Short Hills, NJ

Short Hills was designed with commuters in mind from the very beginning. Back in the 1870s, window-shade inventor Stewart Hartshorn bought up local land to create one of America's first planned suburbs. He laid out winding, tree-lined residential streets that connected directly to the train station while preserving plenty of green space along the tracks. Today, Short Hills remains part of Millburn Township, sharing local government, municipal services, and top-rated public schools while keeping its own post office, station, and distinct community identity. Local errands naturally gravitate toward Chatham Road, giving residents a quiet village feel right by the rails.

ATTRLebrsm / CC BY-SA 4.0

On the other side of town near Route 24 sits The Mall at Short Hills, widely known across the region for luxury shopping and upscale dining. Between that busy commercial center and the station village lie peaceful, leafy neighborhoods like Glenwood, Knollwood, Deerfield, and Old Short Hills. The layout keeps daily routines convenient, making it easy to pop into a neighborhood shop near home or head over to the highway corridor for errands. For commuters, NJ Transit provides direct service on the Morris & Essex Line, reaching Midtown Manhattan and Hoboken in under forty-five minutes.

ATTRDetroit Publishing Co., publisher / Public domain

The historic train station area anchors the neighborhood. Classic brick station buildings, Tudor-style storefronts, and the local post office give the immediate village a warm, timeless feel. Right across from the platform, Crescent Park provides a welcoming patch of open lawn the moment you step off the train. Just a few blocks away sits the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum, a woodland sanctuary established by the founder's daughter. Its shaded walking trails, historic stone house, and nature classes offer an easy forest escape right in the middle of town.

ATTRErnest Lawson / Public domain

Recreation is easy to find throughout the area. Over on White Oak Ridge Road, Gero Park features the town pool, tennis and pickleball courts, ball fields, and a nine-hole par-three golf course. South Mountain Reservation borders the township as well, offering miles of hiking trails and scenic hilltop overlooks. That blend of lush, wooded surroundings, convenient recreation, and a fast train ride into New York City continues to make Short Hills one of the most appealing suburban communities in northern New Jersey.