The town is very small, a community which desires, at least on the part of many of its residents, to resist any urbanization and to maintain its rural character as much as possible. It is commonly said that new residents, once they have settled down, feel that Princeton should shut the town gates and restrict its population.

It is difficult to categorize all the factors which bring about a sense of proprietorship in newcomers as well as in those who have lived in town all their lives, but residents affirm without fear of exaggeration that those who come seem to feel they have discovered the place.

Princeton Mass is located in Central Massachusetts, bordered by Leominster on the northeast, Sterling on the east, Holden on the southeast, Rutland on the southwest, and Hubbardston and Westminster on the northwest. Princeton is about 14 miles south of Fitchburg, 15 miles north of Worcester, 47 miles west of Boston, and 189 miles from New York City.