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 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Short Hills, NJ over the last 12 months is $2,345,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Simply magnificent! Grand Colonial custom built in 2007 features almost 10,000 sq ft of luxury living space including a massive 2-story entrance hall & 2-story great room w/ gas FP totally open to the gourmet eat-in kitchen w/ 6 burner Wolf gas cooktop, Wolf wall ovens & 2 Subzero refrigerators. There is a sunroom w/ 3 exposures & French door to terrace, stunning formal dining room & home office
WONDERFUL SHORT HILLS COLONIAL * IDEAL LOCATION: WALK TO TRAIN, SCHOOLS & TOWN * One of Short Hills' most distinctive homes, this beautiful, completely renovated Colonial offers a seamless blend of timeless architecture & modern luxury. Thoughtfully updated on every level, this home features a gracious, easy-flowing floor plan perfect for both everyday living & elegant entertaining. A welcoming
Completely rebuilt and thoughtfully expanded, this 5-bedroom, 4-bath residence offers the feel of modern design and subtle mid-century influence. Set on a flat lot with a circular driveway in a highly convenient Short Hills location, the home was expanded and reconstructed from the ground up with a highly functional layout. A light-filled open main level features a seamless flow between kitchen,
9 Farbrook Dr is a stunning modern custom home by local SH Builder, showcasing the thoughtful design and craftsmanship behind many exceptional homes. Set on over half an acre, the home features a striking exterior featuring sintered travertine slabs and designer tile finishes. A dramatic 10-foot front door opens to a light-filled interior featuring 10-foot ceilings on both the first and second
Situated on nearly an acre in Old Short Hills, this timeless fieldstone Colonial offers a rare balance of architectural significance and livability. From its classic facade to elegant proportions, the home invites you in with presence and warmth. Inside, a wide entry sets the tone. The living room, anchored by a wood-burning fireplace, flows into a sunroom with three stone walls and its own
If you value privacy & the serenity of nature, combined w/the luxury of innovative contemporary design, this handsome & stately 6BR, 4.2 Bath, Center Hall Colonial is for you. Overlooking the So. Mountain Reservation from high above the neighboring homes, this one-of-a-kind residence combines the lifestyle of today, while blending the elegance of the past. Large 3 story addition w/2nd floor deck,
Experience the pinnacle of luxury living in this magnificent, stately 9,000 sq ft All Brick Colonial w/ Davinci Slate roof on .88 acres of gorgeous property w/heated saltwater pool! Designed by Dubinett Architects & built by Moore Developments in 2013, this 7 bedroom, 7.2 bath home is a true showcase of timeless elegance, superior craftsmanship, and bespoke design. Circular drive leads to grand
Step inside Montview Estate in the Heart of Short Hills where timeless design meets modern luxury living. This iconic 10-bedroom, 6 full and 2 half-bathroom residence has been reimagined with today's lifestyle in mind, offering a seamless blend of grand entertaining spaces, private retreats and thoughtfully crafted details. The home has been enhanced to provide unparalleled comfort and
Set back from the street with a long tree-lined approach, this timeless Georgian brick Colonial makes an immediate impression with its symmetry, scale and quiet confidence. Ideally located in one of the most coveted in-town settings, the home offers rare proximity to the train and local schools -- an exceptional convenience that elevates everyday living. Mature trees, manicured hedges and lush
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 fireplace, setting the tone for the
Simply magnificent! Grand Colonial custom built in 2007 features almost 10,000 sq ft of luxury living space including a massive 2-story entrance hall & 2-story great room w/ gas FP totally open to the gourmet eat-in kitchen w/ 6 burner Wolf gas cooktop, Wolf wall ovens & 2 Subzero refrigerators. There is a sunroom w/ 3 exposures & French door to terrace, stunning formal dining room & home office
New from the ground up blended with refined modern touches, this expansive 7-bedroom home with 6 full baths and 2 half baths delivers grandeur and comfort. Positioned on a three-quarter-acre corner lot in the coveted Hartshorn section, the residence opens with a dramatic two-story foyer, bespoke millwork and herringbone hardwood floors. The gourmet kitchen is appointed with custom Medallion
Stunning NEW CONSTRUCTION in the coveted Deerfield section, set on a flat, fully fenced 0.46-acre lot. Spanning approx. 7,500 sq ft inc garage across 3 finished levels, this home features 7 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, oversized 2-car garage & a circular driveway. A dramatic 2-story foyer opens to sun-filled interiors with 10â€TM ceilings on the first and second floors and 9â€TM ceilings in the finished
WONDERFUL SHORT HILLS COLONIAL * IDEAL LOCATION: WALK TO TRAIN, SCHOOLS & TOWN * One of Short Hills' most distinctive homes, this beautiful, completely renovated Colonial offers a seamless blend of timeless architecture & modern luxury. Thoughtfully updated on every level, this home features a gracious, easy-flowing floor plan perfect for both everyday living & elegant entertaining. A welcoming
Set on a quiet street in Short Hills, this 4-bedroom + office, 5.1-bath home offers a thoughtful layout and beautifully scaled living spaces. Renovated in 2023, the home blends modern updates with timeless design.A first-floor bedroom provides flexibility for guests, office, or extended living, while the additional dedicated office supports today?s work-from-home needs. The kitchen flows
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
**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 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.
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.
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.
Discover a tranquil community just outside of New York City. Nestled in a wooded cul-de-sac in a quaint Springfield neighborhood. We offer one and two bedroom garden apartments, with two and three bedroom townhomes. Enjoy walking to nearby shopping, dining and entertainment venues. The Short Hills Train station is 1/2 walk. Our community offers convenient access to major including I-78, Route 22,
*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
Why look anywhere else? Baltusrol Apartments provides delightful one and two-bedroom homes in a beautifully landscaped, park-like setting with welcoming neighbors. Youll love the convenience of a nearby township-owned park, right next to our community, complete with a jungle gym and basketball court for endless fun! And if youre bringing a furry friend, we happily welcome most breeds and even
Nestled in Short Hills most prestigious residential suburbs, this Townhouse rental with attached garage, is uniquely located in a park like setting, offers great updated finishes, granite countertops, plenty of closet and storage space and Washer and Dryer in unit. Walking distance to Glenwood Elementary School, Short Hills train station, shopping centers and restaurants. Heat hot water and
Location, location, location! Duplex, single family two-level apartment for rent in the center Millburn. Walking distance to everything, schools, train, shops, dining and Taylor Park. Two bedrooms with a bonus third bedroom/office/storage upstairs. 1.5 bath with full size tub. Large walk-in closet with built in shelves. High ceilings with large windows and lots of natural sunlight. Tenant
Luxury Custom-Built Home for Rent - Short Term or Long Term Rental. This exceptional residence offers the option to rent fully furnished with customer designer furniture or unfurnished. Located just a 3-minute from Hartshorn Elementary School. This home features 4 spacious bedrooms, a large office, and a unique customer-designed playroom that can also serve as a fifth bedroom. Soaring 16-ft
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.
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