Short Hills offers a top notch school system with easy 35 minute proximity to Midtown NYC. Affluent Short Hills offers exquisite charm set among picturesque rolling hills.
Howard and I grew up in Short Hills. We know Short Hills real estate like no one else. But more importantly, it is home. Here are five things we love about Short Hills, our hometown (in addition to the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum pictured above).
Short Hills Historic Character
Stewart Hartshorn, the inventor of the spring roller blind, founded Short Hills 150 years ago. The town is a charming oasis set in rolling hills. Hartshorn sought to design homes that would complement the natural beauty of the town, and even hired Frederick Olmstead, who also designed Central Park, to help design the town. Hartshorn’s daughter, Cora, generously contributed the Arboretum to the town. She was “green” before it became fashionable, and today, lucky Short Hills’ town children enjoy the Arboretum’s Saturday morning nature classes.
Midtown Direct Trains: just 35 minutes to Manhattan
Hartshorn wisely brought train service to Short Hills, which was expanded with Midtown Direct service. 
Commuters enjoy the convenience that in just 35 minutes they arrive in Midtown. And Short Hills real estate values no doubt are enhanced with this service.
Best Public Schools
Millburn-Short Hills boasts the finest school system in New Jersey. Many say one of the top schools in the nation. Given soaring private school tuition, it is reassuring that our kids receive a first class education locally. More than 97% of town graduates enrolled in college, many selecting Harvard, Yale, Wharton and other acclaimed universities. And its not just academics. Our public school offers a rich program of athletics and cultural activities (fun fact: Anne Hathaway grew up in Short Hills – attended public schools – and starred in the high school production of Once Upon A Mattress). NJ just published a “Performance Report” on all state public schools. Millburn Short Hills ranked near the top in virtually every category. But for those seeking private school, Pingry, Delbarton, Kent Place, and Newark Academy remain excellent local choices.
Short Hills Clubs and Recreation.
Short Hills enjoys its own par 3 golf course, an olympic size pool, numerous baseball diamonds, soccer/football fields and an award winning 16.5 acre Arboretum (donated to the town by Hartshorn’s daughter, Cora). Township programs provide residents with a lively calendar of activities for all ages – from Arboretum nature walks for kids – to acclaimed lectures and computer programs at the Library.
And nearby are two champion golf courses: Baltusrol (home of the US Open) and Canoe Brook. For tennis buffs, there is the historic Racquets Club, right in the center of town.
Culture and Convenience.
Theater enthusiasts love Millburn-Short Hills Paper Mill Playhouse, the State Theater of New Jersey. Paper Mill even offers a summer training programs for young performers – many hoping to be the next Anne Hathaway! And after a long day when take-out is a necessity, no problem – chinese, thai and pizza are a dial tone away. We love shopping at the Short Hills Mall (we spend way too much time at the Short Hills Mall’s own Apple store),
weekend brunch at the Short Hills Hilton, and religious services at the many township houses of worship – there indeed is no shortage of wonderful amenities.
For all these reasons we love our hometown, Millburn-Short Hills. A gem.
And if you are tempted to move here or move up, here are the latest Short Hills listings. We update daily, so check here often.
And for our recent profile of Millburn-Short Hills‘ Mayor. She spoke about many topics, but particularly the superb Millburn public school system. We’ve also uploaded the full interview to our Google Plus site.
