If you’re looking for luxury real estate in North or Central New Jersey, the top towns include Summit, Short Hills (Millburn), Chatham, Madison, Westfield, Montclair, Ridgewood, Princeton, Far Hills, and Bernardsville. The best choice depends on your commute needs, lifestyle priorities, and whether you want a walkable downtown, historic homes, or more privacy and land.

New Jersey luxury real estate is unlike anywhere else. It’s not just about square footage or a “big house.” In North and Central NJ, luxury is often defined by location, lifestyle, architectural character, schools, commuting convenience, and privacy.

If you’re moving from New York City, relocating within the state, or upgrading into a long-term home, this guide will help you narrow down the best towns to consider.

At Dwell New Jersey, we specialize in helping buyers find the right town fit (not just the right house) through a concierge, lifestyle-driven approach.

What Makes a Town “Luxury” in New Jersey?

Luxury towns in NJ tend to share a few key traits:

• Highly rated public schools
• Strong resale value and long-term demand
• Convenient NYC commute options (train lines matter a lot)
• High-end dining, shopping, and community amenities
• Larger lots and more architectural variety
• Historic charm (Colonials, Tudors, Victorians) mixed with modern builds

The Best Luxury Towns in North & Central New Jersey

1. Summit, NJ

Best for: NYC commuters, walkable downtown lovers, classic “New Jersey prestige.”

Summit is one of the most competitive luxury markets in the state. It offers a vibrant downtown, strong schools, and a train line that makes commuting into Manhattan very realistic.

Home styles you’ll find:

• Colonials
• Tudors
• Expanded historic homes
• Renovated “classic” properties with modern interiors

Why buyers love Summit:

• Strong community feel
• Great town energy without being overwhelming
• Beautiful neighborhoods with tree-lined streets

2. Short Hills (Millburn), NJ

Best for: high-net-worth buyers, top-tier schools, privacy, and upscale living.

Short Hills is one of NJ’s most iconic luxury zip codes. It’s known for large homes, manicured properties, and an extremely strong reputation.

Luxury factors:

• Large lots
• High-end renovations
• Top school system
• Excellent commuter access

Best for buyers who want: polished luxury and long-term value.

3. Chatham, NJ

Best for: families, buyers who want charm + quiet + a strong school district.

Chatham offers a more “small town” luxury experience. Inventory is competitive and homes often have a historic, storybook quality.

What makes it special:

• Highly desirable school district
• Beautiful housing stock
• A quieter feel than Summit or Montclair

4. Madison, NJ

Best for: buyers who want walkability and classic NJ charm without being overly busy.

Madison is often described as a “Goldilocks” town: close to everything, charming downtown, strong commuter access, and beautiful homes.

Common home styles:

• Colonials
• Victorians
• Historic homes with strong character

5. Westfield, NJ

Best for: families who want a strong community and a lively downtown.

Westfield has one of the best downtowns in New Jersey. It’s energetic, family-oriented, and full of restaurants, shopping, and events.

Why it’s a luxury hotspot:

• High demand and strong resale
• Large homes and wide streets
• Great schools
• Strong community identity

6. Montclair, NJ

Best for: buyers who want culture, architecture, and a more “city-meets-suburb” vibe.

Montclair is one of the most architecturally stunning towns in NJ, with a strong arts and restaurant scene.

Why people choose Montclair:

• Incredible Victorians and historic homes
• NYC proximity
• Walkable downtown districts
• Unique community energy

7. Maplewood & South Orange, NJ

Best for: NYC transplants who want charm, community, and a train-friendly commute.

These towns are extremely popular with buyers looking for lifestyle, walkability, and character homes.

Common home styles:

• Tudors
• Victorians
• Colonials

8. Ridgewood, NJ

Best for: Bergen County buyers seeking a strong downtown and high-end suburban lifestyle.

Ridgewood offers luxury with a slightly different flavor: strong Bergen County appeal, great shopping, and large residential streets.

9. Princeton, NJ

Best for: Central NJ buyers who want prestige, academic culture, and long-term stability.

Princeton is a Central NJ luxury market with global recognition and deep long-term demand.

10. Far Hills & Bernardsville, NJ

Best for: land, privacy, estate properties, equestrian lifestyle.

If your definition of luxury includes acreage, gated driveways, and a quieter environment, Far Hills and Bernardsville deliver.

How to Choose the Right Luxury Town for You

Here are the three biggest factors that narrow things down fast:

1. Commute Reality

A “45-minute commute” on paper can become 90 minutes depending on traffic, train transfers, and parking.

2. Lifestyle Preferences

Ask yourself:

• Do I want a walkable downtown?
• Do I want privacy and land?
• Do I want historic charm?
• Do I want turnkey modern design?

3. Inventory + Competition

Some towns are consistently low inventory, which means you need a strong strategy (and a strong team).

Working with a Luxury Real Estate Team Matters More Than Ever

Luxury buying in NJ is not just about finding a listing online. Many of the best opportunities are:

• pre-market
• private networks
• “coming soon”
• strategic agent-to-agent conversations

At Dwell New Jersey, we help buyers navigate competitive markets through a concierge approach that includes market education, strategy, and town-level guidance. Ready to start your next step? Start here.