Living in Short Hills/Millburn NJ: Quiet Luxury Minutes From Manhattan
Looking for a quiet, upscale place minutes from Manhattan without giving up space, privacy, and suburban comfort? If you want a luxury house-and-yard lifestyle with strong schools, commuter convenience, and beautiful residential neighborhoods, Short Hills and Millburn deserve a close look.
In this guide, you’ll get a clear picture of commute options, schools, parks, housing, and lifestyle costs so you can decide with confidence.
SHORT HILLS / MILLBURN AT A GLANCE
Short Hills is a luxury residential community within Millburn Township. The area is known for quiet tree-lined streets, estate-style homes, and a suburban atmosphere just west of Manhattan.
The community is part of Millburn Township Public Schools, one of the highest-rated public school systems in New Jersey.
You can explore community services and township information through the official Millburn Township resources.
HOMES AND NEIGHBORHOODS
Most housing in Short Hills is single-family luxury residential property.
You will find:
• Large Colonial and estate-style homes
• Renovated historic properties
• Newer luxury construction in select pockets
• Private lots with mature landscaping
Popular residential areas include Hartshorn, Deerfield, and Old Short Hills sections.
Owner occupancy rates and home values are typically well above national suburban averages, reflecting the high-demand luxury market.
If you want suburban privacy but still be close to urban culture, this is one of North Jersey’s premier locations.
COMMUTE OPTIONS TO MANHATTAN
Getting to Manhattan is straightforward from Millburn Township.
NJ TRANSIT TRAIN SERVICE
The primary commuter option is through NJ Transit rail service.
Typical Midtown Manhattan commute times:
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About 40–55 minutes to Penn Station depending on train schedule and transfers.
Many residents combine walking, driving, or drop-off commuting to reach the station.
Check NJ Transit schedules for service updates.
DRIVING ACCESS TO NEW YORK CITY
Driving access is convenient via major highways.
Typical travel times:
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40–60 minutes to Midtown Manhattan during off-peak hours
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Longer during rush-hour congestion
Many commuters plan flexible departure times.
SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION
The community is served by the highly ranked Millburn Township Public Schools.
The district includes:
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Elementary schools
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Millburn Middle School
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Millburn High School
Many families move to Short Hills specifically for education quality.
PARKS, TRAILS, AND OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE
Outdoor recreation is a major lifestyle advantage.
South Mountain Reservation
One of the largest nature reserves in Essex County, offering:
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Hiking trails
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Scenic overlooks
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Family outdoor recreation
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Seasonal nature activities
Residents also enjoy neighborhood walking streets and private yard space.
SHOPPING, DINING, AND SOCIAL LIFE
The primary shopping destination is:
The Mall at Short Hills
This luxury retail center features:
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High-end national brands
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Fine dining options
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Lifestyle shopping experiences
Most nightlife and diverse restaurant scenes are a short drive away in nearby towns.
MARKET SNAPSHOT AND HOME COSTS
Short Hills and Millburn are among New Jersey’s most valuable residential markets.
Typical price ranges:
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Luxury homes often range from mid seven figures to $3M+
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Inventory is limited due to high demand
Property taxes in Millburn Township are significant but reflect strong school investment and municipal services.
Always analyze numbers for a specific address before purchasing.
WHO LIVES HERE
You will find:
• Manhattan professionals
• Corporate executives
• Families prioritizing education quality
• Buyers seeking privacy and suburban luxury
The community is quiet during weekdays and even more peaceful on weekends.
HEALTHCARE AND SERVICES
Nearby healthcare options include:
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Regional medical centers in Essex County
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Specialty care facilities in surrounding towns
Major hospitals are reachable by car within reasonable driving distance.
SAFETY AND COMMUNITY CHARACTER
Short Hills and Millburn are generally considered safe suburban communities.
As with any area, review recent local safety reports and practice standard home security measures.
PROS AND TRADE-OFFS
What residents love
✔ Multiple Manhattan commute options via NJ Transit
✔ Top-rated public school district
✔ Large private residential lots
✔ South Mountain Reservation outdoor access
✔ Luxury shopping environment
Things to consider
⚠ Higher home prices compared to many NJ suburbs
⚠ Property taxes are relatively high
⚠ Dining and nightlife require short driving trips
⚠ Some commute routes depend on train or highway timing
IS SHORT HILLS / MILLBURN RIGHT FOR YOU?
If you want luxury suburban living with excellent schools and Manhattan accessibility, Short Hills and Millburn are among New Jersey’s most desirable communities.
The trade-offs are higher home prices and taxes, balanced by lifestyle quality, education, and commuter convenience.
FAQS
How long is the commute from Short Hills to Manhattan?
Typically 40–55 minutes via NJ Transit rail service.
What schools serve Millburn Township?
The community is served by the highly rated Millburn Township Public Schools district.
What are typical home prices?
Luxury homes often range from mid seven figures to over $3M.
What outdoor recreation is nearby?
South Mountain Reservation offers hiking and scenic nature trails.
Is Short Hills good for families?
Yes. The area is known for education quality, safety, and suburban lifestyle.