THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO …

Summit, NJ

Looking to move to Summit? You’re in good company! Our team is so proud to be based in this gorgeous town.

OVERVIEW - FUN & FACTS - COMMUTE

SCHOOLS - PERFECT DAY - HISTORY

Welcome to the Hilltop!

Summit sits at the crossroads of a town that is steeped in history and architecture, as well as modern urban living. The town offers a richness in culture, a diverse inclusive community,  an abundance of green space,  a variety of programs and activities for all ages, a top-ranked public school district, and a quick and easy commute to New York City.

The city’s vibrant downtown, centered around the train station, is host to cafés, fine dining, and shops - offering something for everyone to enjoy - from upscale clothing, to art, sporting goods, home décor and more. 

Residents take pride in all of the offerings that make Summit special. Rotating art installations around town by famous and indie artists alike, annual traditions like the Fourth of July fireworks + food truck festival, supporting the Hilltoppers at athletic events, spending Sunday mornings at the farmer’s market, attending one of Summit High School’s award-winning theatrical performances, enjoying summer evenings with family and friends on the Village Green for movies and concerts - and so much more!  

Around Town…

Two drinks in glasses on a wooden table, one with a red liquid and ice cubes, the other with a clear liquid and a lime slice.

    • Our absolute Summit staple - duffins from Brownie Points

    • We would be remiss to not also include the famous Philly Fluff cake from Natales!

    • For a quick lunch - get a sloppy joe from Towne Deli and don’t forget a house made half and half and choc chip cookie!

    • Both Harvest restaurants in Summit - Roots & Huntley Taverne - are amazing!

    • Blossom is tried and true - and nothing beats their yaki udon with chicken and broccoli

    • Grab a scoop or a soft serve from Magic Fountain and see what the hype is about (in the Fall, get a pumpkin shake!)

    • Get the Mona Lisa from Marigolds!

    • The drunken grandma pizza from Village Trattoria - enough said

    • Grab an iced caramel macchiato from Gregory’s and thank us later!

    • Pop into Ani Ramen and make sure to order the crispy tofu bao!

A garden with yellow daffodils in bloom, a winding dirt path, leafless trees, and some flowering trees in the background under a blue sky.
Quiet city street with parked cars, trees lining both sides, and storefronts including a mattress store and a paper supply shop. American flags hang from buildings, and a clear blue sky is above.
Front view of a modern two-story house with white brick and siding, multiple windows, a wooden front door, and a landscaped lawn with flowers and trees.

    • Thinking about calling Summit home? We’ve got the inside scoop and would love to show you around.

    • Get in touch!

Quick Facts:

Check out some “Quick Facts” here, or scroll down for a deeper look at the ins and outs of Summit!

Summit, NJ is such a special place to call home. Read below for some of our favorite local traditions and events!

  • On Thursday nights throughout the summer, visit the Village Green with your blanket and snacks and enjoy a family-friendly outdoor movie! For more information, click here.

  • It’s typical to go away for the 4th of July celebrations to the beach, but not in Summit! Join everyone at Memorial Field for live music, a food truck festival, and incredible fireworks. Click here for more information.

  • Every year after school, all of the Summit kiddos head to town to trick-or-treat at local businesses!

  • Enjoy the annual car show in the streets of Summit on Father’s Day! For more information click here.

  • On Tuesday evenings throughout the Summer, join the rest of Summit at the Village Green for concerts! For more information, click here.

  • Summit High School is home to one of the country’s premier theatre programs. Snag tickets for two off-broadway level shows each year! Visit the SHS theatre department website here.

  • Enjoy your Sundays at the Farmers Market in Downtown Summit! April-November. For more information, click here.

  • Live music all throughout Downtown Summit on warm, magical, Thursday/Friday evenings! For more information click here.

  • A week of prix fixe menus and specials at Summit restaurants! Enjoy a summer evening in downtown Summit with many restaurants offering outdoor seating. For more information, click here.

  • Show your Hilltopper pride at the annual Friday Night Lights SHS Football Game! Enjoy Mr. Chi hotdogs while cheering on our favorite teams under the Tatlock field lights.

  • Spend a weekend at the annual Summit Municipal Golf course fishing at the pond! For more information click here.

  • Follow along for all of your home design needs, plus an annual “Design Day”!

Explore our interactive map to discover Summit’s key locations! Everything from City Hall, to all of our schools, parks, clubs, and more!

Commuting Options

One of the amazing things about Summit is the incredibly easy commute to NYC! With a direct train line running 7 days a week, plus many express options, it is truly a commuter’s dream.

    • Via NJ Transit at Summit Train Station - right into NY Penn Station

    • Click here for fare options

    • Express trains average at 39 minutes

    • Local trains average at 51 minutes

    • Earliest train usually at 4:53 AM

    • Latest train back usually at 12:56 AM

    • No waitlist - spots on a first come, first serve basis

    • Resident parking requires proof of residence, a permit and fee

    • Visitor Parking (Public Paid Parking available)

    • Boxcar App allows you to rent local spots nearby as an option

    • City of Summit also has a resident commuter ride sharing program with Lyft. Participants must have a Lyft account and a valid Summit parking permit. Door to door service for the cost of daily parking. For more information click here.

    • All Boxcar buses are equipped with wi-fi, power outlets, and restrooms to make your ride as enjoyable as possible.

    • Buses pick up directly outside town train stations and offer curbside drop-off throughout midtown

    • 6:15 am/7:00am pickup. Bus will makes stops in NYC along 42nd street and Madison Avenue.

    • Discounts available on the Boxcar app with coupon code summit15.

    • In the evening buses leave at 5:30pm from 6th Ave (just south of 43rd St) and travel directly back to train station pickup locations.

    • Click Here for Boxcar Site

All About Summit Schools…

Spend a perfect day in Summit

  • 9:30am - Arrive in Summit:

    • Get off the train or if driving - park in the Broad Street station

    • Grab a coffee at Boxwood (try the Honey Cinnamon Latte!) or Starbucks

    • Grab a duffin from Brownie Points (our favorite is the raspberry duffin, but you can’t go wrong with any flavor!)

  • 11:00am - Start exploring the downtown shopping scene:

  • 12:00pm - Grab Lunch at one of our favorites:

    • Stay in Mondo and eat at Marigold’s (try the Pick Two: Mona Lisa Sandwich and House Salad)

    • Want the most amazing tacos and margaritas? Head to BarBacoa (the Mexican Daisy is a famous Summit cocktail!)

  • 1:00pm - Driving Tour:

    • Take a driving tour to learn about all of the different Summit neighborhoods with a Price Group Buyer Specialist!

  • 3:00pm - Walking art or history tour:

  • 4:00pm - Treat Yourself:

  • 5:00pm - Get dinner before heading out at one of our favorite places: 

    • Craving ramen? Ani Ramen (BYO)

    • Craving sushi? Blossom (BYO)

    • Craving pasta, pizza, and a glass of wine? Fiorino

    • Craving a burger and a beer? The Office

    • Craving portugese? Serra (BYO)

    • Craving fresh farm to table and a craft cocktail? Summit House

    • Craving seafood? Fin (BYO)

Then head back home, and reminisce on your amazing day spent in Summit - and call your Price Group agent to start booking home tours!

Let’s take a step back in time…

Summit’s earliest settlers put down roots around 1710. They were drawn to the area for its abundant supply of timber for building homes, rabbits for food and pelts, plentiful turkey, and a fertile valley for growing wheat and corn. The Passaic River also provided them with fish to eat and a means of transport and trade.

In 1837, the railroad came over the “The Summit” hill, and that’s how the town got its name. During the Revolutionary period and for some time afterwards Summit was called the “Heights over Springfield” and was considered a part of New Providence. The original name of Summit was “Turkey Hill” to mark it apart from “Turkey”, as New Providence was known until 1750.

The railroad allowed Summit to outgrow neighboring New Providence, which didn’t have a train station and then the two separated and the Summit area was incorporated as the “Township of Summit”. In the late 19th century, the area began shifting from farmland to estates providing wealthy New Yorkers in search of fresh air a welcome respite. Weekend-ers and summer vacationers came by train to relax in the hotels, inns and guest houses. The present-day incarnation of Summit, known formally as the City of Summit, was incorporated on April 11, 1899.

A black-and-white photo of a large, old brick building with a sloped roof and small windows, with leafless trees in front.
take a historic walking tour of summit!
An old black-and-white photograph of a three-story brick building on a street corner, with arched windows and a sign that reads "Howard Hotel" on the upper facade.
Visit the summit historical society website
Exterior of Summit Station train station with a brick building, surrounded by trees and flowers, with people waiting outside and bicycles nearby.

Ready to move to Summit? Let’s talk!