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Short Hills, NJ

Short Hills is an affluent, unincorporated community in Millburn Township, New Jersey, known for its luxury shopping and as a commuter town for New York City.

About Short Hills

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

Short Hills is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located within Millburn Township . It does not have its own municipal government but is part of Essex County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey . It is situated within the New York metropolitan area, functioning primarily as a prestigious commuter town for residents who work in Manhattan . Essex County is known for its historic and affluent suburban communities, many of which offer direct access to New York City.

Historical Names and Nicknames

The name "Short Hills" was chosen by the community's founder, Stewart Hartshorn, because it reflected the local topography. It is also the name used by the indigenous Lenape Native Americans to describe the region . While one local resident suggested calling the village "Hartshornville," Hartshorn declined, preferring a name that would stand on its own .

Date of Foundation and Age

Short Hills was conceived and developed as one of America's first planned commuter suburbs. Its development began in earnest in 1879 when Stewart Hartshorn built a railroad station at his own expense . This makes the planned community approximately 146 years old as of 2025. Stewart Hartshorn, an inventor who made his fortune perfecting and manufacturing the self-acting window shade, is recognized as the founder of this unique community .

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Short Hills is located at coordinates 40.7389° N, 74.3278° W . It is situated in the northeastern United States, approximately 15-21 miles from Manhattan in southwestern Essex County . The area is characterized by rolling hills and wooded landscapes. The elevation of the community is around 377 feet (115 meters) above sea level . Geographically, it is a suburban residential community.

Town Type and Economic Specialization

Short Hills is predominantly an affluent residential commuter town . Its economy and identity are strongly tied to its role as a bedroom community for New York City. It is also a regional destination for luxury retail and shopping, centered around the famous Mall at Short Hills . The corporate headquarters of Dun & Bradstreet is also located here .

Population and Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of the Short Hills CDP was 14,422 . It is classified as a small town by population. It is known for its high affluence, consistently ranking among the most expensive ZIP codes in the United States with a median household income exceeding $250,000 .

"City's Calling Card" (In Short)

Short Hills is best known as an exclusive suburban enclave offering a tranquil, nature-filled lifestyle just a short train ride from Manhattan. Its calling card is the upscale Mall at Short Hills, a premier luxury shopping destination, combined with its beautiful, historic parks and highly-rated schools, making it a symbol of suburban affluence in the New York metropolitan area .

Geography

Parks, Gardens, and Natural Reserves

While Short Hills itself does not have famous mountains or canyons, it is home to and neighbors several significant natural areas.

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Short Hills experiences a humid continental climate, classified as "Dfa" under the Köppen Climate Classification system . This climate is characterized by four distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and cool to cold, snowy winters .

Average Temperatures Throughout the Year

Precipitation and Humidity

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Short Hills for pleasant weather is from mid-June to late September or during the spring months of April to June and fall months of September to October .

Landmarks and Attractions

The Mall at Short Hills

The Mall at Short Hills (also known as the Short Hills Mall) is the community's most famous landmark and a premier shopping destination . It is an upscale shopping center that recreates a Fifth Avenue experience, featuring luxury stores such as Tiffany & Co., Chanel, Gucci, Dior, Cartier, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale's . It is one of the most popular destinations in New Jersey and is known for its elegant atmosphere and high-end dining options .

Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary

This 16.5-acre arboretum is a living monument to the vision of Stewart Hartshorn's daughter, Cora . It serves as a community hub for nature education and preservation . Visitors can explore its well-maintained trails, discover a diverse ecosystem of plants and birds, and visit the Stone House nature center . It is a beautiful destination in any season .

Paper Mill Playhouse

Located in nearby Millburn, the Paper Mill Playhouse is a renowned regional theater that has been producing Broadway-caliber shows since 1938 . Housed in a beautifully restored mill, its stage has been graced by legendary performers such as Lillian Gish, Carol Channing, and Gene Wilder . It is a significant cultural landmark for the entire region.

Short Hills Train Station and Downtown

The historic Short Hills train station, built by Stewart Hartshorn in 1879, is more than just a transit point . It is the heart of the small downtown area along Chatham Road, which includes a post office, pharmacy, and specialty shops . The station's waiting room itself is a unique landmark, operating as a bar and grill in the evenings . Crescent Park, with its 9/11 memorial, sits directly across from it .

Transportation

Nearest Major Airports

Short Hills is conveniently located near several major airports, making it easily accessible for visitors.

Main Railway Stations

The community is well-served by rail, a key part of its identity as a commuter town.

Major Highways

Short Hills is easily accessible by car via a network of major highways.

Public Transportation

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Short Hills is primarily a residential community, and its culinary scene is centered around The Mall at Short Hills and a few standalone restaurants in the surrounding area. While it doesn't have a unique local dish of its own, it offers a variety of dining options, often serving as a convenient and upmarket destination for residents and visitors from nearby towns.

[Legal Sea Foods]

This well-known New England seafood chain has a location on the first floor of The Mall at Short Hills . They are famous for their commitment to freshness and quality, a philosophy rooted in the family's history as Boston fish retailers. The restaurant is particularly known for:

[Forty Carrots]

Located on the third floor of The Mall at Short Hills, Forty Carrots is a popular eatery known for its fresh and diverse menu . It is a favorite for shoppers looking for a reliable and tasty meal. Key highlights include:

[Enzzo's Trattoria]

Established in 1997, Enzzo's Trattoria is a long-standing, family-oriented Italian restaurant located at 514 Millburn Ave . It specializes in Southern Italian cuisine and is a beloved local spot. Its defining features include:

[Johnny's On The Green]

This charming eatery at 400 Parsonage Hill Rd offers a delightful selection of American cuisine . Known for its welcoming atmosphere, it focuses on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Whether for a casual lunch or a cozy dinner, Johnny's provides a perfect setting for food lovers and families .

Museums

Short Hills is not a major hub for large, independent museums. However, it does host a few art galleries, primarily located within The Mall at Short Hills, offering cultural experiences for shoppers and visitors.

[Museum of Arts & Design]

Located in The Mall at Short Hills at 1200 Morris Tpke, the Museum of Arts & Design is a cultural institution dedicated to showcasing a diverse range of contemporary artistic creations . Through its exhibitions and programs, it aims to inspire and educate visitors about the world of art and design. The focus is on innovation and creativity, providing a platform for artists and designers to explore new ideas and push boundaries. Visitors can expect to see thought-provoking and visually stimulating works that challenge conventional notions of art and design .

[Wentworth Gallery]

Also situated within The Mall at Short Hills, the Wentworth Gallery features an extensive selection of fine art . The gallery offers original oil paintings, limited edition serigraphs, lithographs, giclees, and sculptures. It also carries glass art and collectibles from both local and internationally-renowned artists .

[Yellow Korner Gallery]

This gallery, located in The Mall at Short Hills at 1200 Morris Tpke, offers another venue for art enthusiasts to explore contemporary works .

Museums Nearby

For larger, world-class museums, the city is in close proximity to Newark and New York City.

Sport and Sporting Legends

Short Hills itself does not have major professional sports stadiums or teams. However, it is located in an area rich with sports culture, with easy access to venues and teams in the surrounding region. Its residents have also contributed to the world of sports.

Sports Teams and Venues Nearby

The following professional sports teams are based in the New York metropolitan area, all within a reasonable driving distance from Short Hills:

Local Sporting Facilities

Short Hills is home to a few private recreational clubs.

Famous Athletes from Short Hills

Universities and Educational Institutions

Short Hills is a residential community and does not host any universities or colleges within its immediate borders. However, it is in close proximity to several prestigious institutions of higher education.

Universities Nearby

Primary and Secondary Education

Short Hills is part of the Millburn Township Public Schools district, which is renowned for its high academic standards. The district consistently ranks among the top school districts in New Jersey and the nation.

Medical Institutions and Healthcare

Short Hills has access to excellent medical facilities, with a major hospital and a large multi-specialty medical group located in or directly adjacent to the township.

[Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center]

Although its address is in Livingston, the Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (CBMC) is located at 94 Old Short Hills Rd, Livingston, NJ, directly bordering Short Hills . Formerly known as Saint Barnabas Medical Center, it is one of the largest and most comprehensive healthcare facilities in New Jersey. It is an acute care hospital with a long-standing reputation for excellence .

Key features and specialties include:

[Summit Medical Group]

The Summit Medical Group (SMG) has a significant practice location in Short Hills at 85 Woodland Rd . SMG is one of the largest and oldest multi-specialty medical groups in New Jersey, offering a wide range of services in a single, coordinated setting.

Key features of this location include:

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