About Princeton

Princeton, Illinois, is a place that doesn’t take long to get to, but offers a very different atmosphere than what you’d expect. It’s not the city, it’s not the suburbs, yet it offers a level of sophistication that you don’t expect from a small town. Princeton is in its own category. Located just far enough outside Chicago’s suburban orbit to offer a real retreat, Princeton is easily accessible via I80 and Amtrak. This small town offers big-city shopping opportunities, making it ideal for a weekend away.

Enjoy a cup of coffee in a restored old hardware store before you start your day strolling along historic Main Street, where you’ll find an abundance of boutiques. This isn’t a place to rush through. Admire a traditional barn quilt pattern at one of our quilt shops or the vintage china at Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past. Get your piece of the pie at a place offering so many different varieties that you could have a different one every day for months. Indulge in a retro movie experience or participate in one of the many theatrical performances available. Princeton is truly designed to unwind.

Mission & Values

Mission Statement:

In partnership with the community, the mission of the City of Princeton is to provide the highest quality municipal service to those who live, work and visit our community.

Core Values:

Core values are beliefs or convictions that guide and direct behavior and support purpose and vision. The City of Princeton will utilize the following core values to guide its actions, shape the culture of city government, and form the basis of its standards-based performance review process.

• Integrity: The state of being honest, fair, and ethical in every situation, even if it’s unpopular.
• Professionalism: Serving with the highest level of respect, skill, and judgment in each situation.
• Excellence: The expectation of engaging in outstanding levels of performance.
• Service: Providing City services at the highest level for the advancement of the community.
• Collaboration: Working together to benefit from the resources, knowledge, wisdom and understanding of others.
• Accountability: Taking responsibility for our decisions and actions while doing everything possible to achieve the desired results.