From City to Suburb: Comparing School Systems in NJ’s Most Desirable Towns
Quick Takeaways for City Buyers
New Jersey suburban public schools are assigned by home address, not lottery
Top ranked school districts consistently align with stronger home values
Short Hills and Millburn, Livingston, Summit, and Chatham remain among the most education driven towns in New Jersey
Choosing the right town is both an education decision and a long term investment decision
Why City Buyers Start With Schools
For many NYC, Hoboken, and Jersey City families, the move to the suburbs is not just about more space. It is about predictability, long term planning, and access to strong public education.
Unlike city school systems, where placement may depend on zoning or lotteries, most New Jersey suburbs offer clarity. Your home address determines your public school assignment. That certainty is often the starting point for families beginning to explore a move out of the city.
“For many of our NYC and Hoboken clients, schools are the starting point, not the home. Once families understand how New Jersey school districts work, the move becomes much less overwhelming.” - Saritte Harel
How Suburban School Systems Differ From NYC
City School Experience
Zoning, lotteries, or competitive admissions
Less predictability year to year
Private school often considered early
New Jersey Suburban Model
Schools tied directly to your home address
Clear elementary, middle, and high school progression
Strong neighborhood school communities
Public school systems consistently ranked among the best
For many families, this structure alone represents a meaningful quality of life shift.
Why School Quality Impacts Home Value
In top New Jersey suburbs, school quality and home values move together. Buyer demand follows education performance, and that demand shows up in pricing strength, competition, and long term appreciation. We track these trends closely through our local New Jersey market reports, which consistently show stronger performance in education driven towns.
2025 Market Snapshot
Short Hills and Millburn: approximately 4 percent year over year price growth with homes continuing to sell above list price
Summit: approximately 10 percent year over year appreciation with increased buyer activity
Chatham: approximately 9 percent year over year growth supported by limited inventory
Livingston: approximately 7.5 percent year over year growth across a wide range of price points
For city buyers, this reinforces an important reality. Choosing a strong school district is not only about academics. It is also a strategy for protecting and growing home value over time.
2025 New Jersey housing market trends
Comparing Top School Districts We Serve
In addition to individual school performance, many families look at district wide rankings to understand overall quality and consistency. District rankings evaluate academics, teacher quality, college readiness, and community satisfaction, all of which influence buyer demand.
According to Niche.com, the districts below consistently rank among the top school systems in New Jersey, reinforcing their reputation as education driven suburban markets.
Short Hills and Millburn
Buyers considering living in Short Hills or Millburn are often drawn to the combination of top ranked schools, long term value stability, and commuter convenience. More info on living in Short Hills or Millburn
School Overview
Millburn Township School District is consistently ranked among the top school districts in New Jersey
Exceptional performance across elementary, middle, and high school levels
Notable School Rankings
Wyoming Elementary School ranked number 4 Best Public Elementary School in New Jersey
Hartshorn Elementary School ranked number 8 Best Public Elementary School in New Jersey
Deerfield Elementary School ranked number 11 Best Public Elementary School in New Jersey
Glenwood Elementary School ranked number 14 Best Public Elementary School in New Jersey
Millburn Middle School ranked number 10 Best Public Middle School in New Jersey
Millburn High School ranked number 16 Best Public High School in New Jersey and number 2 in Essex County
District Structure
5 elementary schools
1 middle school
1 high school
This structure creates strong neighborhood elementary experiences followed by a unified middle and high school environment with broad academic offerings.
Livingston
Many families exploring Livingston NJ schools and neighborhoods appreciate the district’s size, consistency, and range of housing options. More info on Livingston NJ schools and neighborhoods
School Overview
Livingston Public Schools consistently earn top overall ratings on Niche.com
Recognized statewide for academics, teacher quality, and diversity
Notable School Rankings
Livingston Senior High School ranked number 14 Best Public High School in New Jersey and number 1 in Essex County
Heritage Middle School ranked number 24 Best Public Middle School in New Jersey
District Structure
6 elementary schools
2 middle schools
1 high school
Livingston’s size allows for extensive programming, flexibility, and a wide range of academic and extracurricular options.
Summit
For buyers searching for homes for sale in Summit NJ, school quality is often a major factor driving long term demand. Search homes for sale in Summit NJ
School Overview
Summit Public School District consistently ranks among the top districts in New Jersey
Strong balance of academics, athletics, and arts
Notable School Rankings
Summit High School ranked number 22 Best Public High School in New Jersey and number 5 in Union County
District Structure
6 elementary schools
1 middle school
1 high school
This model supports close knit elementary communities with a unified middle and high school experience.
Chatham
Families researching Chatham NJ schools are often focused on academic rigor and the benefits of a smaller district environment. Learn more about Chatham.
School Overview
The School District of the Chathams consistently ranks among the top districts in New Jersey
Known for academic rigor and strong college readiness
Notable School Rankings
Chatham High School ranked number 24 Best Public High School in New Jersey and number 2 in Morris County
District Structure
3 elementary schools
1 middle school
1 high school
Chatham’s smaller district structure supports a close knit academic environment and consistent outcomes.
How The Saritte Harel Team Helps City Buyers
The Saritte Harel Team specializes in helping NYC, Hoboken, and Jersey City families navigate the transition to New Jersey’s most desirable suburbs.
“We help families look beyond rankings alone. Understanding how a district functions day to day including class sizes, transitions, and community is just as important as the numbers.”- Saritte Harel
Our approach includes:
Education on how New Jersey school systems work
Strategic comparisons between towns and districts
Insight into off market and coming soon opportunities
Guidance on timing, preparation, and long term planning
We do not just help clients buy homes. We help them choose the right town for the next chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to live in town before enrolling in school
Yes. In most New Jersey suburbs, public school enrollment is tied directly to residency.
Are these school districts competitive or supportive
Many of these districts balance strong academics with broad student support and enrichment opportunities.
When should families start planning a move from the city to the suburbs
Ideally six to twelve months ahead, especially when school timing and inventory matter.
Thinking About Making the Move
If you are exploring a move from NYC, Hoboken, or Jersey City to the suburbs and want informed guidance on schools, neighborhoods, and long term value, our team is here to help.
Reach out to The Saritte Harel Team to start a thoughtful conversation about your transition from city living to suburban life.
