High-end commuter town with a strong sense of community
Part of Millburn Township in Essex County, Short Hills was founded in the late 1800s by Stewart Hartshorn, who made his fortune in security shutters that protected storefronts. Hartshorn’s vision was to create a community where people could live harmoniously with nature and each other. One of his best decisions was to build a train station in town along the Morris and Essex Railroad line that would eventually become a direct line to New York City. Today, Short Hills is known as a commuter town for residents who work in Manhattan. With a median household income of $256,000, more than three times the national average, Short Hills is an affluent community where 88% of residents own their homes.
“Short Hills is a special place,” says Judith Daniels, a team leader with Prominent Properties Sotheby’s, who grew up in Short Hills, is raising her family there, and has been a local Realtor since 2006. “After Hurricane Ida, everyone came together. High school students and their parents helped with the cleanup. And the township does its part to take care of citizens. When there wasn’t enough parking at the train station for commuters, the station offered valet parking until a new deck was finished. For households with two working parents, the school system offered subscription busing. The township takes care of us in practical and important ways.”
Often recognized for its highly ranked school system, the town also features stunning homes, beautiful parks and greenspaces, a high-end mall, and dozens of local shops and restaurants. Named for the topology of the region, Short Hills is big on almost every suburban convenience.
An elevated view of homes in the downtown area of Millburn, NJ.
The Millburn Delicatessen has been perfecting sandwiches since 1946 and offers a huge menu.
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Homes with meticulous design and grand features
The average home price in Short Hills is $2.2 million, over four times the national average. Homes here range from historic residences built as early as 1900 when the town was founded to newly constructed magnificent colonial-styles with luxury amenities. The common denominators in Short Hills are meticulous design and grand features. Buyers will find custom-built homes designed by award-winning architects and timeless Victorians with thoughtful craftsmanship and updated modern systems. The number of bedrooms can range from four to 10, and many of these homes sit on a half-acre or more of land.
“The real estate market in Short Hills is strong,” Daniels says. “Even when the market was down, we followed the ebbs and flows but were not as affected.” Some areas, like those within walking distance of South Mountain, a popular recreational area, might be more desirable, she says. But for the most part, all homes in Short Hills sell well. “This is generally a safe town, and our police, fire department and EMTs do an exceptional job.”
A healthy mix of Tudor and Colonial style homes on a tree lined street in Millburn, NJ.
A white Colonial style home sits on a beautiful cherry blossom lined street in Millburn.
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Short Hills’ exceptional public schools
The Millburn Township School District serves Short Hills and scores an A-plus from Niche. The district’s six elementary schools rank among the top 13 elementary schools in New Jersey, and the high school is consistently ranked as one of the top secondary schools in both the state and the nation. Ninety-nine percent of graduating seniors attend four-year colleges. Approximately 5,000 students attend Millburn Township Public Schools.
“My parents moved here over 50 years ago for the school system,” Daniels says. “My kids attend the same elementary I did at their age. New Jersey is known for its excellent public schools, and Millburn schools are often at the top of the list.”
Families may also choose Far Brook School, a private day school serving students in nursery through eighth grade, and Pingry School Lower Campus for kindergarten through fifth grade.
Deerfield Elementary School is one of many schools in the area that serve Millburn residents.
Niche gave Millburn High School an overall grade of A+.
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City parks, an arboretum and South Mountain Reservation
Gero Park in Short Hills and Taylor Park in Millburn are each popular for their playgrounds and sports facilities, which include baseball fields, a basketball court and tennis courts that double as pickleball courts. Gero also features a roller hockey rink, a community swimming pool and a municipal golf course. Taylor has a duck pond where visitors can fish and participate in the township’s annual fishing derby in April. In September, the park hosts Rocktoberfest, a music festival and fundraiser that benefits the Millburn Education Foundation, which supports local schools, teachers and students. Taylor Park also features “All Together Now,” a colorful public art installation, which is one of a dozen town-wide exhibits that offer expressions of community inclusivity.
Short Hills is also home to the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary, named after the daughter of founder Stewart Hartshorn. In nearby Crescent Park, a public 9/11 memorial commemorates the first responders and eight Millburn residents who were killed in the terrorist attacks. The monument includes two pieces of steel from the World Trade Center.
South Mountain Reservation borders Short Hills and features over 2,000 acres of nature preserve with access to the 36-mile Lenape Trail, which connects 18 parks and 11 municipalities in Essex County. The park also offers the Regatta Playground, one of the largest in the area, which sits next to the Orange Reservoir, where visitors can rent paddle boats or walk the 1.7-mile path around it. The Essex County Turtle Back Zoo is next to the reservoir.
People playing basketball and beach volleyball at Taylor Park, Millburn, NJ.
Stroll or paddle your time away at the beautiful South Mountain Reservation near Springfield.
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The Mall at Short Hills, the downtowns and the Paper Mill Playhouse
Short Hills is well-known for its upscale shopping mall next to the Canoe Brook Country Club, where Route 24 meets the John F. Kennedy Parkway. The Mall at Short Hills features high-end designer brands like Prada and Chanel, and is anchored by Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s.
Short Hills’ quaint downtown across from the train station on Chatham Road offers several businesses, including a pizza place, a dry cleaner and a pet groomer. Millburn’s downtown on Millburn Avenue is much larger, with favorites like Liv Breads, specializing in the breads and pastries of Europe and Isreal. Basilico, a high-end eatery, serves Northern Italian cuisine and offers outdoor seating when weather permits. The Paper Mill Playhouse, a local theater company, is on Brookside Drive. “Productions may be off-Broadway, but I’ve seen them, and they’re Broadway-quality,” Daniels says.
The township has a commercial corridor along Morris Turnpike where people can shop for groceries at Kings Food Markets or ShopRite. The shopping district also offers dozens of fast-food chains, businesses and retail stores.
High end shopping can be found nearby at the Short Hills Mall near Livingston.
Basilico deliveres refined italian fare close to the Papermill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ.
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Commuting to NYC by car or train
Routes 24 and 124 border Short Hills and flow into Interstate 78, which connects to the Garden State Parkway, 8 miles east, and Newark Liberty International Airport, 15 miles east. New York City is a 25-mile drive using I-78, the most direct route. Short Hills and Millburn each have a train station where passengers can pick up NJ Transit trains with direct service to Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan, about a 40-minute commute. “So many people commute to the city, my husband included,” Daniels says. “The commuter lots at both train stations are resident-only. The Millburn Library nearby offers $10 daily parking, but you still must be a resident. Nearby towns have waitlists for parking, but Short Hills has been practical with how it spends municipal funds, and there are adequate parking decks for all residential commuters.”
Stable crime and climate numbers
According to New Jersey State Police Uniform Crime Reporting data, violent and property crimes in Millburn Township have gone up and down over the past several years, with a noticeable 30% dip in 2020 and a more recent 7% decrease in 2023. FBI crime data confirms these trends.
The Millburn-Short Hills area enjoys a temperate climate with mild winters and hot summers. The average high in July is 85.5 degrees and the average low in January is 19.6 degrees, which is on par with most of the United States.
Written By
Christopher Kopczynski
Video By
Brad Davis
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Short Hills, NJ sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Short Hills, NJ over the last 12 months is $2,404,375, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Fabulous, move in condition, expanded colonial/split home in the Poet's Section. A lovely open front porch welcomes you into the front door and the foyer of this special home. Large living room with gas fireplace, hardwood floors and picture window. Large updated country kitchen, newer Subzero, double Bosch ovens and Miele 6 burner stove. The kitchen opens to a family room with an abundance of
This is the one you've been waiting for! Ideally set on 2.3 stunning acres of totally level property with plenty of room for a pool & tennis court with legal egress to 42 Dorison Drive adjoining the 2000 acre South Mountain Reservation, for the utmost privacy, this spectacular custom built Colonial has been designed for perfect Feng Shui and is south facing w/ great natural light throughout.
Welcome to 55 Troy Drive, a stunning new construction home in the prestigious Short Hills neighborhood. Set on half an acre of beautifully landscaped grounds, this home features seven expansive bedroom suites, each with its own private bath, and 2 powder rooms offering a home that is as functional for everyday living & extraordinary for entertaining. At the heart of the home, a grand chef's
Welcome to this exceptional newer-construction home in the highly sought-after Farley section of Short Hills. Designed with an open floor plan and expansive walls of windows, the home is filled with natural light throughout. The gourmet kitchen is a true showpiece, featuring Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, custom cabinetry, and premium fixtures, seamlessly opening to the family, dining, and living
Welcome to this stunning NEW CONSTRUCTION 6 bed 5 bath home in a fabulous neighborhood in Short Hills located just minutes from the train station, vibrant downtown, & top-rated schools. Step into a 2-story foyer that sets the tone for the luminous interiors, filled with abundant natural light and gorgeous designer finishes throughout. The open concept living and dining rooms provide a refined
Fabulous, move in condition, expanded colonial/split home in the Poet's Section. A lovely open front porch welcomes you into the front door and the foyer of this special home. Large living room with gas fireplace, hardwood floors and picture window. Large updated country kitchen, newer Subzero, double Bosch ovens and Miele 6 burner stove. The kitchen opens to a family room with an abundance of
Sited in the prestigious Fairfield section of Short Hills, this stunning custom home blends timeless architecture with modern sophistication. Soaring 9-foot ceilings, gleaming hardwood floors, and exquisite millwork set a tone of effortless elegance throughout. With six spacious bedrooms, five full and two half baths, and beautifully proportioned living areas, every space feels both luxurious and
This is the one you've been waiting for! Ideally set on 2.3 stunning acres of totally level property with plenty of room for a pool & tennis court with legal egress to 42 Dorison Drive adjoining the 2000 acre South Mountain Reservation, for the utmost privacy, this spectacular custom built Colonial has been designed for perfect Feng Shui and is south facing w/ great natural light throughout.
Long awaited STATELY & CLASSIC Short Hills RANCH on .48 acres nestled in the heart of Most Desirable DEERFIELD. STYLISH & UPDATED this 4 Bedroom / 3.5 Bath home boasts over 4500 sq ft of Living Space incl. FINISHED Basement. Formal Foyer flows into the GREAT ROOM where modern living meets SHORT HILLS elegance. Admiration sets in immediately as eyes are drawn to the Soaring Heights with unparallel
Best value in town, period!! Experience luxury living in the coveted Deerfield, on the quietest section of White Oak Ridge Rd, facing lush reservation! Enclosed fence for added privacy in the back. Newly constructed with Anderson windows, Carrier, Subzero/Woof etc high end appliances , this 6 bedroom 6.5 bath home offers everything a discerning buyer can hope for in this price range! Underground
Welcome to this extraordinary NEW CONSTRUCTION home in the coveted Deerfield section, perfectly situated on 0.46 acres FLAT Fenced Lot. Spanning over 7,500 sq. ft. across 3 finished levels including garage, this home offers 7 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, 2-Car Garage & a Circular Driveway. A dramatic 2-story foyer opens to sun-filled interiors w/ soaring ceilings, oversized windows. The family room,
*STUNNING CUSTOM COLONIAL, PREMIER SHORT HILLS LOCATION* Completely renovated from top-to-bottom in 2021, this mint-condition 5BR, 4.5BTH home sits on 0.66 acres of estate-like property in the heart of the Deerfield neighborhood. The thoughtful open floor plan has it all - sunny LR w/gas FP, banquet sized DR, amazing open kitchen family room: center island w/bar seating, quartz counters,
SUNDAY OH CANCELLED DUE TO THE WEATHER. Experience refined luxury in this 6-bedroom, 6.5-bath NEW CONSTRUCTION Center Hall Colonial offering over 7,207 sq ft on all 3 floors including garage, set on nearly half an acre in the prestigious DEERFIELD section with a flat, fenced-in backyard ideal for outdoor enjoyment. A grand 2-story foyer opens to a dramatic double-story family room with striking
**GARAGES AND PARKING AVAILABLE**Welcome Home to Short Hills Village! Our convenient location puts you exactly where you want to be, with walking distance to train station with direct line to Manhattan and easy access to Routes 287 & 10, the Garden State Parkway and NJ Turnpike. Downtown Millburn is around the corner for your shopping, dining and entertainment needs, as is "Paper
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath rental in the heart of Short Hills, NJ?offering a comfortable blend of classic character and modern updates. Conveniently located near top-rated schools, train stations, and local shopping and dining, this home delivers both lifestyle and accessibility.Enjoy the welcoming front porch?perfect for morning coffee or unwinding in the evening. Inside, a
Short Hills Terrace is uniquely located in an outstanding, private park-like setting on 10 acres within Short Hills, one of the nation's most prestigious and affluent residential suburbs with a top-rated school district. Select from 3 different one bedroom layouts; two bedroom, 2 bath apartments (most with porches off living rooms); or two bedroom, three floor townhouses with attached garages.
Newer Construction perfectly located in the highly sought-after Farley section of Short Hills. You will fall in love with the open floor plan, large walls of windows, 2 story foyer, gourmet Wolf/Subzero SS professional Kitchen with the highest detail to quality throughout the home. All open to family rm, dining rm and living rm showered with natural light overlooking picturesque views of private
Attain a Short Hills lifestyle with modern sensibility at The Upton. With luxe finishes and world-class features, our collection of one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments speaks to an elevated style of living.
Nestled in Short Hills in one of NJ's most prestigious residential suburbs, this rental is uniquely located in a park like setting, offers great updated finishes, wood flooring throughout, granite countertops, generous closet space, balcony and storage available. Walking distance school, Short Hills train station, shopping centers and restaurants. Heat, hot water and cooking gas included.
*Advertised photos may not be of actual unit available, please contact for more details.The Apartments at 510 Millburn Avenue are situated in an historic three story building that offers you a choice of small one bedroom, large one bedroom, and two bedroom apartments. Some of the features that make The Apartments at 510 Millburn Avenue special are a laundry room on-site, a live in
This beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 3-bath Colonial is located in the Historic District of Old Short Hills, just steps from the Short Hills Train Station and the highly acclaimed Glenwood School. Set on over 1/3 of an acre, this charming home offers gleaming hardwood floors, decorative moldings, and a neutral interior that complements any style. The flexible layout includes a first-floor
Welcome to Short Hills Gardens our community is located in a convenient location near fine shopping and dinning. Short Hills Gardens features studios,1 and 2 bedrooms with heat and hot water included.
Charming 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom colonial in the sought-after Glenwood section. Conveniently located near the Midtown direct trainstation, Millburn Schools, parks, restaurants, and shops. This home boasts formal living and dining rooms, a sunroom, a kitchen, and a spaciousbreakfast room with access to the deck. The finished basement includes a laundry room and ample storage. Outside, there's a
For decades, Saks Fifth Avenue on Millburn Avenue reigned as a suburban mecca for high-end retail and metropolitan sophistication. Now a new residential neighborhood is revitalizing this legendary address. Introducing The Metropolitan, a stunning new rental community of gracious luxury townhomes and spacious contemporary residences situated at the intersection of Millburn-Short Hills and
Located in Short Hills and within the highly desirable Deerfield Elementary School district, this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers exceptional convenience just a short walk to the Millburn train station with service to Midtown Manhattan, downtown Millburn, and top-ranked Millburn Middle School. Inside, you'll find hardwood floors, an updated kitchen, and a convenient first-floor primary
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