Short Hills, New Jersey

Short Hills, New Jersey
Name	Short Hills
Settlement type	Unincorporated community
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	New Jersey
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Essex County
Subdivision type3	Township
Subdivision name3	Millburn

Short Hills, New Jersey is an affluent, unincorporated community and census-designated place located within Millburn Township in Essex County. It is a prime example of a North Jersey suburb, known for its significant residential wealth, extensive historic districts, and the upscale The Mall at Short Hills. The community's development was heavily influenced by 19th-century landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted and financier Stewart Hartshorn, who envisioned a planned residential enclave.

History

The area was originally part of the territory associated with the Lenape people before European settlement. Its modern development began in earnest in the 1870s when inventor and real estate developer Stewart Hartshorn purchased large tracts of land, commissioning the firm of Frederick Law Olmsted to design a residential community with curvilinear roads and preserved natural landscapes, a plan inspired by the principles of the City Beautiful movement. The arrival of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad in the late 19th century, with a station designed by architect Frank J. Nies, facilitated its growth as a commuter suburb for wealthy industrialists and financiers from New York City. Several properties in Short Hills are listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places, including the Hartshorn Estate and buildings associated with the Short Hills Park Historic District.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Short Hills CDP has a total area of 2.50 square miles, all of it land. The community lies within the Passaic River basin and features rolling terrain that is part of the Watchung Mountains geological region. It is bordered by Millburn to the east, Springfield to the south, Summit to the west, and Maplewood to the north. Major local thoroughfares include Route 24 and Interstate 78, which provide regional connectivity.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population of the Short Hills CDP was 14,422. The community consistently ranks among the wealthiest in the United States, with a high median household income. A significant portion of the workforce is employed in management, business, and financial occupations, with many residents commuting to positions in Manhattan and other major commercial centers in the New York metropolitan area. The demographic profile is characterized by high levels of educational attainment, with a large percentage of adults holding advanced degrees from institutions like Harvard University and Columbia University.

Education

Public education for students in grades K-12 is provided by the Millburn Township Public Schools district, which is consistently ranked among the top districts in New Jersey. Schools serving the community include Deerfield Elementary School, Hartshorn Elementary School, Millburn Middle School, and Millburn High School. The district is known for strong academic programs and high performance on standardized tests such as the SAT and Advanced Placement exams. Several private institutions are also located in or near Short Hills, including the Kent Place School in Summit and the Far Brook School.

Transportation

Short Hills is a major commuter hub, primarily served by New Jersey Transit rail on the Morristown Line at the Short Hills station. The line provides direct service to New York Penn Station and Hoboken Terminal. The community is also accessible via several major highways, including the Garden State Parkway, Interstate 78, and Route 24. Local bus service is operated by NJ Transit Bus Operations, with routes connecting to neighboring towns and major terminals. The nearby Newark Liberty International Airport provides national and international air travel.

Notable people

Many prominent individuals have lived in Short Hills, including former Governor of New Jersey and United States Secretary of the Treasury Thomas Kean Sr., former United States Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, and former Chairman of the Federal Reserve Paul Volcker. Other notable residents have included author Judy Blume, actress Meryl Streep, businessman and philanthropist David Rockefeller, and former CEO of IBM Louis V. Gerstner Jr.. The community has also been home to several professional athletes and figures from the finance and legal sectors.

Category:Unincorporated communities in Essex County, New Jersey Category:Census-designated places in New Jersey