Short Hills is a borough in northern Essex County, New Jersey, located within the New York metropolitan area. Known for its suburban character, it combines residential neighborhoods, commercial corridors, and access to parks. Home to the Short Hills Mall and proximity to the South Mountain Reservation, it attracts residents seeking a mix of convenience, schools, and green space. This profile explains key facts about the borough, with context useful for newcomers, families, and professionals considering the area.
Basic Facts and Geography
Short Hills is a borough governed under New Jersey municipal law, with a council–manager form of government. It is situated in Essex County and borders Millburn to the north and Springfield Township to the south. Interstate 78, U.S. Route 22, and NJ Transit rail stations provide connectivity to Newark, New York, and points west. The area combines dense single-family neighborhoods, apartment complexes, and low-rise office parks, reflecting its suburban-commercial mix.
Demographics and Population
Census data shows Short Hills maintains a moderately sized population with a median age in the upper 30s to low 40s, indicating a mix of young families and established professionals. Household income is typically above the county average, driven by high-earning commuters working in nearby Newark, New York, and corporate parks. Educational attainment is high, with a large share of residents holding bachelor’s degrees or higher. Racial and ethnic diversity reflects broader Essex County trends, with notable Asian and White populations and a growing Hispanic community.
Population Snapshot (Approximate)
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Population | ~14,000 (2020 Census) | Indicates a small-to-midsize borough |
| Median Household Income | ~$180,000–$220,000 | Well above county and state medians |
| Percent with Bachelor’s Degree+ | ~70% | Highly educated professional households |
| Major Age Groups | 30–44 (largest), 0–17 (significant) | Young families and mid-career professionals |
| Commute Mode | Car dominant; significant rail use | Driven by proximity to Newark and New York |
Education and Schools
The borough is served primarily by the Millburn Township Public Schools and the separate Millburn High School district, which consistently rank among the top schools in New Jersey. Families often choose Short Hills for access to these schools, which emphasize academic rigor, Advanced Placement offerings, and extracurricular breadth. Private options and preschools are also present, adding alternatives for caregivers. Proximity to higher education in Newark and New York further supports lifelong learning opportunities.
School Highlights
- Millburn Township Public Schools: strong standardized test performance and college-readiness metrics.
- Millburn High School: notable athletics, arts, and Advanced Placement program depth.
- Access to private and parochial school options in neighboring communities.
- Proximity to Seton Hall University and other institutes of higher education.
Housing and Real Estate
Real estate in Short Hills ranges from mid-century ranch homes to new construction townhomes and luxury apartments. Detached single-family homes on established streets typically sit on sizable lots, reflecting demand for space and safety. Proximity to retail, parks, and train stations influences pricing, with walkable pockets commanding premiums. Inventory tends to be moderate, and properties often attract buyers from nearby urban cores seeking suburban quality of life.
Housing Market Indicators (Approximate)
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ~$1.1M–$1.6M | Higher than county median; varies by property type |
| Days on Market | 30–60 days | Moderate turnover; competitive offers common |
| Owner-Occupied Rate | ~70% | Mixed renter and owner presence |
| Common Property Types | Single-family, condos, townhomes | Limited multifamily in some subsections |
Shopping, Dining, and Amenities
The Short Hills Mall is a major regional shopping destination, offering anchors, specialty retailers, and dining options. Along nearby Route 46 and in neighboring Millburn, additional restaurants, grocers, and service providers create a dense commercial corridor. Residents can walk or drive to cafes, pharmacies, and boutiques, while larger regional destinations in Newark and New York are accessible by car or train. Parks such as the South Mountain Reservation provide trails, recreational fields, and scenic overlooks close to home.
Key Amenities
- Short Hills Mall: enclosed shopping, food court, anchors.
- Local restaurants and cafes: diverse cuisines along Route 46 and nearby streets.
- Grocery and pharmacy options: multiple chains within a short drive.
- South Mountain Reservation: hiking, picnicking, cross-country skiing.
- Fitness centers and libraries: community and private options.
Transportation and Connectivity
Short Hills benefits from multiple transportation options. NJ Transit’s Montclair-Boonton and Morristown lines connect residents to Newark Broad Street, New York Penn Station, and intermediate stations. U.S. Route 22 and Interstate 78 facilitate car travel to New York, Newark, and points west. Biking and walking are practical on quieter residential streets, though regional trips typically rely on vehicles or rail. The borough’s location makes it suitable for commuters working in New York, Newark, and corporate parks along the Route 22 corridor.
Commute Considerations
- Rail access: multiple stations with service to Newark and New York.
- Road network: I-78 and US 22 provide regional connections.
- Park-and-ride options: available at several rail stations.
- Bike infrastructure: limited but improving on local streets.
- Drive times: ~30–50 minutes to Newark; ~45–90 minutes to Manhattan, depending on traffic.
Lifestyle and Community
Short Hills fosters a suburban lifestyle with an emphasis on safety, local schools, and green recreation. Community events, holiday parades, and partnerships with nearby municipalities support a neighborhood feel. Families, professionals, and retirees coexist, drawn by the balance of access, space, and amenities. Because the borough lacks major nightlife, residents often seek dining and entertainment in nearby Millburn, Newark, or New York, making it a residential hub rather than a dense urban center.
Summary and Takeaways
Short Hills, New Jersey offers a stable, suburban setting with strong schools, diverse shopping, and solid transportation links to major employment centers. Its mix of single-family homes, moderate density apartments, and commercial corridors serves a broad base of residents prioritizing convenience and quality of life. While real estate values and incomes tend to be elevated, the trade-off is access to parks, amenities, and reliable transit. For anyone evaluating the borough, the enduring strengths are location, educational quality, and a cohesive community framework.
Quick Comparison at a Glance
| Aspect | Short Hills | County Average (Essex) |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $180K–$220K | ~$120K–$140K |
| Education Level (Bachelor’s+) | ~70% | ~45% |
| Primary Housing Type | Single-family, townhomes, condos | Mixed; more multifamily in cities |
| Transit Access | Commuter rail + highway | Varies by municipality |
| Key Amenity | Short Hills Mall, South Mountain Reservation | Diverse, city-centric |
These figures reflect general trends and should be verified against current census and market data when making time-sensitive decisions.