A local’s guide from Perri K. Feldman, a lifelong Midtown Direct local and Realtor who has closed transactions in 24 New Jersey communities. Last updated October 2026.
Summit gives you a small-city downtown, a K–12 district with a tight community feel, and two train lines through one station. It’s where I play tennis, at Summit Tennis Club, and home to one of my two Keller Williams offices. Summit offers everything from one-bedroom condos near the train to estate homes on the Northside.
Still deciding between towns? Start with my guide to the best NJ towns for NYC commuters, the same conversation I have with every new buyer.
Summit at a glance
| Commute to NYC | Summit station is served by the Morristown Line and the Gladstone Branch, with Midtown Direct trains to New York Penn Station, typically 39–52 minutes. |
|---|---|
| Schools | Summit Public Schools: five elementary neighborhoods, Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School and Summit High School. Niche 2027: A+, #6 district in New Jersey and #1 in Union County. Summit High School is #30 in New Jersey (U.S. News). |
| Typical price range | About $1.5M to $4M, with condos and townhomes below that |
| Market snapshot | Summit, 2026 year to date (GSMLS): average sale price $1,834,603, 19 days on market, homes selling at 109% of list price. |
| Known for | Active downtown, two train lines, Reeves-Reed Arboretum, condo options near the train |
Neighborhoods
Summit’s sections are usually named for their elementary schools:
- Brayton: around Memorial Field, from homes near Overlook Hospital to estates on Oak Ridge Avenue. Many streets are close to downtown and the train.
- Franklin: quiet winding roads, including Woodland Park and the Highlands near the Watchung Reservation.
- Jefferson: around Briant Park, with more moderately priced homes and new construction replacing older houses on some blocks.
- Lincoln-Hubbard (Northside): one of Summit’s most prestigious sections, with stately homes on large lots close to town and the train.
- Washington: from Kent Place Blvd. and Bedford Road to the Canoe Brook and Butler Parkway area.
Condo and townhome options near downtown include Summit Parmley (a pre-war co-op), Morris Glen, Kent Gardens, Beacon Square and The Cloisters, popular with first-time buyers and downsizers.
Life here
For dinner, my favorites are Fiorino, La Focaccia and Roots. If you love to play tennis, Summit Tennis Club is small and intimate, with a very social vibe, and tucked into a wonderful neighborhood.
Schools
How Summit Public Schools stacks up in the latest rankings:
- Niche 2027: A+ overall, #6 of 244 school districts in New Jersey and #1 of 18 in Union County. See the Niche rankings
- Summit High School: #30 in New Jersey in U.S. News 2026–2027 Best High Schools, with a 95% graduation rate and a 11:1 student-teacher ratio. See the U.S. News profile
- Franklin Elementary School: #19 of 1,386 elementary schools in New Jersey in U.S. News 2027 Best Elementary Schools. See U.S. News
How Summit compares
Buyers often weigh Summit against Short Hills and Chatham. Summit’s top end runs a bit below Short Hills, and it has more condo and townhome choices near the train. Some buyers assume Summit is “the one” and discover Maplewood has the energy they wanted.
Summit FAQ
How long is the commute from Summit to New York City?
Summit station is served by the Morristown Line and the Gladstone Branch, with Midtown Direct trains to New York Penn Station, typically 39–52 minutes.
How much do homes cost in Summit?
Typical prices: about $1.5M to $4M, with condos and townhomes below that. Summit, 2026 year to date (GSMLS): average sale price $1,834,603, 19 days on market, homes selling at 109% of list price.
How are the schools in Summit?
Summit Public Schools: five elementary neighborhoods, Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School and Summit High School. Niche 2027: A+, #6 district in New Jersey and #1 in Union County. Summit High School is #30 in New Jersey (U.S. News).
What stands out about Summit?
Active downtown, two train lines, Reeves-Reed Arboretum, condo options near the train.
Who can help me buy or sell a home in Summit?
Perri K. Feldman, a lifelong local Realtor with Keller Williams Premier Properties, has offices in Short Hills and Summit and has closed transactions in 24 New Jersey communities. Call 973-650-4727 or email perri@midtowndirecthomes.com.
Local resources
Town, schools & library
- City of Summit
- Summit Community Programs (recreation)
- Summit Public Schools
- Summit Free Public Library
Culture & things to do
See what’s for sale
Not sure Summit is the one? Let’s talk.
Coffee, Zoom or a phone call. We’ll talk about your work, your commute and your priorities, and I’ll tell you honestly how Summit compares with the other towns on your list.
(973) 650-4727 · perri@midtowndirecthomes.com · Schedule a Consultation
Keep exploring
- Best NJ Towns for NYC Commuters: my guide to choosing your town
- Millburn & Short Hills guide
- Chatham guide
- Maplewood guide
- Free NJ Home Buyer’s Guide
- Thinking of selling? See how I market homes
Perri K. Feldman is a licensed real estate Sales Associate with Keller Williams Realty in Short Hills and Summit, New Jersey. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Sources: Niche, Summit HS. Figures change monthly; call for the latest.
