Where Great Schools Meet Great Value: Why Mercer County Is NJ's Hidden Gem for Home Buyers

If you're a home buyer in New Jersey, odds are you've heard of towns like Millburn, Princeton, or Ridgewood—known for their top-ranked schools. But here's the catch: those stellar reputations often come with sky-high housing prices.

What if we told you there's a place that offers top-tier education and more affordable housing? Welcome to Mercer County, where districts like West Windsor-Plainsboro and Princeton Public Schools deliver elite academic performance—without requiring a seven-figure mortgage.

Let's break down the numbers, compare regions, and explore why Mercer County might be the best place to buy if you're seeking the perfect blend of quality and value.

📊 The Rankings: Who's on Top?

According to Niche's 2024 rankings, New Jersey's top 20 public school districts include:

• Northern Valley Regional (Demarest) – #1
• Princeton Public Schools – #2
• Millburn Township – #3
• West Windsor-Plainsboro – #4
• Ridgewood, Summit, Tenafly, Haddonfield – all top 10

These rankings are based on test scores, academic performance, college prep, teacher quality, and community feedback. Schools with A+ ratings dominate the list—and Mercer County proudly holds two of the top five slots.

💰 The Price Tag: What Does a Home Cost in These Areas?

Here's where things get interesting. Let's compare home values in top-ranked districts:

👉 Observation: Most top districts hover near or above the $1.1 million mark—except Mercer County's Princeton and West Windsor, which offer equally strong academics at significantly lower prices.

That's a difference of $300K or more compared to similarly ranked towns like Summit or Tenafly.

🌟 Mercer County: A High-Value Outlier

So what makes Mercer County such a unique opportunity for home buyers?

✅ Top School Performance

• West Windsor-Plainsboro has jumped from 11th to 4th since 2020—thanks to innovative programs and curriculum enhancements.
• Princeton Public Schools consistently ranks at the top, with elite academics and college prep scores.

✅ Lower Home Costs (Relatively Speaking)

While $850K–$930K is still a significant investment, it's far more accessible than the $1.2M+ you'll find in Bergen or Essex County districts with similar academic reputations.

✅ Location, Location, Location

Mercer County offers:

• Proximity to NYC and Philly (via NJ Transit & Route 1 corridor)
• Thriving downtowns like Princeton and new development in West Windsor
• Diverse communities and growing demand—without the intense housing pressure seen in northern NJ

🎓 What About the Competition?

Sure, you can find other "affordable" top 20 districts like Haddonfield or Moorestown, but they're located in South Jersey, farther from job hubs and with less access to transit and regional amenities.

And while Millburn and Summit are fantastic, they're also known for high-stress, ultra-competitive environments that don't fit every student. In contrast, West Windsor and Princeton offer academic excellence with a more balanced student experience, according to parent and student reviews on Reddit and Niche.

🏘️ The Bottom Line: Buy Where Value Meets Excellence

If you're hunting for a home in New Jersey and want top-ranked schools without top-tier prices, Mercer County should be at the top of your list.

With districts like West Windsor-Plainsboro and Princeton, you're getting:

• Nationally ranked academics
• More house for your money
• A strong, diverse, and upward-trending community

In a market where $1.2 million homes are the norm for high-performing districts, Mercer County delivers undeniable value—and it's no longer a secret.

Thinking about making the move?
Explore Mercer County and see what smart homebuyers already know:
Great schools don't have to come with sky-high mortgages.