Over the last year, The Hoboken Girl and The North Jersey Group have teamed up to highlight one town in Northern New Jersey to share some of the best places to eat, drink, and socialize. We’ve outlined the different commuting options and some fun, family-friendly activities while also giving you insight into the competitive Northern NJ real estate market. This New Jersey real estate series showcases what makes each town cool, unique, and vibrant. So while you may not be looking to move, we all know stalking Zillow houses is the best hobby — and The North Jersey Group is here to make it that much easier.
After visiting Tenafly, we are heading to Millburn in nearby Essex County. At about 9.8 square miles and about 21 miles west of Lower Manhattan, Millburn, which includes the unincorporated area of Short Hills, features a mix of history and modern luxury living. Located entirely within Millburn Township, the residential area of Short Hills is characterized by winding, hilly roads, and thick stands of oak trees, which often shield flower gardens and some of the best examples of 19th-century residential architecture. The rest of the town in Millburn is laid out conventionally with neat streets and a diverse mixture of architectural styles.
Millburn has created a vibrant community around its train stations that blend luxury with small-town-Americana vibes. Its family-friendly and walkable downtown is consistently ranked among the best and safest in the state and even the country. And with so many fun things to do, shops to check out, and restaurants to try, you’ll understand why it’s such a great place to live. Read on for your guide to Millburn, NJ.
About the North Jersey Group
Darren Giordano and his team of realtors have over a decade of experience in Hudson County and Northern New Jersey, achieving the Platinum Level of Excellence every year since 2016. They closed over $300,000,000 over the last decade.
To learn more about the market value for homes in Millburn or Short Hills — or if you want to find out the current market value of your home in Hudson County, text CMA to 201-723-3300 to get in touch with the North Jersey Group, and click here or download the North Jersey Homes app to stay ahead of the market anytime.
The Commute
One of the best things about the Millburn area is the commute to Manhattan, whether by car or public transportation. With the ease of commuting into Manhattan, the area is a popular choice for New York-based professionals.
By Train
Millburn and Short Hills have their train stations which both sit on NJ Transit’s Morris + Essex and Gladstone Branch lines. Both stations are conveniently located and can get you to New York Penn Station in less than 40 minutes.
By Bus
There is no direct NJ Transit bus to New York City. NJ Transit Route #70 with a transfer to #114 will get you into NY in an hour and fifteen minutes.
By Car
The Millburn area also offers easy access to routes 24, 280, I-78, the New Jersey Turnpike, and the Garden State Parkway by car.
Where to Eat + Drink
^ The renowned Millburn Deli
Millburn has a wide selection of restaurants, bars, bakeries, baristas, and outdoor cafes. Local eateries range in ambiance from your famous local delis and diners to fine-dining supper clubs. We’ve compiled just a sample of some of the varied cuisine options that you’ll find here.
You also should not count out the dining options located in The Mall of Short Hills. The Mall includes dining options like Primo Mercato, an upscale Italian food market with a chic modern twist that’s similar to Eately.
Common Lot | 27 Main Street, Millburn
With a seasonally changing menu and an open kitchen, you’ll see the hustle, bustle, and technique that goes into your multi-course meal.
The Millburn Deli | 328 Millburn Avenue
The renowned Millburn Deli, which has been serving sandwiches since 1947, has often been voted as one of the top sandwich shops on the East Coast. Try the Godfadda or Gobbler.
Millburn Standard | 42 Main Street, Millburn
Burgers, steaks, and craft beer are on the menu in the brick-and-leather dining room. The moody setting is perfect for a night on the town or before a show.
Vinnie’s Pan Pizza | 61 Main Street, Millburn
The cheese on the thin bar pizza at Vinnie’s goes to the edge and is worth a try.
Things to Do
Downtown Millburn offers a wide variety of entertainment and leisure options, both indoors and out. In addition to restaurants and cafes, the downtown area features shops and art studios. Millburn even boasts its own vibrant live theater culture due to the presence of the highly acclaimed Paper Mill Playhouse.
Greenwood Gardens | 274 Short Hills Road, Short Hills
This 28-acre public garden is located just within Old Short Hills Park and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was a former private estate and is described as a time capsule to a foregone era. The terraced gardens, woodlands, meadows, grottoes, and even some turkeys are worth the visit. Advance registration is required and it is only open seasonally.
Paper Mill Playhouse | 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn
This old-fashioned 1,200-seat thriving non-profit regional theater is often frequented by high-profile celebrity guests. The red-velvet curtains and seats will make you think you’re in the Broadway District and the productions are nothing short.
Where to Shop
Millburn boasts some of the best shopping outside of Manhattan with local retail destinations providing everything from farm fresh produce to designer goods. If you’re familiar with NJ Malls then you already know about the luxury of The Mall at Short Hills. Downtown Millburn also has a relaxing shopping district lined with independent specialty shops, boutiques, hardware stores, and consignment shops.
Curated Boutique | 321 Millburn Avenue, Millburn
With two other locations, you know this shop is one of the best thrift stores in the area. Clothes are color-coordinated so it’s helpful to find what you’re looking for.
The Mall at Short Hills | 120 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills
The Mall at Short Hills is a preferred luxury shopping and dining destination in New Jersey (where there is no shortage of malls). This mall boasts over 150 upscale shops and boutiques.
Shala’s Boutique | 358C Millburn Avenue, Millburn
This clothing, jewelry, home accent, and gift shop has been in business for over 35 years.
Uffizi | 527 Millburn Avenue, Short Hills
This family-owned 4,000-square-foot landmark in Short Hills has been in business for over 35 years. Not driven by trends, it’s deeply seeded with authentic items, high-quality garments, and accessories.
Top Rated Schools
^ Millburn High School
The Schools
Millburn Township Public Schools boast five highly regarded and high-ranking elementary schools (Glenwood, Hartshorn, Deerfield, South Mountain, and Wyoming) and Millburn Middle School, which has been named a Benchmark School of Excellence based on state assessments. Millburn High School has been recognized as a blue ribbon school by the US Department of Education, and not only ranks consistently as one of the top schools in the state of New Jersey but also as one of the finest in the country.
You will also find the Pingry School, a co-ed K-12 independent school in Short Hills and nearby Basking Ridge, Far Brook School, The Winston School, and the Montessori Children’s Academy here.
Kid’s Corner — Parks + Playgrounds
^ Small fairy houses have popped up along the Rahway Trail beginning in Locast Grove in Millburn’s section of South Mountain Reservation. All ages will enjoy spotting these tiny pieces of real estate along the winding trail.
Featuring an abundance of lush, green spaces, Millburn is perfect for people who enjoy being outdoors. The town has top-notch facilities for tennis, racquetball, and golf enthusiasts as well as a swimming pool and a number of other amenities.
Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary | 324 Forest Drive South, Short Hills
This nature preserve houses many noteworthy trees and plants, hiking trails, and bird-watching spots. Their environmental education center is engaging for all ages and features a historic woodlands garden.
Gero Park | White Oak Ridge Road, Short Hills
Gero Park is home to the township’s municipal swimming pool, 9-hole golf course as well as playgrounds, fields, and athletic courts. Gero Park also has a basketball court, tennis courts, a rollerblading rink, and batting cages in addition to baseball diamonds with concession stands in warmer weather.
South Mountain Reservation | 197 Glen Avenue, Millburn
Millburn is home to part of the South Mountain Reservation. Both children and novice hikers and experienced hikers will enjoy traversing the many hiking trails that are found throughout the nature reserve’s 2,100+ acres. The Fairy trail is a must for any hiker to experience.
Taylor Park | 100 Main Street, Millburn
(Courtesy of twp.millburn.nj.us)
Taylor Park, in the heart of downtown Millburn, provides well-maintained public spaces, gardens, a well-equipped playground, walking paths, athletic courts, and fields as well as the Bauer Community Center.
Real Estate Corner via The North Jersey Group
If you are in the market to buy or sell real estate in this town, it is essential to understand the trends the number of Active Listings, Days on the Market, and the Sale Price to Listing Price ratio so that you can make an educated decision. As of March 17, there are 37 active homes on the market. The average sales price is $1,679,568 up from $1,492,923 in 2022. The market is competitive and the days on the market are lower than it was last year at 27.
If you are interested in learning how current market trends affect you as a home seller or buyer in Millburn/Short Hills or any of the towns we profiled, give Darren and The North Jersey team a call, send them an email at darren@northjerseygroup.com and download their North Jersey homes app for up-to-date market information at your fingertips.
