One of New Jersey's most prestigious addresses. Short Hills -- a section of Millburn Township -- combines a 10/10-rated school district, a 30-minute Midtown Direct express to Penn Station, and a luxury housing market anchored by The Mall at Short Hills. Jorge Ramirez provides expert guidance for buyers and sellers in this elite market.
$1,350,000
Estates, colonials & mid-century moderns
21 days
Luxury homes require precise pricing
10/10
Millburn School District
~30 min
Midtown Direct express to Penn Station
Short Hills is technically a section of Millburn Township, but it functions as its own distinct community with a unique identity, architecture, and price tier. Understanding the sub-neighborhoods within Short Hills is critical to finding the right home -- and pricing a listing correctly.
The historic heart of the community, Old Short Hills features grand estates on half-acre to multi-acre lots along winding, tree-canopied roads like Old Short Hills Road and Hobart Avenue. Many properties date to the early 1900s with original architectural details, though most have been extensively updated. Prices range from $1.5M to $3M+. This is the address within the address -- where Short Hills' prestige and history converge. Buyers here prioritize character, land, and proximity to the Short Hills train station.
A highly sought-after pocket near Glenwood Elementary School, this neighborhood offers a mix of expanded colonials, newer construction, and well-maintained mid-century homes. Prices typically range from $1.2M to $2M. Families love the walkability to Glenwood Elementary (rated 10/10) and the flat, kid-friendly streets. It is one of the most competitive areas in Short Hills for young families, with homes frequently receiving multiple offers within days of listing.
Situated on the western side of Short Hills near the South Mountain Reservation, Hobart Gap offers slightly larger lots and a more secluded feel. You will find colonials, split-levels, and some newer custom builds in the $1M to $1.8M range. Residents enjoy direct access to hiking trails in the Reservation, including the popular Hemlock Falls trail. Hobart Gap attracts buyers who want the Short Hills school district and address but prefer a quieter, more nature-oriented setting.
While technically Millburn rather than Short Hills, the downtown Millburn area and properties near The Mall at Short Hills share the same school district and tax base. Millburn's walkable downtown along Main Street offers restaurants, specialty shops, and the Paper Mill Playhouse. Homes here are generally more modest in size and price ($800K to $1.3M), attracting buyers who want Millburn Township schools without the Short Hills premium. The Mall at Short Hills -- featuring Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Tiffany, and Louis Vuitton -- is a regional luxury retail destination.
The Millburn School District is rated 10/10 and consistently ranks as the #1 or #2 public school district in New Jersey. For many buyers, the schools alone justify the premium price of Short Hills real estate. This is not an exaggeration -- school quality is the single most powerful driver of home values in this market.
The district serves approximately 4,800 students across seven schools: five elementary schools (Deerfield, Glenwood, Hartshorn, South Mountain, and Wyoming), Millburn Middle School, and Millburn High School. Every school in the district earns a GreatSchools rating of 9 or 10 out of 10.
Millburn High School is consistently ranked among the top 25 public high schools in New Jersey. The school offers 30+ AP courses, a renowned math and science curriculum that produces National Merit Scholars annually, award-winning performing arts programs, and competitive athletics. College placement is exceptional -- graduates regularly attend Ivy League schools, Stanford, MIT, and other top-tier universities.
The elementary schools maintain rigorous academics with small class sizes. Glenwood and Hartshorn are particularly sought-after by Short Hills buyers. The district's investment in technology, foreign language instruction starting in elementary school, and gifted programs creates an educational experience that rivals many private schools.
School Rating: 10/10 -- among the highest-rated public school districts in the United States
Elementary school assignment depends on your specific address. Contact Jorge Ramirez for current school boundary maps, as they can determine significant price differences between otherwise similar properties.
Short Hills offers one of the fastest and most convenient commutes to Manhattan in all of New Jersey. The Midtown Direct service from Short Hills station is a primary reason high-income professionals choose this community over comparably prestigious towns without direct train access.
~30 minutes express to NY Penn Station
Short Hills station sits on the Morris & Essex Line with Midtown Direct express service -- no transfer at Hoboken. Peak-hour trains run every 15-20 minutes. The 30-minute express is one of the fastest commutes available from a top-rated NJ school district. Commuter parking is available at the station, and many Old Short Hills residents walk to the platform. A monthly pass runs approximately $300.
Route 24, I-78, Garden State Parkway
Route 24 connects Short Hills directly to I-287 for access to Morris County corporate campuses. I-78 provides a straight route to Newark and the Holland Tunnel for drivers heading to downtown Manhattan (approximately 45-55 minutes depending on traffic). The Garden State Parkway is accessible within 10 minutes for north-south travel. For dual-income households where one partner commutes by train and the other drives, Short Hills' highway access is ideal.
20-25 minutes via I-78
Newark Liberty International Airport is one of the closest major airports to any premium NJ suburb. The 20-25 minute drive via I-78 makes Short Hills particularly attractive to executives and consultants who fly frequently for business. All three NYC-area airports (EWR, JFK, LGA) are accessible, but Newark's proximity is a genuine lifestyle advantage.
2-3 days in office is the new norm
The shift to hybrid work has amplified Short Hills' appeal. Professionals who commute to Manhattan only 2-3 days per week find the 30-minute express train perfectly manageable -- and on work-from-home days, they enjoy the space, quiet, and quality of life that Short Hills provides. This trend has actually increased demand and pushed prices higher since 2020.
Short Hills is a luxury market that demands a different level of expertise. Pricing a $1.5M colonial requires different skills than pricing a $400K starter home. Marketing an estate property requires a different strategy than listing a townhome. Jorge Ramirez brings the experience and market knowledge this tier of real estate demands.
The luxury market is unforgiving of pricing mistakes. In Short Hills, overpricing by even 5-8% can result in a home sitting for 60+ days -- and in this market, extended days on market signals to buyers that something is wrong. The result is almost always a price cut below what the home would have sold for if priced correctly from day one.
My approach for Short Hills sellers:
Buying in Short Hills means competing with well-qualified, highly motivated buyers -- many coming from Manhattan finance, law, and tech with strong cash positions. Preparation is not optional; it is required. Here is how I give my buyers an edge:
Short Hills offers a lifestyle that blends suburban tranquility with sophisticated amenities. The community attracts families and professionals who appreciate quality in every detail -- from the architecture of their homes to the restaurants they frequent and the cultural institutions they support.
The Mall at Short Hills is not just a shopping center -- it is one of the highest-grossing malls in America and a defining feature of the community's upscale identity. Anchored by Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale's, with luxury boutiques including Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Cartier, and Hermes, the mall is a regional destination. Beyond the mall, the broader Millburn-Short Hills area offers excellent dining options ranging from casual spots along Millburn Avenue to upscale restaurants. The community's proximity to Maplewood and South Orange adds even more dining and nightlife options within a 10-minute drive.
The 2,110-acre South Mountain Reservation is one of Short Hills' greatest lifestyle amenities. This Essex County park offers over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, including the popular route to Hemlock Falls. Turtle Back Zoo, located within the reservation, is a family favorite. The reservation provides a genuine nature escape minutes from your doorstep -- a rare amenity for a community this close to Manhattan. Residents use the trails year-round for running, hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing. Living near the reservation's Hobart Gap entrance is a specific selling point for properties in that area.
The Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn is one of the leading regional theaters in the United States, producing professional-quality musicals and plays year-round. Many Broadway shows have premiered or been developed at Paper Mill. Beyond the playhouse, the Millburn-Short Hills community supports an active arts scene including gallery exhibitions, the Millburn Free Public Library (an excellent community resource), and seasonal events organized by the Millburn-Short Hills Chamber of Commerce. The community's cultural depth is part of what distinguishes it from other wealthy NJ suburbs.
The typical Short Hills buyer is a high-income professional or executive -- often from Manhattan finance, law, consulting, or technology -- who needs three things: the best possible public schools so they can redirect private school tuition toward their mortgage, a fast commute to Penn Station, and a home and community that reflects their success. Short Hills delivers on all three. The 10/10 Millburn district rivals private schools costing $40K-$60K per year. The 30-minute Midtown Direct express is the fastest commute from any top-rated NJ school district. And the homes, grounds, and overall community aesthetic project affluence without ostentation. For many families, the decision comes down to Short Hills or private school in Manhattan -- and Short Hills wins on both quality of life and financial logic.
The luxury market demands an agent who understands both the numbers and the nuances. Short Hills is not a market where generic strategies work -- it requires precision, market knowledge, and the ability to serve discerning clients.
Jorge Ramirez has been a full-time licensed real estate agent since 2017 and has personally completed 60+ investment property transactions -- buying, renovating, and selling homes across Northern and Central New Jersey. This hands-on investor background gives Jorge a unique perspective in the luxury market: he understands construction quality, renovation costs, and the difference between improvements that add value and those that are purely cosmetic. When evaluating a $1.5M colonial in Short Hills, Jorge can assess the roof, HVAC, foundation, and renovation potential with the eye of someone who has done it himself -- not just an agent who reads inspection reports.
As a member of Keller Williams Premier Properties based at 488 Springfield Avenue in Summit, NJ, Jorge serves buyers and sellers throughout Essex County, Union County, Morris County, and beyond. His approach combines rigorous data analysis with a personal touch that high-net-worth clients appreciate.
What sets Jorge apart in Short Hills:
-- Deep understanding of sub-neighborhood pricing (Old Short Hills vs. Glenwood vs. Hobart Gap vs. Millburn)
-- Investor background that provides unique insight into property value, renovation potential, and negotiation leverage
-- Network of luxury buyers including NYC-based relocation agents and high-net-worth buyer contacts
-- Premium marketing capabilities including architectural photography, drone footage, and video tours
-- Responsive communication -- available 8am-9pm, 7 days a week
-- NJ Real Estate License #1754604
Ready to discuss your Short Hills real estate goals? Call Jorge at (908) 230-7844 or email jorge.ramirez@kw.com for a free, confidential consultation.
The median home price in Short Hills is approximately $1,350,000, but prices vary dramatically by sub-neighborhood. Homes in Old Short Hills and premium Glenwood locations regularly sell for $1.8M to $3M+, while properties on the Millburn side of the township can start around $800K-$1M. Understanding these micro-markets is essential -- contact Jorge for current pricing data specific to the area you are considering.
Short Hills is a section of Millburn Township -- they share the same municipal government, school district, and tax rate. However, Short Hills has its own train station, post office (07078 zip code), and distinct identity. In practice, "Short Hills" commands a price premium over "Millburn" for comparable homes, largely due to the prestige of the address and proximity to the Short Hills station and The Mall at Short Hills.
The Midtown Direct express from Short Hills station to New York Penn Station takes approximately 30 minutes -- one of the fastest commutes from any top-rated NJ school district. Peak-hour trains run every 15-20 minutes with no transfer required. Many buyers specifically target Short Hills because no other town in NJ offers this combination of school quality and commute speed.
The Millburn School District is rated 10/10 and consistently ranks as the #1 or #2 public school district in New Jersey. Millburn High School sends graduates to Ivy League schools, MIT, Stanford, and other elite universities annually. The district offers 30+ AP courses, produces National Merit Scholars, and maintains exceptional performing arts and athletics programs. Schools are the #1 driver of home values in Short Hills.
Short Hills features a diverse architectural mix including grand Tudor and Colonial Revival estates from the 1920s-1930s, elegant mid-century moderns from the 1950s-1960s, expanded colonials, contemporary custom builds, and some newer construction infill. Lot sizes range from quarter-acre to 2+ acres in Old Short Hills. The housing stock is generally larger and more architecturally distinctive than neighboring communities, reflecting the premium market.
The Mall at Short Hills is one of the highest-grossing shopping centers in the United States, featuring luxury retailers including Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Cartier, and Hermes. The mall is a regional destination and contributes to Short Hills' identity as an upscale community. Its proximity affects home values -- living near The Mall is a convenience for some buyers and a selling point for the area's affluent lifestyle.
Jorge Ramirez of The Jorge Ramirez Group at Keller Williams Premier Properties brings deep Essex County expertise, luxury market knowledge, and a track record of 60+ personal investment property transactions. Full-time since 2017, Jorge serves both buyers and sellers throughout Short Hills and Millburn Township. Call (908) 230-7844 or email jorge.ramirez@kw.com for a free consultation.
Short Hills is a luxury market that rewards expertise and punishes guesswork. Whether you are selling an estate in Old Short Hills or searching for your family's first home in the Millburn district, Jorge Ramirez delivers the precision and local knowledge this market demands.
Available 8am-9pm, 7 days/week | Free Consultation | NJ License #1754604