Short Hills, NJ Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Featured Deal

Essentials for Your New Home

🛒 Shop This Deal Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Short Hills, NJ Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 29, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$3150/mo
Sales Tax6.625%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$1,563,100
📷 Live Cameras — Short Hills
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
🌤️ Live Weather — Short Hills
Loading weather...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Short Hills
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Short Hills?

Moving to Short Hills? Find out how much retirement income you could generate based on your current savings, age, and goals. Calculate Your Retirement Income → Free · Takes 2 minutes · No personal data required
💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

PSE&G
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

PSE&G
💧 Water

$45/mo

New Jersey American Water
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Millburn Township Department of Public Works
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$3150/mo
2 Bedrooms$3501/mo
3 Bedrooms$4376/mo
Median Home Price$1,563,100
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

Short Hills is known for its luxury homes and high property values. The market is competitive, with many buyers attracted to the excellent school district and proximity to NYC.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6.625%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6.625% + County 0% + City 0%</p>

New Jersey has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 1.4% to 10.75%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

9.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+3% (growing)
Political Climate
Blue
Business Momentum
High with key industries in finance, healthcare, and professional services
Top Local Concerns
Property taxes, traffic congestion, school funding
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is accessible but limited; most families rely on cars. The NJ Transit train station is stroller-friendly with elevators.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Corporation Park
  • 🎯
    The Mall at Short Hills
  • 🎯
    South Mountain Reservation

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The Old Short Hills area is highly sought after for its historic homes and walkability. Glenwood and Wyoming are also popular for their family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to schools.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Short Hills based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Short Hills has strict zoning laws to maintain its suburban character. Homeowners must comply with local ordinances on property maintenance and noise levels.

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

Find Another City Guide

Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.

📊 Short Hills — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$250,001
👤 Median Age
41.4
🏠 Homeownership Rate
86.3%
🔑 Renter Rate
13.7%
📉 Poverty Rate
3.9%
💼 Unemployment Rate
4.8%
📡 Internet Access
99.2%
🎓 College Educated
61.8%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs peak in winter due to heating needs, while summer sees higher electricity usage for air conditioning. Spring and fall typically have lower utility bills.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates vary by township, with Short Hills having a slightly higher rate due to its premium location and services.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

8/10 with explanation: Sidewalks are well-maintained, parks are easily accessible, and most public buildings have elevator access. The area is designed with families in mind.

📰 Latest NJ Stories
New Jersey Living Report — July 27, 2026

New Jersey Living Report — July 27, 2026

It is a state that often battles a reputation for high taxes and traffic jams, yet New Jersey...

Read more →
New Jersey Living Report — July 26, 2026

New Jersey Living Report — July 26, 2026

New Jersey has long shouldered a reputation for high taxes and traffic jams, but for anyone thinking of...

Read more →
New Jersey Living Report — July 25, 2026

New Jersey Living Report — July 25, 2026

New Jersey often finds itself grappling with a reputation for high tolls and dense suburbs, but the data...

Read more →
New Jersey Living Report — July 24, 2026

New Jersey Living Report — July 24, 2026

New Jersey has long existed in the shadow of its more famous neighbor, New York City, but for...

Read more →
Amazon

Get your home essentials, storage, and moving supplies delivered.

Shop Moving Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.