Best Neighborhoods in Essex County, NJ
Essex County is home to some of New Jersey's most desirable communities, combining luxury living, highly-rated schools, and convenient access to New York City. From the grand estates of Short Hills to the family-friendly streets of Livingston, these neighborhoods represent the finest residential options in the county.
Featured Essex County Neighborhoods
Short Hills
Among America's Wealthiest Communities
Short Hills sits among the wealthiest places in the United States — Census top-coded household income $250,001+, 89.4% bachelor's-or-higher, 86.5% homeownership. The Mall at Short Hills (NJ's flagship luxury retail) and 35-min Midtown Direct train to NY Penn Station anchor the borough. Millburn HS is Niche A+, #16 in NJ, top 5% nationally.
Millburn
Value entry into Millburn Township
Millburn proper is meaningfully more attainable than Short Hills (Zillow ZHVI $1.05M vs. ~$1.89M) while sharing the identical Niche #10 NJ district. Anchors: Tony-winning Paper Mill Playhouse, NJ Transit Midtown Direct in 35 min, walkable downtown (Walk Score 85-90), and the 2,112-acre South Mountain Reservation at the western edge.
Livingston
Niche #9 NJ Schools (up from #12)
Livingston Public Schools moved from Niche #12 NJ in 2025 to #9 in 2026 — district math 70% / reading 81%. Livingston HS holds Niche #14 NJ and a 98% graduation rate. ~32% Asian-American with substantial Chinese and Indian-American populations, reflected in the dense ethnic dining and retail along Northfield Avenue and Eisenhower Parkway.
Why Essex County?
Essex County occupies a unique position in New Jersey's real estate landscape. Its western communities — Short Hills, Millburn, and Livingston — offer a suburban lifestyle with the cultural richness and accessibility that come from proximity to both Newark and New York City.
The county's school districts are among the strongest in the state. The Millburn Township district (serving both Short Hills and Millburn) ranks Niche #10 in New Jersey for 2026 — Millburn HS is Niche A+, #16 NJ; all six elementaries rank top 13 NJ. Livingston Public Schools moved from Niche #12 NJ in 2025 to #9 in 2026, with Livingston HS at Niche #14 NJ and a 98% graduation rate. For families, this caliber of public education is a defining factor.
Transportation is another advantage. NJ Transit rail stations in both Millburn and Short Hills provide direct service to Penn Station in Manhattan, with commute times averaging 40 to 50 minutes. Major highways including I-78 and Route 24 connect residents to employment centers throughout the region.
Whether you are seeking a luxury estate, a charming downtown setting, or a family-oriented community with room to grow, Essex County's best neighborhoods deliver the quality of life that draws buyers from across the tri-state area.
Find Your Essex County Home
Ready to explore the best neighborhoods in Essex County? Judy Zhou provides expert guidance for buyers and sellers across Short Hills, Millburn, Livingston, and surrounding communities. With deep local knowledge and bilingual English-Chinese service, Judy helps you make confident real estate decisions.