Somerset County, NJ

Living in Hillsborough, NJ: The Complete Neighborhood Guide

Duke Farms. Growing Township. Central NJ Family Living.

Last updated: September 2026

$560,000
Median Home Price
60 min
To Penn Station
40,818
Population
1771
Founded
6.2%
YoY Appreciation

Why Hillsborough, NJ?

Hillsborough is a large, growing township with Duke Farms (2,740-acre estate open to public), Hillsborough HS, and Central NJ family living at moderate prices. Mix of suburban developments and rural areas. At $560K, strong value for the school quality.

Hillsborough Real Estate Market in 2026

Hillsborough homes sell in 18 days at a $560K median. Townhomes, colonials, and newer construction. Growing with new residential development.

$560,000
Median Price
$275/sqft
Price Per Sq Ft
18 days
Avg Days on Market
+6.2%
Year Over Year

Best Neighborhoods in Hillsborough

3 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range

Duke Farms Area

$525,000 to $700,000

Near the estate. Established homes.

Best for: Nature lovers

Neshanic Station

$475,000 to $650,000

Historic hamlet section with rural character.

Best for: Rural lifestyle seekers

Hillsborough Center

$500,000 to $675,000

Near Route 206 and commercial area.

Best for: Convenience seekers

Commuting from Hillsborough to NYC

60
Minutes to Penn Station
Drive to Somerville Station
Transfer required
Peak frequency: 3 to 4 trains per hour
Also nearby
Newark Liberty Airport: 10 min drive
NJ Turnpike, I-78, Routes 1 and 9
7 NJ Transit bus routes

Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.

Walkability and Livability in Hillsborough

How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Hillsborough?

12
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
60 min
NYC Commute
2.34%
Property Tax Rate
$11,234/year avg
10.4%
Hispanic/Latino
18.8% foreign-born

Hillsborough Schools and Ratings

Hillsborough Public Schools includes Hillsborough High School (the Raiders).

Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025

Hillsborough Township Elementary School

Hillsborough, NJ · Elementary · Grades K-4
B
10.9:1 ratio 480 students Score: 80/100

Triangle Elementary School

Hillsborough, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-4
C
8.7:1 ratio 364 students Score: 79/100

Woodfern Elementary School

Hillsborough, NJ · Elementary · Grades K-4
C
9.2:1 ratio 313 students Score: 79/100

Woods Road Elementary School

Hillsborough, NJ · Elementary · Grades PK-4
C
10.6:1 ratio 415 students Score: 79/100

Hillsborough Township Middle School

Hillsborough, NJ · Middle · Grades 7-8
C
11.8:1 ratio 1230 students Score: 78/100

Auten Road Intermediate School

Hillsborough, NJ · Middle · Grades 5-6
C
9.9:1 ratio 1114 students Score: 76/100

Amsterdam Elementary School

Hillsborough, NJ · Elementary · Grades K-4
C
10.9:1 ratio 383 students Score: 74/100

Hillsborough High School

Hillsborough, NJ · High · Grades 9-12
C
13.8:1 ratio 2385 students Score: 72/100
View all Hillsborough schools with full ratings →

Hillsborough vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison

City Median Price Tax Rate Annual Tax NYC Commute
Hillsborough $560,000 2.34% $11,234 60 min
Bridgewater $540,000 2.12% $11,890 55 min
Montgomery $650,000 2.12% $14,567 65 min

Where to Eat in Hillsborough

Route 206

Route 206 provides commercial dining. Growing restaurant scene.

Parks and Recreation in Hillsborough

Duke Farms

2,740-acre estate with trails, gardens, and nature — formerly the Doris Duke estate, now a public conservation area.

Sourland Mountain Preserve

Nature area with hiking trails.

New Development and Growth in Hillsborough

Residential Growth

New housing developments expanding the township.

History of Hillsborough, NJ

Established in 1771. One of the older townships in Somerset County.

Duke Farms was the estate of tobacco heiress Doris Duke. Opened to the public after her death.

The Neshanic Station section preserves a rural hamlet character.

Safety in Hillsborough

Hillsborough is a safe community.

Notable Residents

Doris Duke (1912-1993), billionaire heiress and philanthropist, owned the 2,700-acre Duke Farms Peter D. Vroom (1791-1873), 9th Governor of New Jersey Michael Ian Black, actor and comedian (The State, Stella) Jaheim, R&B singer Ricky Proehl, NFL wide receiver and Carolina Panthers WR coach Shaun O'Hara, NFL center for the NY Giants Brad Benson, NY Giants offensive lineman (1977-1987) Jack Ciattarelli, NJ Republican gubernatorial nominee (2021, 2025) Rich Vos, comedian Daria Hazuda, biochemist who discovered HIV Integrase strand transfer inhibitors

Annual Events and Festivals

Hillsborough Day

Frequently Asked Questions About Hillsborough, NJ

What is the median home price in Hillsborough, NJ?

The median home price is $560,000 as of 2026, with 6.2% year-over-year appreciation. Average $275/sqft, selling in 18 days.

How long is the commute from Hillsborough to NYC?

60 minutes via NJ Transit from on the Drive to Somerville Station. Transfer required.

What are property taxes in Hillsborough, NJ?

Tax rate is 2.34%. Average homeowner pays $11,234/year. At the median price of $560,000, expect about $13,104/year.

What are the best neighborhoods in Hillsborough?

Duke Farms Area ($525,000 to $700,000). Neshanic Station ($475,000 to $650,000). Hillsborough Center ($500,000 to $675,000). See the full guide above for all 3 neighborhoods.

Is Hillsborough safe?

Hillsborough is a safe community.

How walkable is Hillsborough, NJ?

Walk Score of 12, rated "Car-Dependent." Median income $118,000, median age 41.8. 12% renter-occupied.

Ready to Find Your Home in Hillsborough?

Talk to a Premier Homes agent who knows Hillsborough inside and out. We have been serving this community for over 30 years.

Explore Nearby Communities

Bridgewater $540,000 55 min Montgomery $650,000 65 min