← Best suburbs near New York City

Princeton, NJ vs South Brunswick

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
10/10
8/10
Commute to New York City
91 min
76 min
Median home price
$1.1M
$580K
Annual property tax
$18K
$13K
Walk score
65
30
Density
suburban
suburban

Summary: South Brunswick leads in 3 of 6 metrics. It edges out on commute to new york city, median home price, annual property tax. The best choice depends on your family's priorities.

Character & vibe

Princeton, NJ

The intellectual suburb — Princeton University anchors a walkable downtown with world-class restaurants, galleries, and a perpetual seminar energy. NJ Transit dinky to Princeton Junction station.

walkableartsycommunity

South Brunswick

Middlesex County's fast-growing diverse suburb.

communityspace

Who should pick which?

Pick Princeton, NJ if you...

  • ·Prioritize top-rated schools above all else
  • ·Value walkability and a pedestrian-friendly downtown

Pick South Brunswick if you...

  • ·Want the shortest commute to New York City
  • ·Need to keep your home budget in check
  • ·Want lower annual property taxes

Still deciding?

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

Talk to Burbia →