Question 1

Is Princeton, NJ or Toms River, NJ cheaper to buy in?

Accepted Answer

Toms River, NJ is cheaper. The median home price in Princeton, NJ is approximately $700,000 and in Toms River, NJ it is approximately $357,200 — a difference of $342,800.

Question 2

Is Princeton, NJ or Toms River, NJ safer?

Accepted Answer

Princeton, NJ scores higher on safety. Princeton, NJ has violent crime rated Low and property crime rated Low. Toms River, NJ has violent crime rated Moderate and property crime rated Moderate.

Question 3

Is Princeton, NJ or Toms River, NJ more walkable?

Accepted Answer

Princeton, NJ is more walkable. Princeton, NJ has a Walk Score of 5/100 and Toms River, NJ has a Walk Score of N/A/100.

Question 4

Which has better schools, Princeton, NJ or Toms River, NJ?

Accepted Answer

Toms River, NJ has higher-rated schools. Princeton, NJ has a school rating of 7/10 and Toms River, NJ has a rating of 7.2/10.

Question 5

Should I live in Princeton, NJ or Toms River, NJ?

Accepted Answer

Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.

Category	Princeton, NJ	Toms River, NJ
Housing
Verdict	Good for now	Think twice
Median Price	$700K	$357K ✓ Lower price
Median Rent	$3K	$2K ✓ Lower rent
Median Income	$120K ✓ Higher income	$97K
Price Volatility	Moderate	Moderate
Getting Around
Walk Score	5/100 ✓ More walkable	Car-dependent
Transit Score	Minimal transit	Minimal transit ✓ Better transit
Bike Score	N/A	N/A ✓ More bikeable
Commute	80 min	N/A
Safety & Environment
Safety Grade	A ✓ Safer	D+
Violent Crime	Low ✓ Lower risk	Moderate
Property Crime	Low ✓ Lower risk	Moderate
Flood Risk	Low	Low
Air Quality	Good ✓ Cleaner air	Moderate
Community
Schools	7/10	7.2/10 ✓ Better schools
Best for	Families with young childrenProfessionals seeking a peaceful, affluent environmentBuyers looking for a strong sense of community and safety	Families looking for good schoolsFirst‑time home buyersPeople who drive daily

Princeton, NJ vs Toms River, NJ

Bottom line