Stewart Hartshorn, the founder of Short Hills, envisioned a town that functioned as both a natural refuge and great residential area. As the 21st century rolls on, it appears that vision has been more than fulfilled. Moreover, a passenger train offering transit to Manhattan and a vibrant atmosphere have propelled Short Hills to the realm of best towns to live in within the NYC area.
The Township of Millburn actually encompasses Short Hills, so Short Hills isn't its own city
Stewart Hartshorn, the founder of Short Hills, envisioned a town that functioned as both a natural refuge and great residential area. As the 21st century rolls on, it appears that vision has been more than fulfilled. Moreover, a passenger train offering transit to Manhattan and a vibrant atmosphere have propelled Short Hills to the realm of best towns to live in within the NYC area.
The Township of Millburn actually encompasses Short Hills, so Short Hills isn't its own city. Anyway, for this town of 13,165, life is truly peaches and cream. That's no exaggeration. You couldn't say enough good things about this place. From the beautiful scenery to the shopping, it's all glorious. Bask in that glory, and have a good meal or two while you're basking. Walk down any residential street and the colonial-style homes will open your eyes, and make you want a piece of that awesomeness. You'll start to realize that Short Hills isn't short on anything.
Moving to Short Hills
Life here may be peaches and cream, but finding a property rental is more difficult than Manhattan. This is one of the region's most desirable locations, so know that while it's very feasible to locate home rentals in Short Hills, you still have your work cut out for you.
Trends That Don't Help Renters
Roughly 6 percent of locals rent, which is well below New Jersey's average of nearly 34 percent. Additionally, Short Hills is truly short on available housing, and renters must bring their best game if they plan on actually landing a home. This is just reality in the popular Short Hills. It's like when the host puts good appetizers out at a party and they are gone by the time you get back from the bathroom. Don't waste time in the bathroom. Grab something if it's there.
Should You Own?
Short Hills is an owner's market and you should consider buying, but only if your plans are definite and you are ready. If not, renting is entirely possible, but you won't have nearly as many options; renting, though, does give you flexibility to test a home and area without the risk of owning.
Houses and More Houses
If you are coming to Short Hills looking for an apartment to rent, reconsider your plan. Detached houses total over 95 percent of homes here. As stated, Short Hills doesn't showcase a lot of openings, so just searching for one-bedroom apartments (if that's what you want) won't yield many results; expand that search to include houses and see what you get. You can still get a flat, however, as there are a few complexes, but there are way more houses.
Wait for Your Opportunity... And Pounce
When an opening arises, pounce before another renter does. Rental listings don't float on the market in Short Hills for long. Summer sees the most rental turnover, and that's the best time to find an apartment or house. The key is to make inquiries with complexes, brokers, and landlords beforehand as to when leases are expiring; ask to tour a few of those places as soon as possible, even if the current tenant is watching TV in the living room at the time.
Making Sure You Get the Pad
Landlords and management companies in Short Hills aren't desperate for renters, and will refuse you if they aren't certain you will pay every month. Upfront costs such as one month's rent, a deposit, and application fees should be in your pocket, ready to be handed over as soon as you think a place suits you. Voluntarily offering to provide a credit report as well as landlord references will make you stand out from other potential tenants.
Short Hills Neighborhoods and Communities
At just over 5.2 miles, you may think it doesn't matter where you live in Short Hills, Oh, it does! Your 'hood choice can impact your access to transit, parks, restaurants, or shops. That is no small matter.
Deerfield: Mostly car dependent, this area is near South Mountain Reservation and Old Short Hills Park. It is simply a stunning residential area.
Canoe Brook: A somewhat walkable part of town, this neighborhood features the iconic Short Hills Mall, Canoe Brook Country Club, and ample restaurants. It's also near the Short Hills train station.
Glenwood: A bit less walkable than Canoe Brook, this area offers the widest variety of housing. If you desire an apartment or condo for rent, this is the spot in Short Hills. The Cora Hartshorn Arboretum is located in this neighborhood and so is the train station.
Fox Hill Preserve: The area around this preserve is mostly houses, but these are the kinds of pads that will have you drooling.
Living in Short Hills
While Short Hills is close enough to New York City that you can almost hear it roaring, this town does still sleep at night. That's a good thing, especially when you consider there's so much to do here during the day. Short Hills may not have all that the five boroughs do, but it certainly competes. A show at Paper Mill Playhouse may make you forget about Broadway. A stroll through the Cora Hartshorn Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary pleases just as Central Park does. The Mall at Short Hills is every bit the shopper's paradise that Saks Fifth Avenue is. When you just want a meal with new pals, eateries abound near Route 24. When you feel like golfing, hack around at one of the area's many courses. Once you return home, you'll find that Short Hills may lack the sizzle of New York City, but it has all the amenities. On top of that, living here offers peace from the madness of the big city. If you ever crave that madness, take the train to Penn Station, and unload in Manhattan. Then come back, kick back, soak in the scenery of the South Mountain Reservation, and enjoy life in the marvelous land of Short Hills.
