SUMMIT, NJ

UNION COUNTY

 
 
 

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!  

 

Quick Facts:

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

Key Locations

Getting to Summit + Commute

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.

Direct Train to NYC:

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

  • Train ticket to New York Penn costs $9.75/ride or $298 for monthly pass. Click here for other 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

Lakeland Bus:

  • Lakeland Bus Line to NYC Port Authority.

  • Bus runs along Springfield Avenue and stops at Passaic Avenue (by little Kings), Pine Grove Rd, New England Avenue and Morris Avenue. Then the bus runs along Broad Street and stops at the corner of Maple Street, Mountain (by Overlook Hospital), Ashwood Rd and at the Summit Park & Ride Lot located on Broad Street before the en-trance onto Route 24 East ($10 to park, parking is first come first served basis open to residents and non-residents of Summit).

  • Bus fee is $12.10 each way or $99.95 for 10 tickets. Tickets may be purchased online or at Beechwood Cigars, 7 Beechwood Rd.

  • Click Here for more information

Boxcar Bus:

  • 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.

  • Each ticket costs $19.99, or $14.99 with a Boxcar Commuter membership.

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

  • In the evening our 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

Other Commute Options:

Train Station Parking:

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

  • Resident parking requires proof of residence, a permit ($10) and fee (either $4/day, $80/mo, $228/quarter, $864/annually)

  • 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.

  • Residents with permits may only park in the following commuter lots:

    • Lot 6 Broad Street Garage

    • Lot 7 Chestnut Ave Lot (corner of Broad & Morris by St. Teresa’s)

    • Lot 8 Elm Street Lot

    • Lot 9 Sampson Lot (entrance off of Summit Ave by Middle School)

    • Additional resident with permit parking is available along Elm Street

Summit Schools

Summit’s award-winning school district, currently ranked #9 in NJ and #1 in Union County by Niche, is one of the highlights of this growing town. From pre-school to twelfth grade, the district + community works endlessly to fulfill their mission of engaging all students in compelling work; educating them to their highest intellectual, creative, and individuals' potential; promoting pride in diversity; and resulting in shaping them into responsible and productive citizens of the highest integrity.

Summit students can take advantage of great athletic programs, the arts, and hundreds of other extra-curricular activities and clubs.

Please note:

  • Wilson Primary Center and Jefferson Primary Center offer Pre-K on a lottery system, and full-day Kindergarten guaranteed to all residents.

  • Summit Public School District does not offer buses or transportation for students.

  • Summit residents are also eligible to apply for and attend Union County’s Vocational-Technical Schools: Magnet High School, Academy for Performing Arts, Academy for Allied Health Sciences, Academy for Information Technology, Union County Vocational-Technical High School, and more. Visit the program website here for more details.

 Primary Centers: (Pre-K and Kindergarten)

Elementary Schools: (Grades 1-5)

 

Middle School: (Grades 6-8)

High School: (Grades 9-12)

Summit Downtown + Recreation

Summit, NJ is such a special place to call home. Read below for some of our favorite local traditions and events, plus information on recreation, art, the local dining/shopping scene, and more.

Summit, New Jersey Fun Traditions + Annual Events:

  • 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”!

  • 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.

How to 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!

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.