Demographer Bernard Salt dubbed Princes Hill "Chick City" in 2003, after 2001 Census data revealed the suburb had the highest proportion of single women to men in Melbourne.

By May 1885 "a temporary building on Princes Hill was nearing completion and was expected to be ready for opening, on Sunday the 17th inst."

In September 1889, it was announced "A commodious State school, which has recently been erected in Arnold Street, Princes Hill, North Carlton, to meet the requirements of that rapidly growing suburb was opened yesterday by the Minister of Public Instruction, in the presence of the intending pupils, who numbered about 250 and a large number of ladies and gentlemen.

It is intended to have one constable in charge, but the residents in the neighbourhood think that one representative of the law will be totally insufficient to protect them."

In 1884 The Argus reported on land sold in "Princes Hill, North Carlton, Wilson street, 66 x 165 to right of way £305 5s."