Is Short Hills Safe, Pros and cons of living in Short Hills
Short Hills, New Jersey, is a picturesque and affluent community located in Essex County, offering a blend of suburban tranquility and proximity to the bustling New York City metropolitan area. Known for its high quality of life, excellent schools, and upscale amenities, Short Hills is a desirable location for families and professionals alike. The community prides itself on its well-maintained neighborhoods, lush green spaces, and a strong sense of community spirit.
The area was originally founded by Stewart Hartshorn in the early 1800s as a planned community, designed for those who appreciated nature and shared similar tastes. Its development was further spurred by the arrival of a railroad station in 1879, making it an attractive commuter town. Today, Short Hills continues to draw residents seeking a refined lifestyle with convenient access to urban centers.
Is it Safe to Live in Short Hills?
Short Hills is widely considered an extremely safe place to live, boasting crime rates significantly below the national average. The overall crime rate is reported to be 53% lower than the national average, with the community having a lower crime rate than 99% of major U.S. cities (as reported by FBI Uniform Crime Reporting data). This exceptional safety record contributes significantly to the town’s appeal for residents.
While the overall crime rate is low, specific crime types show varying trends. Robbery rates are notably higher than the national average, standing at 204% above it. However, violent crimes such as murder and assault are considerably lower than the national average, reported at 43% and 33% below average, respectively. Property crime, overall, is 100% higher than the national average, with vehicle theft being 137% above average and larceny/theft at 94% above average. Despite these statistics, residents generally feel safe, with a significant majority reporting very safe or pretty safe living conditions (as reported by Niche). The north part of the city is considered the safest, with fewer crimes annually compared to other areas.
Cost of Living in Short Hills
The cost of living in Short Hills is considerably higher than both the national and state averages, reflecting its status as an affluent community. Overall living expenses are approximately 104% higher than the national average (as reported by Payscale). This elevated cost is largely driven by exceptionally high housing expenses, which are reported to be 434% higher than the national average.
Other cost categories also exceed national averages, though to a lesser extent. Utility prices are 4% higher, and transportation costs are 3% higher than the national average. Grocery prices are also slightly elevated, at 4% above the national average, while healthcare costs are 9% higher. These figures indicate that while housing is the primary driver of the high cost of living, most everyday expenses are also more costly in Short Hills.
Housing Market in Short Hills
Short Hills features a highly competitive and expensive housing market, characterized by a high median listing price. As of March 2026, the median listing price for homes in Short Hills was approximately $3.2 million (as reported by Zillow). The average home value in Short Hills was around $2,309,383 as of March 2026, an increase of 7.1% over the previous year (as reported by Zillow).
Homes in Short Hills are significantly more expensive than the U.S. median home value of $393,134 and also far exceed the New Jersey state average of $465,927 (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org). The market is very competitive, with homes selling quickly; the median days on market to pending is 12 days (as of March 2026, according to Zillow). This rapid market absorption, combined with limited inventory, creates a strong seller’s market.
Rental prices in Short Hills are also notably high, with the median rental price standing at $6,500 per month (as reported by Realtor.com®). Other sources indicate an average rent of $5,215 per month as of March 2026 (as reported by Zillow), and another source cites an average rent of $2,625 per month, which is 60% higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com). These figures highlight the substantial investment required for both homeownership and renting in Short Hills.
Job Market and Economy
The economy of Short Hills is robust, driven by a diverse mix of industries and a highly educated workforce. Major employers in the area include companies in finance, insurance, and professional, scientific, and technical services, with finance and insurance employing the largest number of residents (as reported by Data USA). The community is also home to corporate headquarters and regional offices, contributing to a dynamic business environment.
The average annual salary in Short Hills is substantial, reflecting the high cost of living and the caliber of its workforce. One source indicates the average annual salary to be $100,480 (as reported by Salary.com), while another reports an average of $77,545 per year (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). This compensation reflects the concentration of high-paying professional roles within the community.
The unemployment rate in Short Hills is generally low, aligning with the strong economic conditions of the region. While specific local unemployment data for Short Hills is not directly available, New Jersey’s overall unemployment rate was 4.9% as of March 2026 (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics). This rate is higher than some other states but reflects a generally stable job market in the broader New Jersey area.
Climate in Short Hills
Short Hills experiences a climate typical of the Northeastern United States, characterized by distinct seasons. Summers are warm, humid, and wet, with average daily high temperatures exceeding 76°F from late May to mid-September. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 85°F and lows around 66°F (as reported by Time and Date). The chance of wet days is higher from April to August, with July having the most wet days.
Winters are cold, snowy, and generally very cold, with average daily high temperatures below 48°F from early December to early March. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 24°F and highs around 39°F (as reported by Time and Date). The area receives an average of 26 inches of snowfall annually (as reported by Livability.com). Overall, the temperature typically ranges from 23°F to 86°F throughout the year, with rare extremes outside this range.
Education in Short Hills
Short Hills is renowned for its highly-rated public school system, which consistently ranks among the best in New Jersey. The Millburn Township School District, which serves Short Hills, has received numerous accolades for academic excellence. Schools like Millburn High School, Wyoming Elementary School, Hartshorn Elementary School, Deerfield Elementary School, and Glenwood Elementary School all receive high ratings on platforms like Niche.
Millburn High School boasts a rating of 3.72 out of 5 (as reported by Niche), with students demonstrating strong academic performance. Elementary schools in the district, such as Glenwood Elementary and Hartshorn Elementary, have received perfect 5 out of 5 ratings on Niche, highlighting their exceptional quality. Niche ranks the suburbs with the best public schools in New Jersey, and Short Hills is consistently recognized among the top tier, often placing within the top 10 or 15 overall.
Demographics of Short Hills
Short Hills is a diverse community with a population of approximately 14,923 residents as of recent estimates (as reported by Point2Homes and Data USA). The median age in Short Hills is around 42 years (as reported by Point2Homes). The population is composed of roughly 49.5% males and 50.5% females (as reported by Point2Homes).
The racial makeup of Short Hills shows a significant Asian population alongside a White majority. As of recent data, approximately 50.2% of residents identify as White, 40.3% as Asian, 4.3% as Hispanic, 3.1% as Multiracial, 1.4% as Black or African American, and 0.6% as Native American/Other (as reported by Census Dots). This demographic composition reflects a growing diversity within the community.
The median household income in Short Hills is exceptionally high, exceeding $250,000 annually (as reported by Wikipedia and Census Dots). This affluence is further evidenced by a low poverty rate of 2.29% (as reported by World Population Review). A significant portion of the population comprises families, with 90.4% of households being family units (as reported by Point2Homes).
Pros and Cons of Living in Short Hills
Short Hills offers a compelling lifestyle for those seeking an upscale suburban environment with excellent amenities. The community’s exceptionally low crime rates provide a strong sense of security for residents. Furthermore, the highly-rated public school system is a significant draw for families, promising quality education. The affluent nature of the town is reflected in its beautiful neighborhoods and a strong sense of community pride.
However, the high cost of living is a significant factor to consider. Housing expenses, in particular, are among the highest in the nation, making it challenging for some to afford. While overall crime is low, specific categories like robbery and property crime are notably above the national average, which is an important consideration for personal safety awareness. The high median rent also contributes to the overall expense of residing in Short Hills.