Top Lower Northeast New Jersey Towns to Live Near NYC in 2026: Why Buyers Are Choosing These Suburbs

If you’re looking for the ideal New Jersey towns to live near New York City, communities such as Millburn, Short Hills, Livingston, Maplewood, South Orange, Montclair, Summit, Westfield, Springfield, Mountainside, Berkeley Heights, New Providence, Chatham, Madison, Florham Park, and East Hanover consistently stand out. These sought-after suburbs attract a variety of homebuyers, thanks to their unbeatable blend of convenient NYC commuting, top-rated schools, vibrant downtowns, strong community spirit, and abundant parks and recreational opportunities.

Easy Commutes to NYC: A Major Draw for Buyers
One of the primary reasons buyers flock to these towns is the ease of commuting into New York City. Many are situated along NJ Transit’s Morris & Essex Line with Midtown Direct service, enabling residents of Millburn, Short Hills, Maplewood, South Orange, Summit, Chatham, Madison, and Berkeley Heights to reach NYC’s Penn Station in roughly 30 to 45 minutes. Westfield offers both train and express bus service into Manhattan, while Livingston, Springfield, Florham Park, New Providence, and East Hanover provide shuttle or bus connections to nearby train stations. This network of transit options makes these towns some of the best commuter suburbs in New Jersey for professionals working in NYC.

Top-Rated Schools: A Magnet for Students
Many are drawn to these communities for their exceptional public school districts, consistently ranked among the best in New Jersey. Millburn (which includes Short Hills), Summit, Livingston and Chatham are nationally recognized for outstanding education from elementary through high school.  Westfield, Madison, New Providence, and Berkeley Heights also boast highly rated K-12 schools with strong academic records and extensive extracurricular programs. Additionally, these towns offer a variety of preschools, early childhood programs, and private school options, making them ideal for planning long-term educational success.

Vibrant Downtowns: Walkable, Welcoming, and Full of Life
The charming downtown areas and village centers are another major appeal. Maplewood Village, South Orange Village, Millburn Downtown, Montclair Center, Summit Downtown, Westfield’s town center, Chatham Borough, and Madison feature streets lined with boutique shops, acclaimed restaurants, cozy cafés, theaters, and cultural venues. These lively downtowns foster a true sense of place and community, contributing to why these towns rank among New Jersey’s most livable.

Parks and Recreation: Embracing Outdoor Living
Residents enjoy exceptional parks and recreational facilities throughout the region. South Mountain Reservation near Millburn, Short Hills, Maplewood, Livingston, and South Orange offers scenic trails and natural beauty. Summit, Westfield, Livingston, Berkeley Heights, and Madison provide community parks, playgrounds, pools, golf courses, and sports fields. Organized youth sports, fitness programs, and outdoor events further enhance the friendly lifestyle these towns are known for.

Strong Community and Multigenerational Appeal
These suburbs shine for their strong sense of community and amenities for all ages. Many towns feature community centers with senior and youth programs offering fitness classes, social activities, and educational opportunities. Seasonal events such as farmers markets, festivals, parades, and concerts bring neighbors together year-round, creating a welcoming environment that appeals to residents.

Why These New Jersey Towns Remain in High Demand
With their unbeatable combination of easy NYC access, top-ranked schools, vibrant downtowns, excellent parks, and tight-knit communities, towns like Millburn, Short Hills, Livingston, Maplewood, South Orange, Montclair, Summit, Westfield, Springfield, Mountainside, Berkeley Heights, New Providence, Chatham, Madison, Florham Park, and East Hanover continue to be among the most desirable suburbs in New Jersey. For anyone seeking to balance suburban comfort with city convenience, these communities offer exceptional long-term value and an outstanding quality of life.

If you’re considering a move to one of these wonderful New Jersey towns, now is an excellent time to explore the opportunities they offer. With their strong real estate markets and enduring appeal, these communities are poised to remain top choices for buyers in 2026 and beyond.

For personalized guidance on finding your perfect home in these sought-after New Jersey suburbs, feel free to reach out to Simon Westfall-Kwong and the LuxeLife Group. With decades of experience and deep local knowledge, they can help you navigate the market confidently and find a community that fits your lifestyle perfectly.

Contact Simon Westfall-Kwong at simon@luxeliferealestategroup.com or (973) 721-9228 to start your journey today.
Visit https://simon.luxeliferealestategroup.com for more information.

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