Trenton 76 Excellent
Trenton Livability #133 ranked city in New Jersey#3,340 ranked city in the USARanks better than 88% of areas

Trenton, NJ - The Capital City with Historic Roots

Living in Trenton, NJ offers a unique blend of history, culture, and urban living. As the capital of New Jersey, Trenton is a city rich in American history, known for its pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. The city’s historic sites, including the Old Barracks Museum and the Trenton Battle Monument, provide residents with a deep connection to the nation’s past.

Trenton’s dining scene is diverse, reflecting the city’s multicultural population. From classic Italian eateries to Caribbean and Latin American cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every taste. The downtown area is a hub of activity, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, including the historic Trenton War Memorial, which hosts concerts, plays, and community events.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Trenton offers plenty of green spaces and recreational opportunities. Cadwalader Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the architect behind New York’s Central Park, provides a peaceful retreat with walking trails, a lake, and beautiful gardens. The nearby Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park is perfect for biking, jogging, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the Delaware River.

Trenton is also known for its strong sense of community and cultural vibrancy. The city hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Trenton Pork Roll Festival and the Patriots Week celebration, which bring residents together to celebrate the city’s unique heritage and community spirit. The local schools and educational institutions, such as Thomas Edison State University, make Trenton an attractive place for students and families alike.

For those considering a move to New Jersey, Trenton offers a perfect blend of historical charm, urban convenience, and community warmth. Whether you're drawn by its rich history, cultural events, or central location, living in Trenton, NJ provides a fulfilling and dynamic lifestyle.

Pros and Cons of Living in Trenton

PROS
  • Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Crime

    Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.

  • Employment

    This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.

  • Schools

    The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.

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What's it like Living in Trenton?

Trenton is a moderately-sized city located in the state of New Jersey. The city has a population of 83,387 inhabitants. In Trenton, there are 10,963 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. Individuals of White (35%) and Black or African American (49%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of the city. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Trenton are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 34% of the population also speak Spanish. Trenton is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 38% married, this city falls well below the national average. Long travel times to work can be one of the most frustrating things in the world - right behind housework! If you decide that living in Trenton is the right fit for you, your one way commute time will average 26 minutes, which is about average when compared to the national commute time of 26 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Trenton, New Jersey could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the effort to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Trenton, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, commute, health & safety, education, housing and more.

The livability score in Trenton is 75 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 88th percentile of all cities across America. Clearly, Trenton is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Trenton has higher than average rankings for the following: cost of living (B-). There is at least one category that did not score well in Trenton. The following was graded with a discouraging score: crime (F), education (F) and employment (F).

If you're considering living in Trenton, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Trenton provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Trenton is actually affordable. The median home price for Trenton homes is $97,000, which is 69.3% lower than the New Jersey average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Trenton, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.6, which is 39.5% lower than the New Jersey average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Trenton

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Trenton?

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Compare Trenton, NJ Livability

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      Trenton transportation information

      Statistic Trenton New Jersey National
      Average one way commute26min31min26min
      Workers who drive to work59.8%71.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool24.2%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit8.0%11.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.2%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.9%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home2.0%4.1%4.6%
      Source: The Trenton, NJ data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).