Why Summit, NJ?
Summit is Union County's Midtown Direct jewel — one of only a handful of NJ towns with express train service arriving at Penn Station in 44 minutes without a transfer. The city's walkable downtown along Springfield Avenue and Summit Avenue features independent shops, acclaimed restaurants, and the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey. Overlook Medical Center anchors the local economy while historic homes on tree-shaded streets maintain a timeless suburban character. Summit combines big-city access with small-town community in a way few NJ towns can match.
Summit Real Estate Market in 2026
Summit's real estate market moves fast — homes sell in a median 18 days, among the fastest in Union County. The median price of $1.15M reflects the Midtown Direct premium: buyers pay for the express commute. Prices range from $600K condos near downtown to $3M+ estates on the western hills. The strongest demand is in the $900K to $1.5M range for colonials walking distance to the train station. Overlook Medical Group and pharma employers create local demand beyond NYC commuters.
Best Neighborhoods in Summit
4 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and price range
Summit Avenue Corridor
$900,000 to $1,800,000The historic heart of Summit with Victorian, Colonial Revival, and Tudor homes on established streets. Walking distance to downtown, the train station, and Brayton Elementary. The most walkable residential area in Summit.
Tall Oaks / Canoe Brook
$1,200,000 to $2,500,000Western Summit with larger lots and newer construction. Near Canoe Brook Country Club. Kent Place School (private). Elevation gives views. More suburban feel with space and privacy.
Northside
$800,000 to $1,400,000North of the train tracks with excellent access to downtown and the station. Mix of colonials and split-levels. Lincoln-Hubbard Elementary. Quiet streets with strong community feel.
Downtown / Condos
$400,000 to $800,000Condominiums and townhomes in and around the downtown core. Walking distance to everything. Popular with young professionals and downsizers. The Summit Grand and other developments provide modern living options.
Commuting from Summit to NYC
Source: NJ Transit schedules, June 2026. Peak hour commute times.
Walkability and Livability in Summit
How easy is it to live car-free or car-light in Summit?
Summit Schools and Ratings
Summit Public Schools is among the top-ranked districts in NJ. Summit High School has a 97% graduation rate with strong AP and honors programs. The district includes 5 elementary schools (Brayton, Franklin, Jefferson, Lincoln-Hubbard, Washington), one middle school (Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School), and Summit High School. The district is known for its STEM programs, performing arts, and competitive athletics. Kent Place School and Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child provide private alternatives.
Source: NCES CCD 2023 to 2024, NJDOE NJSLA 2024 to 2025
Franklin Elementary School
Lincoln-Hubbard Elementary School
Washington Elementary School
Brayton Elementary School
Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School
Summit High School
Jefferson Elementary School
Primary Center at Jefferson
Summit vs Neighboring Towns: Cost Comparison
| City | Median Price | Tax Rate | Annual Tax | NYC Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summit | $1,150,000 | 1.89% | $18,765 | 44 min |
| Westfield | $1,400,000 | 2.18% | $17,890 | 48 min |
| Chatham | $975,000 | 2.12% | $16,890 | 47 min |
| New Providence | $740,000 | 2.31% | $14,102 | 50 min |
Where to Eat in Summit
Upscale Dining
Fiorino Ristorante (Northern Italian fine dining), Huntley Taverne (farm-to-table American), Porta (artisan pizza and cocktails, from the Asbury Park original). Summit's dining scene punches above its weight for a town of 22,000.
Casual & Family
Summit Diner (classic NJ diner, featured in films), Piattino (neighborhood Italian), Juice House (healthy bowls and smoothies), Tito's Burritos (fast casual Mexican). Springfield Avenue has options for every taste and budget.
Coffee & Bakeries
Booskerdoo Coffee (artisan roaster with multiple NJ locations), Natale's Bakery (Italian pastries), The Paper Mill Creamery (artisan ice cream). The cafe culture around the Village Green draws weekend foot traffic.
Parks and Recreation in Summit
Reeves-Reed Arboretum
National Historic Landmark with 13.5 acres of gardens, walking trails, and the Wisner House. Daffodil Trail in spring draws visitors from across the region. Educational programs and wedding venue. Free to visit.
The Greenway / Passaic River Park
Linear park along the Passaic River with walking and biking trails. Connects Summit neighborhoods to surrounding open space. Part of the larger regional trail network.
Summit Memorial Field
Community athletic complex with turf fields, track, tennis courts, and playground. Home to Summit HS athletics and community recreation programs. Summer concerts and events.
Watchung Reservation
2,065-acre Union County park bordering Summit's western edge. Hiking trails, the Deserted Village of Feltville, Surprise Lake, and the Trailside Nature and Science Center. The largest open space in Union County.
New Development and Growth in Summit
110 Summit Avenue
Mixed-use development in the downtown core with apartments and ground-floor retail. Transit-oriented development walking distance to Summit Station.
Overlook Medical Center Expansion
Atlantic Health System's ongoing expansion of the Overlook campus, Summit's largest employer. Includes the Cancer Center and ambulatory care facilities.
Downtown Streetscape
Ongoing improvements to Springfield Avenue and Summit Avenue including wider sidewalks, street trees, public art, and outdoor dining infrastructure.
History of Summit, NJ
Originally part of New Providence Township. Incorporated as the City of Summit in 1899.
Named for its position atop the first Watchung Mountain — the highest point on the Morris & Essex rail line between Newark and Morristown.
Summit was a resort destination in the 1800s, with hotels drawing visitors from NYC for the mountain air and views. The Grand Hotel (demolished 1916) was the most prominent.
The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, founded in 1933, is one of the oldest nonprofit visual arts organizations in the state.
Overlook Medical Center opened in 1906 and has grown into one of NJ's premier hospitals, now part of the Atlantic Health System.
Summit's downtown was one of the first in NJ to ban drive-through restaurants, preserving its walkable village character.
Safety in Summit
Summit is one of the safest cities in New Jersey with crime rates significantly below state averages. The Summit Police Department maintains a strong community presence with bicycle patrols downtown and a School Resource Officer program. The walkable downtown and active community life provide natural surveillance.
Notable Residents
Annual Events and Festivals
Recently Sold Homes in Summit, NJ
Public record data from NJ Division of Taxation SR1A filings.
| Address | Sale Price | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 149 HILL CREST AVE | $4,200,000 | 260623 |
| 39 OAK RIDGE AVE | $3,300,000 | 260622 |
| 226 MOUNTAIN AVE | $1,680,000 | 260617 |
| 18 PINE RIDGE DR | $2,325,000 | 260612 |
| 275 WOODLAND AVE | $1,655,000 | 260609 |
| 69 ELM ST | $2,300,000 | 260606 |
| 59 NEW ENGLAND AVE UNIT 5 | $1,999,999 | 260606 |
| 25 DOGWOOD DR | $2,999,000 | 260605 |
| 44 CANOE BROOK PKWY | $1,810,000 | 260604 |
| 14 EUCLID AVENUE UNIT 102 | $1,600,000 | 260604 |
| 84 PINE GROVE AVE | $2,250,000 | 260601 |
| 1 EUCLID AVE APT 3-B | $1,460,000 | 260601 |
Source: NJ Division of Taxation, SR1A 2024-2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summit, NJ
What is the median home price in Summit, NJ?
The median home price is $1,150,000 as of 2026, with 7.1% year-over-year appreciation. Average $440/sqft, selling in 18 days.
How long is the commute from Summit to NYC?
44 minutes via NJ Transit from Summit Station on the Morris & Essex. Direct service, no transfers.
What are property taxes in Summit, NJ?
Tax rate is 1.89%. Average homeowner pays $18,765/year. At the median price of $1,150,000, expect about $21,735/year.
What are the best neighborhoods in Summit?
Summit Avenue Corridor ($900,000 to $1,800,000). Tall Oaks / Canoe Brook ($1,200,000 to $2,500,000). Northside ($800,000 to $1,400,000). Downtown / Condos ($400,000 to $800,000). See the full guide above for all 4 neighborhoods.
Is Summit safe?
Summit is one of the safest cities in New Jersey with crime rates significantly below state averages. The Summit Police Department maintains a strong community presence with bicycle patrols downtown and a School Resource Officer program. The walkable downtown and active community life provide natural surveillance.
How walkable is Summit, NJ?
Walk Score of 68, rated "Somewhat Walkable." Median income $185,000, median age 39.5. 18% renter-occupied.
Homes for Sale in Summit, NJ
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