Short Hills, NJ
Home Buying & Selling Guide
Short Hills is an affluent neighborhood within Millburn Township known for luxury homes, a prestigious address, and exceptional NJ Transit rail access to Manhattan.
What Makes Short Hills Unique
Short Hills is an unincorporated neighborhood within Millburn Township, but its name carries enormous weight in the New Jersey real estate market. Developed in the late 19th century by developer Stewart Hartshorn as a planned community of refined homes, parks, and cultural amenities, Short Hills established a standard of residential elegance that it has maintained for over 130 years. The Mall at Short Hills, the most productive luxury retail center in New Jersey, reinforces the neighborhood's association with affluence and quality.
- 1Short Hills was developed by Stewart Hartshorn in 1877 as a deliberately planned, architecturally unified community — one of the earliest planned suburbs in the United States.
- 2The Mall at Short Hills is consistently ranked among the top 10 most productive shopping centers in the United States by sales per square foot.
- 3Short Hills ZIP code (07078) regularly appears on national rankings of the wealthiest neighborhoods in America.
Housing in Short Hills
Short Hills is defined by luxury single-family homes on generous lots with high architectural standards. The area is predominantly upscale residential.
Commute & Transportation
Short Hills has its own NJ Transit rail station on the Morris and Essex Lines providing direct service to New York Penn Station.
Property Tax Considerations
Property taxes in Short Hills (Millburn Township) reflect very high assessed values. Buyers should carefully calculate the full monthly cost including taxes.
Nearby Towns Often Compared
Buyers often compare Short Hills with: Millburn, Summit, Livingston, Chatham. Speaking with a local specialist helps you understand how these communities differ in character, price, and fit for your needs.
Schools Serving Short Hills
Short Hills is an unincorporated area within Millburn Township and shares the Millburn School District.
School boundaries are subject to change. Contact the district directly or verify the school assignment for a specific address before purchasing.
Buying in Short Hills
Short Hills is among New Jersey's most prestigious residential communities. Buyers are typically seeking a luxury address with direct rail access to New York Penn Station and proximity to the Mall at Short Hills.
Questions buyers ask before purchasing in this town:
- What is the typical price range for homes in Short Hills?
- How competitive is the Short Hills real estate market?
- What are the property taxes in Short Hills?
- How does the commute from Short Hills to New York City work?
- What types of homes are available in Short Hills?
- What towns should I compare with Short Hills before deciding?
Selling in Short Hills
Sellers in Short Hills serve a high-net-worth, often well-qualified buyer pool. Professional marketing, staging, and broad reach are essential in this luxury market.
Questions sellers ask before listing in this town:
- What is my home in Short Hills worth?
- How long does it take to sell a home in Short Hills?
- What should I do before listing my home in Short Hills?
- What are the costs of selling a home in Short Hills?
- Should I sell before or after buying my next home?
- Who is the right real estate specialist for selling in Short Hills?
Whether You're Buying or Selling in Short Hills
What buyers should do before starting
- 1Understand your complete monthly budget including taxes and insurance
- 2Get pre-approved with a local lender before touring homes
- 3Research commute times and transportation options specific to your workplace
- 4Compare at least two or three nearby towns before deciding
- 5Review what type of home, lot size, and neighborhood character fits your needs
- 6Connect with a local specialist who knows this specific community
What sellers should do before listing
- 1Request a comparative market analysis specific to your home
- 2Walk through the property with a specialist's eye before listing
- 3Identify and address the most visible buyer concerns
- 4Understand the full cost of selling including commissions and transfer fees
- 5Prepare a strategy for pricing, timing, and showing
- 6Connect with a specialist who has sold in this specific market
This guide provides general educational information about Short Hills, NJ. It does not contain active property listings, guaranteed sale prices, or mortgage qualification determinations. Local conditions vary by property, price point, and timing. Contact a licensed real estate professional for advice specific to your situation.
Towns Often Compared with Short Hills
Common Questions About Short Hills Real Estate
What is the typical price range for homes in Short Hills?
Short Hills is defined by luxury single-family homes on generous lots with high architectural standards. The area is predominantly upscale residential.
What are the property taxes in Short Hills?
Property taxes in Short Hills (Millburn Township) reflect very high assessed values. Buyers should carefully calculate the full monthly cost including taxes.
How does the commute from Short Hills work?
Short Hills has its own NJ Transit rail station on the Morris and Essex Lines providing direct service to New York Penn Station.
What towns are often compared with Short Hills?
Buyers often compare Short Hills with Millburn, Summit, Livingston, Chatham. A local specialist can help you understand how these communities differ in character, price, and fit. This is general educational information — contact us for guidance specific to your situation.
What is my home in Short Hills worth?
Home values in Short Hills depend on location, condition, recent comparable sales, and current market conditions. Request a free, no-obligation home value review for an estimate tailored to your property. This is general educational information, not an appraisal.
How do I get started buying or selling in Short Hills?
Start by understanding your budget and goals, then speak with a licensed New Jersey real estate professional familiar with Essex County. The Falco Group offers free educational guidance with no obligation.
Thinking About Living in Short Hills?
Every community here has its own rhythm, and no page can tell you whether Short Hills truly fits the life you're planning. Kathleen can — honestly, confidentially, and with no obligation. Bring your questions; leave with clarity.