I was born in Trenton, 1947. Returned in 1978 for Dad's Funeral. At that point in time the city was already on a downward slide. It saddens me so much.

It's great work you're doing. Documenting the effects of five decades of financial mismanagement and near all out war of the eletes on the American working class.

My mom worked downtown in the 60s and said the riots in april of 68 destroyed Trenton. Rioters ransacked looted and burned over 200 businesses. Insurance companies started dropping businesses policys. Trenton a once commercial and residential hub never recovered.

Trenton NJ is a very old city. Cities go down hill when decent paying jobs aren't there. Very common.

Being a foreigner, it is strangely curious that a city with such an American heritage seems almost neglected. Anyway, a good video. Thanks for uploading it.

That huge abandoned manufacturing facility was the Roebling building. John Roebling was an engineer who developed steel cables. He built the Brooklyn Bridge, among other projects.

Trenton is a sad place run down and abandoned its a shame because it has a lot of really cool buildings

I currently live in Trenton, and I can assure you it's bad 3 out of the 4 season. Winter is the most peaceful season, mainly because it's too cold to do anything. There are some jewels in Trenton (houses/areas that you wouldn't believe exist). Personally, I hate it here, but with the cost of living rising and job security is starting to get questionable, it's hard to leave.

The present condition of Trenton is no surprise to me. It was bad in the mid eighties when I was in the Air Force, stationed about 30 miles away at McGuire AFB, which is now known as joint base McGuire/Fort Dix. I should add: be very cautious in some of these areas being explored… like Trenton. I’m looking forward to many more videos in the future!

Decades ago, American Standard was a major corporation in Trenton, where its huge kilns manufactured toilets, bidets, lavys and basins.

As a NJ taxpayer, I can assure you that as Trenton has devolved into a s-höle, the state government has spared no expense building opulent edifices to the state bureaucracy. Especially the Judiciary complex of buildings where the NJ Supreme Court meets. Those buildings would be befitting of Caesar or Cleopatra. Such a waste of money!

Thanks again for your continued excellent in depth presentations of the various cities, towns and townships of this nation. My hat is off to you.

As a native and inveterate Northeasterner, I must admit to no surprise that New Jersey's State House is off-limits to the public without an appointment. It's a fair bet that it's the only one in the country with that 'non-democratic' restriction. Except for its gorgeous small towns and countryside, its congested and urban areas are grim and near-chaotic. Thank you for the video.

I was born in Trenton in 1975. The hospital I was born in on Bellevue Ave is the tallest building in Trenton. My dad worked there for years. It is now completely abandoned. I wish you had checked it out.

Trenton still has some beautiful buildings.

I am European but once landed in Trenton by mistake. I simply booked the cheapest flight from Chicago to Philly and didn't know that airports in the surrounding area were also possible when booking. I think I was the only one who took a bus to the train station after the flight.

Coming soon to your community. Just a matter of time, as 6 people hoard more wealth than over 150 million people in this country. It's NOT a red/blue thing, it's a greed thing.

I’ve never been to New Jersey. Some of the buildings in downtown are gorgeous. I enjoyed the history of Trenton. I love learning about the places you visit. I didn’t pay close attention in school so I am redeeming myself! You’re a great teacher! The Photo Session is really cool! Glad Nicole got her Capitol stamp. Enjoy your weekend.

Trenton used to have a famous race track, at the state fairgrounds. It was about a 1 mile oval, except unlike most ovals there was a right turn in it: a 20 degree dogleg in the backstretch, creating a kidney bean shape. It was used for Indy car and top-division NASCAR events. It closed in 1980.

Another great video. Trenton has some awesome history. Thanks for showing us around.

To Joe & Nic : Born in Trenton and lived there until I was 13 when my family moved out of Trenton. After I left High School I moved back to Trenton. Not by choice. It was bad and getting worse in the early 80's. It was manufacturing town. Now it's mostly a ghetto. Extremely high crime. Anyone with an ability escapes it. Trenton, New Jersey is a death trap.

I have been to a few state capitals. A couple of months ago, I was in Sacramento. I have never seen so many homeless camps. You would think these state capitals could do better. Keep up the great work

Feels like I've travelled most of America since subscribing two weeks ago, it's been awesome and a real eye opener. . I never realised the poverty in America as well. Really sad to see. Watched a KZfaq video on Canada lastnight, that was sad as well. Might I say, your voice is very calming and nice to listen to, very informative as well. I always look foward to your new posts. Take care out there. Hi from Western Australia friends ❤ 🖐🏽

I live here. Anyone who parrots "Politicians" this "Phil Murphy" that are probably the same people to take scenic routes to avoid even driving through here and have a favorite past time blowing a lot of hot air. There's no opportunities within the area that brings in tax dollars or incentives for improvement. Factories are abandoned, and brokers use coded terms calling it a "Mircomarket" when there a plenty of people who could establish local businesses work if they had credit and reliable means. Crime would go down if there were enough jobs people without reliable transportation could participate locally and more people could qualify. Many don't have cars (A requirement in NJ), and those who do can barely/have to budget to afford gas. The city is a generation behind. You can look at a map and see even the highways go around or cut through to bypass Trenton leaving everyone to point at it as they pass by calling it the "Sad, Bleak Capital City" so nothing changes and the labels get worse. Is it intentional? Who knows.

The city actually didn't look too bad on the drive. It's worse in person. I went to Trenton State College which is actually a couple of miles north in Ewing. It's funny that Joe didn't mention the Battle of Trenton Monument when he drove right past it.

Thank you for another very informative video. New Jersey is a state where the "haves and have nots" is on full display . Most people around the country who never visited think of the very sad urban areas of Trenton, Camden and Newark . However, many very affluent communities abound everywhere in NJ. The state consistently ranks in the Top 5 for highest income and surprisingly, makes the Top 10 for the least in poverty. The high crime rap the state gets is unfair. According to that latest CDC statistics, the per capita homicide rate is 4.8/100000. Compare to Texas at 8.2/100000, Florida at 7.4/100000 , South Carolina at 13.4/100000 and even very rural South Dakota at 5.3/100000 to see what I mean.

Wow, so sad. Thanks for sharing another great, informative video.

I was lost on the way to Cambridge MA and entered Newark NJ by accident in 1982 and boy it was miserable then let alone now. No GPS at that time only McNally Road Atlas and AAA map Unless one is blind, most people can see that this country is rapidly deteriorating. Some may have watched Trump's rally a few months ago and he always said we are a nation in decline. Sad, infuriating, frustrating!

Trenton was immortalized in a wonderful series of books by Janet Evanovich.

THE WIRE ROPE used in the Brooklyn and Golden Gate bridges was made here in Trenton. One of the 3 bridges that connects Trenton to Morrisville, PA. is called the "TRENTON MAKES THE WORLD TAKES" Bridge.

I was born in Trenton and I know all the places downtown you are visiting. When I was a kid in the '80s, I remember how excited I was to go downtown and how full of life it was. I also remember being upset that we moved away from there at the age of 7. I slowly but surely realized what a good move it was (even though I hated Bucks County) and now when I go there (I still have family there and I was last there about two months ago), I'm grateful that we got out. So few do it seems.

Bro, that part with the guy sitting on the walker in the street and you filming him and his comment and yours had me LOL 😂🤣

A capitol building with a fence around it, I guess that says it all.

Enjoy the lengthy drive-thru’s in the residential areas. So interesting the various housing styles! Many thanks. Love your videos… Cheers from NM

Some of the beautiful hidden buildings are old banks that were bought out decades ago.

It’s an embarrassment as well as the governor here. People keep voting for this.

That is reason why I love KZfaq. Anybody can make content, and if its enough popular/good, you can earn living with that and make more same kind of contenct. I am from Europe, and its intresting to see small town in America and know prices of the houses etc.. That kind contenct could not be possible before internet time.🇪🇺🇺🇸

13:26 It's always a little disheartening to see an abandoned house being reclaimed by nature...😢

"What the F are you doin'" must translate as "Welcome to our town. Please enjoy your stay", right? Lovely! Good stuff, man! Thanks for the awesome vids. Stay cool, and stay safe, brother!

I’ve lived in NJ 54 years and never been to Trenton. Always heard it was a dump. Thanks for confirming the rumors.

Hi Joe and Nic it's 19C in south London right now - interesting and informative video - I don't think I will be going out of my way to visit Trenton should I ever visit New Jersey.

Actually the city looks better than it did over 25 years ago when I last visited. The part I drive through looked worse than Camden (Perry St), but there was a decent area called Mill Hill.

I really love watching your videos. From the Philippines.🇵🇭 👏👍

It's not only in Trenton...San Francisco, my home town, is suffering the same abandonment, graffiti, and lifeless look! I remember S.F. in the late 40s through 1965, when I came of age...so fine...beautiful and vibrant!! So glad I lived through those times! When I think of Camden, the huge Victor Talking Machine Company, later RCA Corp. comes to mind! All gone! San Francisco is noted for its Victorian Homes, many still exist. Beautifully restored! Most, if not all homes here, from the smallest to the grandest are of balloon -framed wooden construction, due to the huge redwood forest areas in California. Many men made large fortunes in the lumber industry. That relay mailbox looked like a drunken dancer...we have them out here, too, human ones also!!

Left Trenton in 1975. Have not been back to Jersey since 1980. Obviously not missing much. Look up to see all the beautiful ironwork made by the blacksmith of Trenton.

Hi Joe and Nic best wishes from the U.K. I love your posts as it gives a very real and honest view of whats happening in the USA. I actually used one of your videos whilst having a discussion with an American friend, and they where blown away by the reality of whats happening there, and there in the country. As I said, I love that you visit cities and towns others dont, and the information that you provide is really interesting, I have a question if you would kindly indulge me. many of the videos you say theres been pretty big population shifts, where is everyone going too?, secondly, why are many abandoned shops, homes etc just left for decades to crumble, it truly interests me as in the UK that doesn't happen, a year or two but not decades . Lokk forwards to the next post. take care.

More interesting escapades and information about another US city. I aways enjoy your videos and your commentary. I've been binge watching your videos over the past month to catch up. Keep up the good work.

Very informative as usual. Nice job

The guy in the walker appears to be disabled. He's got a cane and a stick and appears to be using those to propel the walker. He's probably in the street because it's got fewer obstacles to the small wheels than the sidewalk has. Quite possibly a homeless vet.

6:40 Wow, I saw that same exact statue in Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver, Canada when I visited a few years ago. I didn't know Trenton had one too. It's more fitting in New Jersey since they're wearing Great Adventure shirts.

From what I have seen there is absolutely nothing in Trenton that would make me want to go visit.

BTW I used to work for the man who made those statues right around the time they were made. J. Seward Johnson Jr. owned and operated The Johnson Atelier where he and a crew of very interesting characters created those statues depicting real life moments in time. There are many different installations in and around Princeton, Trenton and the surrounding area. Mr. Johnson was an heir to the Johnson and Johnson fortune and I used to work for him and his family around his home and at the Johnson Atelier many years ago. He passed away in 2020 at 89 I believe. He moved the Atelier to the Hamilton area (near Trenton) and it’s now known as The Grounds for Sculpture which is a really cool place to visit.

Parents here in New Jersey are fed up.

Trenton local here. Yeah this city's kinda a mess right now. Super rich history, sad how it fell down.

It is just such a mystery as to why these once magnificent places are now going "down the tubes". I can't even imagine, nor could I even say what I imagine, even if it was fact. What a conundrum. It is almost like it is a really weird scientific experiment. Be safe Joe and family. Thank You for these excellently orchestrated adventures. I'm addicted. (And Subbed! 😄)

Joe making his way downtown. Walking fast.

Seeing the Photo Session statues in Trenton made me laugh - the exact same ones are also in Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver, BC, albeit without the realistic fashion colors that Trenton's family has 😆

I seen pictures of Trenton from 1923 and it was busy and hustling. Demographics changed and it went to hell!

A great video, always so interesting, and a very relaxed learning experience !! Thank you both so much.😊💕

Great insight video, but im a hopeless optimist when i visit cities that were historically important in past then oh the reality hits, they are rundown for real in present. Sad to see alright.

Love your videos. A real eye opener for a West coast girl.

It is very interesting to walk around a provincial town in another part of the world. Thanks! Hi from Russia!

I was a Trenton resident, don't wanna be again. First Trenton is a large city, and not all is bad. Your driving down the WORSE streets! I won't even drive threw there! Plus the price of a one bedroom is around $1500 is crazy! That's because most of the people living there are on some kind of housing assistants. The city is turning into mostly Spanish speaking cultures. Most of the people from the 90s all moved out. The school district in my opinion is not bad. My oldest son graduated from Trenton Central High School with a scholarship to John Hopkins. He is doing very well now living in Virginia ❤

My parents, born and raised in Trenton, always talk about how busy and prosperous the city was when they were younger (1950-60s). I think there was a Ford factory there among other businesses. You could actually walk the streets. My Mom's childhood home is boarded up and trashed now. We actively AVOID going into the city. No one cares. It's sad.

You guys are rocking over 300,000 subs now..I remember when you guys almost quit..Love the videos bringing the Best and the Worst ..congrats on your success Lord..

It’s so disappointing… I pass by Trenton every week when I go to office to NYC to take the train. What a stunning beautiful architecture and city planning that is LACKING IN US!! USA is so desperately needs beautiful urban cultural cities and Trenton has those bones…. To see it all decline to see all the drug use on the streets is sooooo upsetting and such a waste!!! I hope Trenton recovers and RESTORES its beauty. I’m sorry but the drug use needs to be number 1 thing addressed to make this happen… unfortunately seeing how big cities deal with it even in LA NY Philly I don’t know how and when it’ll be addressed.. you do not see this in Europe and Trenton has the bones of a beautiful European city.. what doesn’t have is people who care about their town. As hash as it might seem I thing drug use in public should be outlawed and REINFORCED!! Like it is in other countries

You can definitely see how beautiful it once was. Sucks about the capital building

I really enjoyed the East St. Louis video. The contrast between the fourth world condition of East St. Louis and the brand new super funded ultra first world East St. Louis police department was a real eye opener.

Wow, that building @4:20 is epic, it would be worth a fortune in my city.

The Executive Branch portion of the State House has just undergone a major renovation and has not yet reopened for tours. The back half of the SH, known as the Legislative State House, is available for tours.

That is a city to not visit. The founder's house was cute though. The city gives a person a very unwelcome feeling.

Growing up in the 90s down town was a fun place to be man i miss the old trenton

I toured the Capitol Building about twenty years ago. The interior is beautiful. Too bad you couldn't get inside.

Having family in Jersey I have noticed such a weird balance of beautiful and ugly towns.

that plant is Roebling Steel. They made the cables holding up the Golden Gate Bridge (and many others). You didn't comment on the war memorial with the stature on top. Colonial artillery emplacement during battle of Trenton. Swept the streets clean of the Hessians. That beautiful steepled white church tiny adjacent graveyard on State Street is the burial site of Hessian Colonel Rawl, who commanded the Hessians at the battle and lost his life. You walked right by the capital of the US on State Street, the "French Arms" tavern. Trenton was chosen as the future home of the US capital but VA and MD donated the free land, so that where it is today. Seven taverns from pre revolution (1730) to 1837 occupied this space. Their names are etched on the roof border on the top floor. The colonial congress met here for 2 months after being kicked out of philadelphia . You missed a lot of very cool stuff but seemed to know all the bad. This could have been a great video bc you had a lot to work with.

Been watching yalls road trip for a long time since near the beginning of it and im impressed on how much that it has improved since the start. im happy for yall. it shows that with hard work you can still make a successful career in the United States. adding the numbers on statistics sink in a lot more when you can see them and pause them to read them. thanks for your hard work. tell Nocole that its refreshing to see a woman in her 50's that has kept herself in shape and is not a big ole blob of blubber like most women her age is.

In my half century of living I've never seen a (graveyard or cemetery) in the middle of a downtown US city.........

I’m someone who loves to travel and am big on history!! I have a saying that every state is unique and has something to love about it! But lately, my drive through VA, MD, and DE is putting my claim to the test. Trenton is my next stop and I heard it’s on the decline. Your video definitely makes that clear. Sad to see.

Thank you for your opinions of Trenton. I sit here in my nice house in a decent neighborhood. As shown in the video, the state house is being completely renovated...so no tours at this time.

It’s a damn shame. I grew up in the 60s there, and it was way different

As always, very interesting! Thank you !

Wow. Never thought I'd see this place again. I traveled here often for work a few years back. Not the best area as the town is run down and the crowd can be sketchy. Great travel location though as you're in-between Philadelphia and NYC. Thanks for the video! From West Texas to North East... I wonder what's next

It appears that the only reason the govt and 1% need us is for tax money. If you don’t meet their needs, a person is cast off, discarded. Thank you for this tour and commentary. I have lived in the area since the 70’s and your facts and summation of the situation is accurate. Trenton and people, It is Sad and in our country inexcusable.

I just moved back from Trenton New Jersey about three months ago. I was living there for about a year. It was very sad and depressing. They need to invest in thir city. All of the homes are run down. Nothing like Camden. They’ve actually invested money into that city. I was living across the street from city hall, and it wasn’t even safe you couldn’t even walk to the corner store there was a shooting like every night

I was really impressed by " The Photo " statue, as you said really impressed by the clothing, paintwork being not spray painted on, here in the UK, that possibly would have been ruined. Also the lack of street litter is impressive, in the city centre. Looks really nice with the trees lining the streets. Such a pity again that these beautiful houses that stood proud, are just left to delapitate. Great Video !

Being from Trenton, i can tell you poverty is the main problem. If they want to slow crime they have to battle the poverty issue 1st. About 70% of the houses in our city is abandoned, but also have so much homelessness. The sad thing is it feels like the rest of the state forgot about us. A capital city in America shouldnt be closer to being like a 3rd world country.

The slow death of a superpower....another great vid.

Seems like this is happening in cities all over your travels. 😢

In all the years my husband and I have lived here in this beautiful state, we've only been inside Trenton twice. Both times we got lost trying to get out before dark. Had to flag down a police officer for directions. Both times were before cars with navigational systems.

I reside nearby.... my best advice is this: FLEE IMMEDIATELY !!! As you've noticed, downtown Trenton is pretty much a disaster area and best avoided due to a high level of danger. As a local I can tell you about this area is that you don't have to travel far to see a BIG change in area. For example, Hamilton, Lawrenceville, Robbinsville, Princeton.... etc. all surround Trenton but are a vastly different. That's the thing about New Jersey.... things change from block to block and town to town. Around here you have to take the rough with the smooth.

Amazing how if you go 10 minutes outside Trenton you have loads of rich suburbs on the NJ and PA side but this dumpster fire wedged between all those nice towns

So much character in this town

I will never understand why people keep voting for state run governments like that. Ignorance I suppose. And u can’t even go into your government building at will. Make an appointment how stupid.thx for taking us along. Glad I live where I live.

Trenton has been on a steady death spiral since the riots in the 1960s. What also killed retail was the malls in suburbia. The downtown could be like Somerville that did recover, but not a chance. Bad or corrupt leadership over the years. I'm local so have seen it all myself.

I was born in Trenton in 1962 and remember it was nice till the last gasp of city before the 1968 Riots. It was a nice city and the working class had a decent life. All my neighbors worked in a local factory, owned their own home, car, and the wife stayed home with the kids. It was safe and clean. I moved away in the early 80s. Its sad to see it now.

Thank you 👍

I've pretty much lived in Trenton my entire life. After going on family trips to other states, I've realized I don't really want to stay here for the rest of my life considering everything I've been through here. Since I'm graduating high school in a couple weeks, I'm going to be out of state for college and I think I made the right choice.

"Trenton makes, the world takes." Read some Janet Evanovich's novels set in Trenton.

I grew up in Trenton. The flight of manufacturing to foreign shores caused the downward spiral. There were lots of good-paying union jobs in those factories. Corporate greed killed Trenton.

The internet says that statue with the info worn off is Trenton's 'Lady Victory' Monument. I've really enjoyed your New Jersey adventures. I've been to NJ a couple of times on business but saw little besides the hotels and had no idea it contained all the cool little towns that reflect a New England vibe, even though it's not one of the five New England states proper.