With a rich history and senior-friendly amenities, Princeton is the perfect place for retirees. The beautiful town offers seniors various activities, sights, and different types of accommodation. This includes senior apartments, which are ideal for people who love a community atmosphere, affordability, and independence.
Our guide focuses on listings in a 25-mile radius, but you’ll also learn about housing costs, payment options, local laws and regulations, care types in the area, transportation options, available activities, and more.
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The average cost of senior apartments in Princeton depends on the unit’s location, number of bedrooms, and services. Just to give an idea of how prices can fluctuate, in nearby Plainsboro, monthly rent at senior apartment facilities ranges between $1,890 and $3,515.[01]
Depending on the facility, amenities may include wheelchair accessibility, reserved parking spaces, nearby public transport, beauty salons, scheduled activities, common rooms, and health care services.
There are different funding options available to help seniors pay for their apartments. In this part of the guide, we’ll talk about private options, VA benefits, and housing assistance. You’ll also learn why Medicaid and Medicare don’t cover rent but can be used for medically necessary in-home health care services.
There are several income sources that fall under private payment methods, including savings, investment returns, Social Security benefits, and pensions. These can all be used to fund senior apartment living. You can also use the following funding methods:
If you’re a veteran looking for a senior apartment in Princeton, it’s important to know that there are benefits and resources available for you.
Any veteran that qualifies for a VA Pension can use this resource to cover the costs of a senior apartment in Princeton. For veterans with service-related ailments, the VA Aid and Attendance benefit can also cover long-term health care and living costs. It can provide $1,794 per month to a veteran, $1,153 to a surviving spouse, or $2,127 to a couple. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also offers VA programs, including disability compensation.
The municipality of Princeton has assistance programs that provide health care, financial assistance, and housing support to veterans. Check out the veteran’s services guides or contact the Veterans Benefits Bureau to find out more. There are also several veteran service organizations (VSOs) that can support veteran seniors moving to Princeton: one ran by the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs at the Lawrenceville Armory, a county-operated VSO, a Disabled American Veterans VSO, and a Veterans of Foreign Wars VSO.
Number of veterans who live in Princeton, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of Princeton veterans who are 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Resources for Princeton veterans
New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
101 Eggert Crossing Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Phone: 609-530-6892
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Lawrenceville Armory
151 Eggerts Crossing Road, Room 136
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648
Phone: 609-671-6697
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Mercer County Department of Veteran Services
1440 Parkside Ave.
Ewing, NJ 08638
Phone: 609-989-6120
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Disabled American Veterans Department of NJ
171 Jersey St., Building 5, 2nd Floor
Trenton, NJ 08611
Phone: 609-396-2885
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of New Jersey
171 Jersey St., Building 5, 2nd Floor
Trenton, NJ 08611
Phone: 609-393-1929
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Medicaid program in New Jersey is called NJ FamilyCare. Its goal is to assist low-income seniors with affordable healthcare.
Since senior apartment living isn’t considered adult care, Medicaid benefits do not cover rent. However, they do cover necessary in-home health care services through Home and Community-Based Services Waivers. To determine eligibility and apply for Medicaid, fill out this online form, call 800-701-0710, or visit an outreach and enrollment site.
There are a few organizations you can contact for assistance with applying for Medicaid insurance, filing claims, and lodging complaints. They are the New Jersey Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services, the New Jersey Division of Aging Services, and New Jersey’s ombudsman.
For New Jersey’s full administrative codes and regulations, click here.
Princeton resident Medicaid resources
NJ FamilyCare
1 Monument Drive
Princeton, NJ 08540
Phone: 800-701-0710
Hours: Monday and Thursday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
New Jersey Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services
7 Quakerbridge Plaza, Room 306
Trenton, NJ 08619
Phone: 609-588-2600
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
New Jersey Division of Aging Services
3444 Quakerbridge Road
Hamilton Township, NJ 08619
Trenton, NJ 08625-0715
Phone: 877-222-3737
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
New Jersey Long-Term Care Ombudsman
P.O. Box 852
Trenton, NJ 08625-0852
Phone: 877-582-6995
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for seniors 65 or older. Medicare doesn’t cover senior apartment rent, but this resource still pays for health care appointments, medicine, and hospital stays.
To be eligible, a person must be 65 or older or diagnosed with certain illnesses or disabilities. You can apply three months before your birthday, during the month of your birthday, or three months after your birthday. If you apply outside of these periods, you could invoke penalties. [03] To learn more about Medicare and apply online, you can visit the Social Security Administration website.
Individuals who aren’t financially eligible for the New Jersey Care program under Medicaid can take advantage of the state’s three Medicare savings programs: the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program, the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary, and the Qualifying Individual program. There are also the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled program and the Senior Gold programs, which offer state-funded pharmaceutical payment assistance to people in New Jersey. Click here to apply for these programs through NJSave.
Need free medical and social care? Contact Capital Health about its Living Independently for Elders program, which is a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly.
If you need support applying for Medicare insurance or navigating the many available programs, you can reach out to the State Health Insurance Assistance Program of New Jersey. Through this free resource, you can receive health insurance assistance from a volunteer counselor. Another great resource when it comes to long-term care concerns is the local ombudsman.
Princeton resident Medicare resources
Trenton Social Security Administration Office
635 S. Clinton Ave.
Trenton, NJ 08611
Phone: 866-964-0026
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
New Jersey Division of Aging Services
3444 Quakerbridge Road
Hamilton Township, NJ 08619
Trenton, NJ 08625-0715
Phone: 800-792-8820
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
NJ Medicare Savings Programs
Phone: 800-792-9745
Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled
Phone: 800-792-9745
Senior Gold
Phone: 800-792-9745
State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Phone: 800-792-8820
New Jersey Long-Term Care Ombudsman
P.O. Box 852
Trenton, NJ 08625-0852
Phone: 877-582-6995
Since Medicare and Medicaid don’t cover rent for senior apartments, many retirees turn to housing assistance programs or Social Security benefits.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) assists seniors with the Housing Choice Voucher program, which is also known as Section 8. This program helps low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities afford private-market housing that’s safe, sanitary, and comfortable. Click here to determine eligibility, and click here to apply for the program. Check with your prospective senior apartment community to see if they accept HUD vouchers before signing any documents.
Social Security benefits are a more flexible option. They can be used for any living costs, not just rent. However, it’s essential to apply for the correct type of benefits to qualify without delay.
There are also other local resources you can depend on. To start, New Jersey created a guide to affordable housing. There’s also the Princeton Senior Resource Center, which collects and provides information on affordable housing; Community Grants, Planning, and Housing, which is a full-service affordable housing implementation company; and Housing Initiatives of Princeton, which assists Princeton residents experiencing housing insecurity.
Princeton resident public assistance resources
Princeton Housing Authority
1 Redding Circle
Princeton, NJ 08540
Phone: 609-924-3448
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Trenton Social Security Administration Office
635 S. Clinton Ave.
Trenton, NJ 08611
Phone: 866-964-0026
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Princeton Senior Resource Center
101 Poor Farm Road, Building B
Princeton, NJ 08540
Phone: 609-751-9699
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Community Grants, Planning, and Housing
1249 South River Road, Suite 301
Cranbury, NJ 08512-3633
Phone: 609-664-2769
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Housing Initiatives of Princeton
33 Mercer St.
Princeton, NJ 08540
Phone: 609-921-2328
New Jersey doesn’t license congregate apartment buildings because they are normal rental properties. Even so, you should review tenant laws to ensure you’re up-to-date on all regulations. Here’s a brief overview of important laws:
The “Truth in Renting” guide is a great resource for understanding the rights and responsibilities of both tenants and landlords in New Jersey. Princeton also has a comprehensive rental housing regulations guide that you or a loved one can reference.
In New Jersey, buildings with three or more dwelling units must be registered with the Bureau of Housing Inspection. These properties must undergo a fire inspection once per year and a health and welfare inspection every five years. Single and two-family rental properties are inspected every two years and issued a Certificate of Compliance.
Inspection reports become public records once served to the owner of the facility. You can find safety reports on the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs page by entering the county, municipality, and facility’s name into the search boxes.
Typically, senior apartments are reserved for residents who are 55 and older. However, they can accept younger residents as long as there’s one person who’s 55 or older in at least 80% of the units.
Some places, like Princeton Senior Living, have income requirements. To live in these apartments, seniors must be 55 or older with incomes at or below 60% of the area’s median Income. There are also subsidized apartments for the elderly with an entry-level age of 62.
New Jersey Department of Health
55 N. Willow St.
Trenton, New Jersey, 08625
Phone: 800-367-6543
Beginning in 2022, the New Jersey Department of Health utilized Centers for Disease Control and Prevention county COVID-19 levels to manage cases. Wearing a mask is only required when a person has tested positive, and vaccines are free but not mandatory.
You can visit New Jersey’s COVID-19 information hub for guidelines and more information.
Vaccinations. Vaccines are free but not mandatory.
Masking. Wear a mask when ill or in contact with vulnerable people.
Facility cleanliness. Facilities are regularly cleaned with high-quality disinfectants.
Quarantining. People with COVID-19 should self-isolate.
Princeton offers a beautiful and historic landscape for retirees. Senior apartments in the area are geared toward upscale living, but there are some affordable and subsidized units available.
While A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with any senior apartment communities in the downtown Princeton area, we do partner with a facility in the 25-mile radius. At this facility, seniors will enjoy indoor and outdoor common areas, property convenient to public transit, 24-hour awake staff, and wheelchair accessible showers. Other apartments in the area may offer pools, in-unit laundry, and clubhouses.
Princeton senior apartments are perfect for retirees who are active and independent. These units are designed with senior-friendly accessibility features such as elevators and wide doorways. These communities don’t provide daily assistance or medical services, but amenities often include reserved parking spaces, maintenance and repairs, security, and social activities.
Seniors may also consider independent living facilities, which provide more support when it comes to daily life and health care. In the 25-mile radius, A Place for Mom partners with four stand-alone independent living facilities; two independent living and assisted living facilities; and 13 combination independent living, assisted living, and memory care facilities.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Princeton
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within Princeton
Median annual income for Princeton seniors 65 and older
Penn Medicine Princeton Health is a highly respected teaching hospital and Level 1 trauma center. It is also highly ranked nationally in orthopedics.
Hopewell is a Level II trauma center. It is regionally acknowledged for excellence in neurology, and it has won several accolades for its approach to green energy.
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, which is classified as a Level I trauma center, is New Jersey’s first pediatric trauma center. It’s nationally acclaimed for its ground-breaking emergency preparedness. The hospital is also known for its high performance in cancer and gastroenterology.
You and your loved ones will be happy to know how easy it is to travel around Princeton. To start, there are a variety of public transportation options to choose from:
It is also easy to walk and bike around Princeton. Seniors can easily walk to notable sites and recreational activities in about 20 minutes. Walk Score gives Princeton a 77 out of 100 walk score and an 88 out of 100 bike score based on distance to amenities, road safety for pedestrians, and ease of movement for pedestrians. [04]
Whether you want to brush up on your history, taste something amazing, explore, or relax, Princeton has it all. Many seniors choose to live in Princeton because of the various recreational activities and entertainment options it offers.
Sporty seniors can get their game on at the Community Park tennis courts or tee off on one of the city’s golf courses. Princeton also has many health and wellness spas, including Tranquility Den and The Spa at Forrestal, where seniors can get pampered or practice their yoga skills
Those who love exploring history can browse the 18th century gardens of the Morven Museum. The museum features several notable events over the course of the year, including a spring plant sale, a July jubilee, and a winter festival of trees. Seniors can also visit the campus of Princeton University to see historic buildings, a 1928 chapel, and an art museum that’s wheelchair accessible.
Want to share good memories with friends over a meal? Princeton’s restaurants cater to every taste and include fine dining, cultural cuisine, and fast food. Locals particularly love Blue Point Grill, Witherspoon Grill, Jammin’ Crepes, Mediterra Restaurant, and Agricola Eatery.
Seniors can also join the 55PLUS club, which meets twice a month to listen to lectures on the arts, science, finance, and more. For more local events and activities, check out the Princeton Senior Resource Center’s calendar of events.
Granville Place, Woodbourne Place and Roebling Arms are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Princeton, NJ. These Senior Apartments facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Senior Apartments in Princeton is $2,698 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Apartments.com. (2023). Apartments for rent in Princeton, NJ.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101): Princeton, New Jersey [Data set]. QuickFacts.
Office for Aging Services of the Division for Community Living. (2023). Medicare & Medicaid.
Walk Score. (2023). Downtown Princeton, New Jersey.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
Apartments.com. (2023). Apartments for rent in Princeton, NJ.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101): Princeton, New Jersey [Data set]. QuickFacts.
Office for Aging Services of the Division for Community Living. (2023). Medicare & Medicaid.
Walk Score. (2023). Downtown Princeton, New Jersey.