Summit began as a farmland getaway for New Yorkers seeking fresh air and relaxation. Eventually, these getaways became permanent vacations.
"Today, it is a city known for its nationally recognized schools, its downtown that is beautiful, vibrant and included in the National Register of Historic Places, and its lovely tree-lined streets that boast homes from all eras and in every shape, style and size you can imagine," said Patricia Meola, president of the Summit Historical Society's Board of Trustees.
Summit's central location to local highways and trains allows residents to commute easily into New York City, Jersey City and Hoboken. At the center of the neighborhood is the Summit Train Station which offers direct service to New York's Penn Station. Summit is about 15 miles from the Newark Liberty International Airport.
Housing
Choose from charming old homes, brand-new structures and multifamily dwellings on Summit's residential streets.
Older Summit homes have beautiful woodwork and molding, while the colonial and Victorian exteriors exude old charm. "More likely than not, these homes have been renovated, but it's been done so in a way that the integrity of the home remains," Emily Frisch, Team Leader of The Frisch Team at Re/Max Select of Morristown.
"I think the community is what keeps people in Summit. It's incredibly diverse but also close-knit. The neighbors know each other. When we walk around [showing homes], the neighbors know who we are. They are so friendly and warm," Frisch said.
For the start of 2023, the median price of a Summit dwelling was $1.25 million. Some residences sell in the multimillions, some as high as $7 million. Of the sold homes for the start of the year, the majority have four bedrooms or more, according to Frisch.
Northern New Jersey, including Summit, is experiencing a lack of housing inventory across the board. "When something does come on the market, there are more buyers than there are homes," Frisch said. But that shouldn't deter potential residents from looking at homes in Summit. "Just because the market is competitive doesn't mean it's not worthwhile to go and look," Frisch said.
Education
Summit Public Schools is a big draw for those with families to move into the area. Summit High School is currently ranked the 16th best high school in the state, according to U.S. News & World Report. Besides core education classes, Summit Senior High students can enroll in career technical education, visual and performing arts, finance, economics and business courses. The high school's performing arts departments and forensics team are award-winning and of its 30 varsity sports, many consistently win conference, county, sectional, or group championships.
However, if families prefer private institutions, a few are within the Summit, including Kent Place School and Oratory Preparatory School.
Eat, Shop, Play
"Summit has a great downtown with restaurants, shops and salons. There is something for everyone," Frisch said. "It's a walkable downtown. You can spend the day popping in and out of shops and restaurants."
Springfield Avenue is downtown's main drag lined with local favorites like Roots Steakhouse, Ani Ramen, coffee shops, a pizzeria and a brewery. "Scotti's Record Shop has been in town for what seems like forever and a must visit if you are a lover of vinyl records," Frisch said.
Some beloved eateries not on Springfield Avenue include Huntley Taverne and Banderas Deli & Restaurant, "an often overlooked breakfast spot ... [that serves traditional Costa Rican breakfast," Frisch said. For sweet treats, you can't go wrong with the local favorite Philly Fluff Cake from Natale's Summit Bakery or a scoop of ice cream from the Magic Fountain.
No New Jersey town is complete without a diner, and you're in luck because Summit has two. Situated in an original railroad car across from the train station, the Summit Diner has served customers since 1939. At the Broadway Diner, you can order over 10 different types of pancakes, which pair well with waffles or French toast.
At the first sign of spring, the Summit Farmers Market dusts itself off from the winter months and opens for the season. The market runs every Sunday from April through December.
The local YMCA, the Summit Free Public Library, and the neighborhood's many playgrounds are popular destinations for recreational activities.
Residents and visitors can perfect their swing on the nine par-3 course at the Summit Municipal Golf Course. You can play tennis, basketball, soccer and more at one of Summit's parks.
For over a century, The Summit Playhouse has entertained audiences with a night of community theater.
Whether you love being outside, trying out different restaurants or community-centered activities, Summit checks off all the boxes