← Best suburbs near New York City

Pennington, NJ vs West Windsor, NJ

Two popular NJ suburbs of New York City, side by side. Here's how they compare on the metrics that matter most to families.

School rating
9/10
10/10
Commute to New York City
100 min
82 min
Median home price
$650K
$780K
Annual property tax
$12K
$14K
Walk score
45
35
Density
suburban
suburban

Summary: Pennington, NJ leads in 3 of 6 metrics. It edges out on median home price, annual property tax, walk score. The best choice depends on your family's priorities.

Character & vibe

Pennington, NJ

Quiet village adjacent to Princeton — a main street, excellent schools, and half-acre lots at a significant discount. The sleeper pick in Mercer County.

community

West Windsor, NJ

NJ Transit Northeast Corridor access, nationally ranked schools, and new construction townhomes at half Princeton's price. The rational alternative to Princeton for families.

community

Who should pick which?

Pick Pennington, NJ if you...

  • ·Need to keep your home budget in check
  • ·Value walkability and a pedestrian-friendly downtown
  • ·Want lower annual property taxes

Pick West Windsor, NJ if you...

  • ·Prioritize top-rated schools above all else
  • ·Want the shortest commute to New York City

Still deciding?

Burbia scores both Pennington, NJ and West Windsor, NJ — and every other town in the New York City Area — based on your specific commute, budget, and priorities. Not a generic list.

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