About Princeton
Explore the Town of Princeton NC
The Town of Princeton, perfectly located along US Highway 70 in Johnston County between Smithfield and Goldsboro. Princeton is a flourishing community with an estimated population of nearly 1,300 at this time. The town of Princeton offers a florist, a hardware store, drugstore, an optician, bakery, a pediatric medical practice, two grocery stores and various retail stores available to its residents, Princeton Schools (Elementary, Middle and High) are highly rated as well. Having this town produce all of these successful businesses, prominent educational institutions and having a proud history, it is no wonder that citizens proclaim Princeton as Peaceful, Pleasant, Progressive and Proud! View properties for sale in Princeton, NC.
Parks and Recreation
Enjoy the Ray M Floors Community Park. This park features picnic shelter with charcoal grills, drinking fountains and restroom facilities. Other amenities include playground equipment with a separate toddler play area, as well as a 1/3 mile walking trail! The park is open to the public, for hours and other resources at myprincetonnc.com
If you’re looking to brush up on some reading or find something new to indulge in, we would suggest checking out the Princeton Public Library which is located inside the Princeton High School. The library also offers public access to internet and a Career Center with access to JobLink. The Princeton Public Library also participates in Open Library, an eBook lending program. For a full list of events and other information visit myprincetonnc.com/library
Princeton also has a Little Tar-Heels League is located off of New Ballpark Road which is the home to Princeton Athletics, it is a non-profit sustained by volunteers. Programs offered throughout the year are Volleyball, T-Ball, Baseball, Softball, Football, Basketball, and Cheerleading. … Learn more information and sign up
Our Favorite Local Attractions
Parks & recreation
Residents of Princeton are offered a number of outdoor and recreational opportunities as mentioned above. Princeton is also home to a community pool, and is within easy reach of the river parks of Smithfield and Selma.
Year-round Events
Community Day, Memorial and Veteran’s Day events, and a holiday parade are staples in the town of Princeton. The library hosts town events such as line dancing and American Sign Language classes as well. The Princeton Community Center holds even more events. So there is plenty to keep busy in town or surrounding cities.
Local & nearby attractions
Princeton is home to the Princeton Veteran’s Memorial. Flags of each of the nation’s armed forces, as well as the flag of prisoners of war, line the perimeter of the park. A beautiful brick pathway bears the names of local veterans. Princeton is also within a short drive of Smithfield and Selma. Each of these small cities is filled with attractions, such as museums and theatre’s, bars, and brewpubs.
Other Attractions and Activities to look for…
For a family-fun spring outing take the kids to WDW Strawberry Farm to do some hand picking of fresh berries, or simply buy some local jams, produce, and honey too!
OR Grab a cup of coffee at Midtown Java, where they offer over thirty flavors of specialty drinks including several sugar free options. Coffee connoisseurs of all around should make sure to stop in to this small-town shop on corner of 1st & Center Street!
Additional Resources
For a full list of places to visit, events calendar, addresses and restaurants visit … johnstoncountync.org/things-to-do.
History
The Town of Princeton was incorporated by North Carolina law in 1861 under the name Boon Hill. The town first got its name from a man named Boon who kept a livery stable in the Holt’s Pond area on the stagecoach road from Goldsboro to Raleigh. The town’s name was changed to Princeton in 1873 by an act of the North Carolina General Assembly. The new name originated in 1863 from a man by the name of Hensley who moved to the town from Princeton, New Jersey. In 1914 the Gurley Mill was constructed as a corn and feed mill, by 2020 it was the oldest structure in Princeton, until it burned down in November. The Princeton Graded School is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
New residents of Princeton can learn more at johnstoncountync.org/listing/town-of-princeton.