Short Hills, NJ
America's wealthiest community offering unparalleled luxury living with world-class shopping, top-rated schools, and direct Manhattan access.
Median Home Price
$2.18M
+56.5% vs last year
School Rating
9/10
GreatSchools
NYC Commute
35 min
Midtown Direct
Community
Elite
America's wealthiest
Community Overview
Short Hills stands as America's most affluent community, consistently ranked as having the highest percentage of households earning over $150,000 annually. Founded in 1874 by Stewart Hartshorn as America's first planned commuter suburb, this Essex County enclave represents the absolute pinnacle of luxury living in New Jersey.
With a median household income of $250,001 and average household income of $512,637, Short Hills attracts affluent professionals, executives, and families seeking an uncompromising lifestyle. The community's commitment to excellence extends from its meticulously maintained properties to its award-winning school system and world-class amenities.
Educational Excellence
Short Hills is served by the prestigious Millburn Township School District, ranked #1 in New Jersey and #15 nationally by Niche. With 9/10 GreatSchools ratings and exceptional test scores (80% math proficiency, 83% reading proficiency), the district maintains an impressive 13:1 student-teacher ratio across its 8 schools.
District Rank
#1
in New Jersey
Students
4,737
across 8 schools
Test Scores
83%
reading proficient
Luxury Real Estate Market
The Short Hills real estate market represents the pinnacle of New Jersey luxury, with a median home price of $2.18M and remarkable 56.5% year-over-year appreciation. Properties sell quickly with 55% above asking price, reflecting strong demand for this exclusive community.
Market Performance
$2.18M
Median price (+56.5% YoY)
Market Velocity
11
Days on market average
Premium Transportation
Short Hills provides exceptional connectivity to Manhattan through its dedicated NJ Transit railroad station with Midtown Direct service. The 35-minute commute to Penn Station, combined with frequent service every 20 minutes during peak hours, makes it the premier choice for executive commuters.
Direct Service
Penn Station NYC
Peak Frequency
Every 20 min
Walking Distance
Many homes
Elite Demographics
Exclusive Neighborhoods
Hartshorn Section
Spacious custom colonials near acclaimed Hartshorn Elementary, tree-lined streets
$1.8M - $2.5M
Deerfield Section
Exquisite luxury residences with modern renovations and architectural elegance
$2.2M - $3.8M
Poet's Section
Premium new construction homes with exceptional quality and modern amenities
$2.8M - $4.5M
Old Short Hills
Estate properties near train and town, modern flair with NYC chic design
$3.2M - $6.0M+
World-Class Amenities
The Mall at Short Hills
Shopping & LuxuryPremier luxury shopping destination with over 150 high-end stores, designer boutiques, and fashion shows
Paper Mill Playhouse
Cultural & ArtsHistoric regional theater since 1938, producing Broadway-caliber shows for over 80 years
Cora Hartshorn Arboretum
Nature & Recreation16.45-acre sanctuary with 3 miles of trails, 40 tree species, and 150 bird species
Short Hills Historic District
Historical LandmarkAmerica's first planned commuter suburb, founded 1874 by Stewart Hartshorn with preserved architecture
Legacy of Excellence
Founded in 1874 by Stewart Hartshorn as America's first planned commuter suburb, Short Hills was designed as a 'harmonious community for people who appreciated nature.' Hartshorn, inventor of the spring shade roller, invested his fortune in creating an ideal village that would preserve natural beauty while providing convenient access to Manhattan.
Today, Short Hills maintains its status as America's wealthiest community while preserving Hartshorn's original vision. The historic district, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, showcases architectural gems including Georgian Colonials, Tudor Revivals, and French Normandy estates that define luxury suburban living.
Data Sources & References
Real Estate: Redfin, Movoto, Multiple MLS sources, Local market analysis
Education: GreatSchools.org, Niche.com, NJ Department of Education
Demographics: U.S. Census Bureau, Time Magazine wealth study (2014)
Transportation: NJ Transit official schedules, Commuter surveys