Housing:$120,000 - $500,000
Services: Local Police, Volunteer Fire Dept., First Aid I & Well Water (Trenton Waterworks), Municipal Refuse
Religious Institutions: I Catholic, 6 Protestant,2 Jewish
Transportation: Mercer Metro buses
PENNINGTON
737-0276
Despite its tranquil atmosphere, the town's exciting history and steady development make it one of the highlights of Mercer County. Originally called "Penny Town" at its founding in 1720, it has played a significant role in the nation's history. During the winter of 1776, Pennington played host to the army of Lord General Cornwall. More recently, the area has begun to experience growth in both the industrial and residential realms.
Area: .9
Pop: 2,532
Avg. Tax Rate: 2.87
Average Housing: $250,000 - $500,000
Services: Local Police, Volunteer Fire Dept., First Aid
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
259-7082
One is filled with a feeling of serenity in Washington Township. The wide-open farmland and picturesque homes take on the image of small town America. However, this is not all that the multi-faceted township has to offer. Found within its borders are bustling suburban areas and thriving commercial zones. In addition to enhancing travel within the town, major access roads like Routes 130, 33 and the New Jersey Turnpike also serve to connect residents and companies with outlying urban areas.
Area: 20.5
Pop: 8,000
Avg. Tax Rate: 2.57
Government: Township Committee
Average Housing: $100,000 - $425,000
Services: Local Police, Volunteer Fire Dept., Alien-town First Aid Squad, Private & Well Water, Municipal & Septic Sewage, Municipal Refuse (Landview)
Religious Institutions: 3 Protestant, I Non-Denominational, I Greek Catholic
Transportation: NJ Transit bus.
WEST WINDSOR TOWNSHIP
799-2400
Even Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" broadcast here in 1938 could not put a damper on this town's prolific growth. The beautiful countryside provides a lovely backdrop for this mostly residential community. The major roads and railways traversing West Windsor enable commuters to reach destinations like New York and Philadelphia with relative ease. In recent years, large corporations have taken a keen interest in the township. West Windsor has experienced significant commercial growth in the past few years, and is now considered one of New Jersey's leading centers for industrial research and development.
Area: 27
Pop: 21,000
Avg. Tax Rate: 3.03
Government: Mayor/Council
Average Housing: $300,000 - $350,000
Services: Local Police, Volunteer Fire Dept., First Aid Squad, Private & Municipal Water (Elizabethtown Water), Municipal & Septic Sewage, Municipal Refuse
Religious Institutions: Representing all faiths
Transportation
Quality transportation services are essential to section of the nation has traditionally had the most sophisticated travel network, and Mercer is right in the heart of this area. Local and state-run trains and buses, along with two major airports situated one hour from the County, make long and short commutes readily available. Trenton-Mercer Airport's successful and continual expansion in size and service have made the airport the pride of the Mercer County transportation system.
The New Jersey Turnpike, a level, well-maintained, limited access highway, makes travel to New York City a breeze. While Interstate Route 95 connects the area to Philadelphia and points south, other county and state roadways and highways help make Mercer County an ideal place for residential and commercial growth.
Greater Mercer TMA
(Transportation Management Association)
452-8988
Website: www.gmtma.org
A non-profit organization dedicated to the reduction of congestion and the improvement of air quality in the County. Ride share and transit information as well as services to assist companies with trip reduction, congestion management and alternative work programs.
Carpool, Transit, Shuttles
452-8988 - 800-245-POOL
Home Free Program 452-1491
Registered members involved in carpooling are guaranteed a ride home when faced with family emergencies.
Airports
Princeton Airport Route 206, Princeton
921 -3100
Trenton-Mercer Airport
Exit Two, Interstate 95, Ewing Twp
882-1600
Offers regularly scheduled flights and is equipped with an FAA-operated control tower, instrument landing system, two runways, a restaurant and lounge, free parking, and an in-house travel agent.
Air Services Eastwind Airlines
800 644-3592
Flights to Orlando, Florida; Boston, Mass.; and Greensboro, North Carolina
Bus and Rail Service
Amtrak 800523-8720
New Jersey Transit 800 722-2222
Customer Service 973491-7085
Northeast corridor line trains serve Trenton, Princeton Junction, Newark, New York, with SEPTA connections to Philadelphia. Local buses serve area business, colleges, malls and hospitals. Buses marked "W" on schedule are lift-equipped buses permitting wheelchair accessibility.
Princeton Junction Railroad Station and "Dinky" Shuttle
Parking Permits 799-3130
Rail Information 800 772-2222
SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transport Authority)
215 580-7800 (Bus & Rail)
Hourly local bus service to/from Mercer County. Rail services in/out of Center City Philadelphia is available on the R3 and R7 lines via Trenton and West Trenton.
Suburban Transit
732-249-1100
Serving Princeton-New York (Port Authority and Wall Street) via Princeton Shopping Center, Palmer Square and Rt. 27. Serving Hightstown-New York (Port Authority and Wall Street) via Princeton, Princeton Jct.,
West Windsor, East Windsor, Hightstown and Twin Rivers. Weekend service from Quaker Bridge Mall.
Other Transit Information
Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association
452-8988
Mercer County Access Link
800 955-ADAI
NJ Department of Transportation
NJ DOT General Information 530-8041
Plainsboro Shuttle
799-0909
Technical Maps (NJ DOT)
530-2845
Highway (Travel & Tourism) 800 Jersey-7
Wheels
890-9228
Flexible, fixed routes servicing area neighborhoods as needed. Reservations required. Curb-to-curb services for people with disabilities. Next day reservations are required.
Where To Go... What To Do...
For most people leisure activities are an "quality of life index," such activities have to score high; Mercer County does its best to provide a multitude of recreational options to fill this need. Mercer was one of the first localities within the United States to develop a master plan for parks and the preservation of open areas. As a result, the wilderness has never been crowded out of Mercer County. Golf courses, tennis courts, an automobile racetrack, ski slopes, leagues for team sports life soccer, basketball, and softball, jogging trails and docks for pleasure-boating have kept the sporting life alive and well.
The historic cities of Trenton and Princeton are also centers of artistic and cultural activity in Mercer County. Local performing arts centers like the renowned, Tony Award-winning McCarter Theatre in Princeton, present classical and original dramatic, music and dance productions throughout the area. A strong sense of community spirit is evident during the Trenton Downtown Association sponsored Capital City Market. This highly successful open market offers a sumptuous variety of fresh produce amidst small booths featuring the works of gifted craftspeople and artists. Cultural contributions can also be found in smaller towns such as West Windsor. The township is planning to convert a 250-year old historic barn into a small museum and community meeting place.
Savvy business people have discovered long ago that the game of golf provides a leisurely backdrop for many high powered business deals. Along with an admirable array of existing golf facilities, Mercer County welcomed the opening of the Tournament Players golf club at Jasna Polana in Princeton Township. Enjoying the preview celebration in May were course designer and Hall of Fame golfer, Gary Player and Prince Albert of Monaco. The i 8 hole, par-72 course has 7,066 yards for championship play. The former mansion of Seward and Basia Johnson, of Johnson & Johnson, was converted into The Tournament Players Club which has been described as one of the most unique, elegant golf clubs in the world.
The County's continuing interest in sporting events and family entertainment will come to fruition upon the completion of the Mercer County Arena. The 10,000 seat arena will house multiple professional sports teams and offer a full schedule of family productions such as skating exhibitions. Sesame Street Live and concerts of all types. The arena, a perfect compliment to Waterfront Park, is expected to match the success of the Park and the Trenton Thunder.
Mercer County provides abundant outlets for leisure whether you prefer the great outdoors, the solitude of a museum, small-town community get-togethers, or big city gatherings.
Recreational Facilities
Howell Living History Farm Hopewell Township
737-3299
Mercer County Park Boat Marina
Mercer County Park, W. Windsor Township
Marina Rental Office 448-4004
Park Commission 989-6538
Mercer County Waterfront Park
Trenton 394-TEAM
Mercer County's own minor league baseball stadium and home of the Trenton Thunder.
Princeton University, Tiger Sports Line
258-3545
Quarry Swimming Club
Hopewell 466-0810
Sesame Place
Langhorne 215752-7070
Theme park geared for families with children 2-15 years of age. Over 14 water attractions including the Vapor Trail roller coaster. Open from mid May until October, only 10 minutes from Trenton.
Valley Road Group Picnic Area
Hopewell Township 989-6536
Golf and Country Clubs
Cherry Valley Country Club
Skillman 466-0282
Cranbury Golf Club
Cranbury 799-0341
Hillsborough Country Club
Flemington 908 369-3322
Hopewell Valley Tennis & Swim Club
Hopewell 737-3600
Mercer County Public Indoor Tennis Center
EwingTwp 609-883-5768
Mercer County Public Tennis Center
W. Windsor Twp 448-8007
Mercer Oaks Golf Course
W .Windsor Twp 800 883-5674
Mountain View Golf Course
EwingTwp 882-4093
The Princeton Golf Course
W .Windsor Twp 452-9382
Princeton Meadows Golf and Country Club
Plainsboro 799-4000
Revitalized facilities, minutes away from historic Princeton, offering a challenge to all levels of play for singles, couples and groups.
Princeton Racket Club & Tennis Network
150 Raymond Rd, Princeton 732 329-6200
Year-round facility offering contracts, court time and lessons. With a USTA Excellence Program, our philosophy is to offer tennis to people 4-84, beginner to nationally ranked.
Ron Jaworski's Stony Brook Country Club
Hopewell 466-2215
Museums
The Contemporary Victorian Museum in The Contemporary Club Trenton 392-9727
Ellarslie - The Trenton City Museum
Trenton 989-3632
The Ely House/The Hightstown Museum
Hightstown 371-9580
Grounds For Sculpture
18 Fairgrounds Rd, Hamilton
586-0616; Fax 586-0968
A not-for-profit institution consisting of a 22 acre sculpture park and museum. The exhibition program features contemporary works by internationally known artists in a variety of media.
Hopewell Museum
Hopewell 466-0103
Meredith Havens Fire Museum
Trenton 989-4038
Old Barracks Museum Trenton
396-1776
Recreated 18th century military barracks. Historical interpreters guide visitors and discuss life in George Washington's Army. "New Old Barracks," in the History Lab.
Princeton University Art Museum
Princeton 258-3787
William Trent House
Trenton 989-3027
Historic Sites
Bainbridge House
Princeton 921-6748
Douglass House
Trenton 989-3619
Drumthwacket
Princeton 924-3044
Princeton University Museum of Natural History
Princeton 258-4102
Historical Society of Princeton
Princeton 921-6748
Mill Hill National Historic District
Trenton 989-8977
Morven
Princeton 683-4495
Nassau Hall Princeton University
Princeton 258-3603
Princeton Battle Monument
Monument Drive, Princeton
Society of Friends
Princeton
State House Historic District
Trenton State House tours only: 633-2709
All other information: 989-3582
Thomas Clarke House
Princeton 921-0074
War Memorial
Trenton Recorded information: 984-8400
Other information: 984-8484
Arts & Theatre American Repertory Ballet Company
Princeton 921-7758
Arts Council of Princeton
924-8777
Artworks
Trenton 394-9436
Boehm Gallery
Trenton 392-2242
Boheme Opera Company
Hamilton 581-9551
Creative Theatre Unlimited
Princeton 924-3489
Extension Gallery
60 Ward Ave Extension, Mercerville
890-7777; Fax 890-1816
A 1,400 sq. ft. space which exhibits and promotes the work of the Johnson Atelier's artists. Specializing in sculpture, the non-profit gallery provides 11 exhibitions per year.
Fine Arts Theatre at Rider College
Lawrenceville 896-5185
The Gallery at Bristol-Myers Squibb
Lawrenceville 252-6275
Greater Trenton Symphony Orchestra
Trenton 394-1338
Hopewell Valley Chorus
Pennington 882-6392
College Art Gallery at Holman Hall
The College of New Jersey, Trenton
771-2652,771-2198 (Sept-May)
Kelsey Theatre
Mercer County Community College
W Windsor 586-4800, x3581
584-9444
(box office)
Kendall Hall
The College of New Jersey, Trenton
771-2107
Kirby Arts Center
The Lawrenceville School,
Lawrenceville
895-2044
Mariboe Art Gallery
The Peddie School, Hightstown 490-7550
McCarter Center for Performing Arts Princeton 683-8000
The Tony award-winning McCarter offers equity theatre, dance and music.
Mill Hill Playhouse
Trenton 989-3038
New Jersey Symphony Orchestra
800 255 3476; 201 624-3713
Norbert Considine Gallery
Stuart Country Day School, Princeton 921-2330
Off - Broadstreet Dessert Theatre
Hopewell 466-2766
Opera Festival of New Jersey
Princeton Junction 279-1795
Passage Theatre Company
Trenton 392-0766
Pennington Music Festival
Pennington 737-6760
Pennington Players
737-7529
Princeton Chamber Symphony
Information: 497-0020
Tickets: 258-5000
Princeton Folk Music Society
799-0944
Princeton Repertory Company
Princeton 921-3682
Princeton Singers
Princeton 924-4180
Shakespeare 70
2168 Pennington Road
Trenton 882-5979
Stony Brook Millstone Watershed
Titus Mill Road, Pennington
737-3735 (headquarters)
737-7592 (education office)
Swig Arts Center
The Peddie School, Hightstown 490-7550
Theater Guild of New Jersey
586-1774
Theater-Time
Princeton - 609 258-4950
The War Memorial
John Fitch Plaza, Trenton 984-8400
Westminster Choir College, The School of Music of Rider University
921-2663 (24 hour concert info)
Capital Fun
Mill Hill Historic District
989-8977
Site of Trenton's first mill built in 1680 and site of the 1777 battle of Trenton. A National Historic District graced by restored Victorian Row houses. The annual Christmas House Tour is held the first weekend of December.
The New Jersey State Museum
292-6464
A three building complex with exhibits in archaeology, cultural history, fine arts, and natural science. Education activities and weekend shows at the planetarium.
The State House Historic District
Tours 633-2709; Information 989-3582
In the late 19th century, this area included the homes of Trenton's most prominent families. Architecture represented includes Federal, Greek Revival, Victorian, Richardsonian Romanesque and Georgian Revival. This is a national historic district.
War Memorial
984-8400
Built in memory of Trenton residents who fought in World War I, the memorial is being restored and will re-open in February 1999.
Waterfront Park
394-8326
Shopping Centers and Malls
Independence Mall
South Broad Street
Hamilton Twp.
Lawrence Shopping Center
US1 & Texas Avenue
Lawrence Twp
Acme Supermarket, Burlington Coat Factory, Kay Bee Toys, R & S Auto, Romparound and Stacy's. Six restaurants.
Mercer Mall
US1 & Quakerbridge Road, Lawrence Twp.
Movie Theater, Bed Bath & Beyond, and TJ Maxx
Nassau Park
Rt 1 So, W. Windsor 404-262-7400
Home Depot, Sam's Club, and Computer City are among many fine stores in the complex.
Palmer Square
Princeton
Across from the main gates of Princeton university, 50 shops both unique and familiar in name, as well as fine restaurants. The historic Nassau Inn and its town green is the focus of the Square.
Pennington Shopping Area
Along Rt 31, Pennington
Princeton Forrestal Village
U.S.1 & College Road
Princeton
Factor outlet shopping in charming village atmosphere including restaurants, a hotel and food court.
Princeton Marketfair
US1 at Carnegie Ctr. Princeton
Over 50 fine stores including Barnes & Noble, Platypus, TGI Friday's and UA Movies.
Princeton Shopping Center
No. Harrison Street
Princeton
Encore Books, and a variety of restaurants.
Quakerbridge Mall
US1 & Quakerbridge Road, Lawrence Twp 799-8177
Anchored by Sears, Lord & Taylor, JC Penny and Macy's. Over 130 great stores! Dine at Bain's Deli, Mozzarella's Restaurant or any of the other 10 eateries.
Windsor Shopping Areas
Rt 130 in E Windsor; Rt 571 & Rt 1 in W Windsor
9 Upper Ferry Rd.; Ewing, NJ 08628
Office (609) 883-4280 || (609) 737-6860
Fax (609) 883-4656
www.DePaola.com
