Vibrant Downtown, Easy Commute & Great Schools
Summit
Noted for its bustling downtown, top rated public schools and beautifully maintained homes on tree-lined streets, Summit is an idyllic American suburb. Picturesque Summit, nestled in the Watchung Hills, is centered around its vibrant downtown, giving the city a real sense of community. Downtown Summit offers cafes and restaurants ranging from burgers and burritos to upscale continental cuisine, clothing boutiques, jewelers, salons, antique shops, private businesses, elegant condominiums, a park and several community organizations. Summit’s NJ Transit station, also located downtown, offers two trains for commuting into Manhattan, the Midtown Direct and Hoboken lines, both roughly 45 minute rides. The neighborhoods surrounding the downtown offer varied home styles but typically feature pre-war colonial homes. The average home price in Summit is around $1,000,000 but there are properties available in all price ranges from $400,000 to over $4,000,000.
HISTORY
The region passed from Indian to Colonial possession by purchase on October 28, 1664 for "twenty fathoms of trading cloth, two made coats, two guns, two kettles, ten bars of lead and twenty handfuls of powder."
Summit's earliest settlers came here about 1710. Most of the founding fathers brought Puritan heritage from the British Isles, and from neighboring New England, Connecticut and Long Island. Finding a true paradise, the Summit area was abundant in timber for building cabins, rabbits for food and pelts, plentiful turkey, and a fertile valley for growing wheat and corn. Plus the Passiac River was full of fish to eat and water to float boats.
In 1837, the railroad came over the "The Summit" hill, whose name was later shortened to Summit. 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.
In 1869, Summit separated itself from New Providence and became the "Township of Summit". Thirty years later on April 11 1899, The City of Summit was incorporated.
Originally, Summit was a cozy farming community populated by about 300 people until 1837. The community began to change from a rural farming and milling to quasi-commercial. After the Civil War, Summit became a summer resort area because of its crisp, clean mountain air and convenient proximity to New York City. Summit attracted extremely wealthy people who built extensive summer estates.
The landscape has had a definite influence in the development of Summit. This tree-dense suburban community is nestled in the hills of the Watchung Reservation with six square miles of broken hills at a 450-foot elevation. Summit sits above Springfield, to the east of Millburn, and just northwest, Chatham joins Summit to pinch the broad valley of the Passaic River.
Summit is a family-oriented residential community with light industry. Many Summit settlers and current residents have attributed significantly to the world's business, industrial and government affairs. More importantly, their relentless dedication for volunteerism has made the Summit community a leader in civic mindedness. The governing body has sought out experts on economics, communications, education, government administration, physical and mental health, recreation, social planning, transportation and safety; all adding to the great growth of Summit, then and now.
REAL ESTATE MARKET CONDITIONS
Single family home prices typically start in the $450,000s. Single family home prices range up to about $4,000,000. Condos start in the $225,000s.
The Summit real estate market is quite strong this year.The average price for a home in Summit rose 14% in 2006 over the previous year to $1,060,690.The average days on market for the first half of 2006 is on par with past years and overall dollar volume is up 21% over last year for a first half total of $142,132,464.
In 2007, the average sale price rose just 1% over the same time period of 2006 and total dollar volume is at its highest ever, 4% over last year.In 2007, 137 properties sold, the average sale price was $1,076,349 and total dollar volume was $147,459,808.
For comprehensive statistical reports please visit our Area Market Statistics including statistics per school districts.
*Based on data from the Garden State Multiple Listing Service, comparing the first half of each year (January-June, the most active part of the year for real estate transactions).
SUMMIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The schools of Summit-public, private and parochial-have continually molded good and able young people with 92 % of the students going onto college, contributing much to the community's development. Just recently, Summit High School was ranked the 6th best high school in the State of New Jersey. Many students return to live and raise a family in their home town of Summit.
Summit's public education system includes five kindergarten-through grade 5 elementary schools, a middle school for grades 6 to 8 and Summit High School. As Summit grew into a beautiful resourceful city for families, so too did the need to provide top-rated education and state-of-the-art school facilities for Summit's children. In 2003, the newly renovated Summit High School was dedicated after a $22.4 million capital expansion project. The project comprised of a new wing, library/media center, gymnasium, and the addition of academic courses, cultural arts, athletic and social club programs; all providing an enriched educational experience for all current and future Summit students.
Summit Public School Report Card from the State of New Jersey
Summit Public Schools Links
Summit High School 125 Kent Place Boulevard, Summit NJ 07901 908-273-1494
Summit Middle School 272 Morris Avenue, Summit NJ 07901 908-273-1190
Summit Elementary Schools
Brayton Elementary School 89 Tulip Street, Summit NJ 07901 908-273-1276
Franklin Elementary School 136 Blackburn Road, Summit NJ 07901 908-277-2613
Jefferson Elementary School 110 Ashwood Avenue, Summit NJ 07901 908-273-3807
Lincoln-Hubbard Elementary School 52 Woodland Avenue, Summit NJ 07901 908-273-1333
Washington Elementary School 507 Morris Avenue, Summit NJ 07901 908-273-0817
COMMUTER INFORMATION
Rail and bus links to Newark and Manhattan, Routes 24 and 78 and the Garden State Parkway and Newark-Liberty International Airport, commuters find this thriving community a perfect place to settle. The Summit Train Station has the Mid-Town Direct train -a less than 30 minute ride - from Summit to Penn Station. The City of Summit has numerous parking garages and lots supplying ample parking for resident commuters and downtown employees.
Applications may be mailed or dropped off at The Summit Permit Center, 71 Summit Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901. They can be reached by phone at 908-522-1700.
All residents who use the long term resident parking lots need to have the new white permit displayed on vehicles. Those vehicles without the new parking permit will be ticketed. Those with pre-paid permits are issued hanging tags to place on their rearview mirror. Those who pay daily will receive a sticker.
Resident Owned Vehicles: Valid NJ registration showing your name and current Summit home address.
Lease of Company Owned: Valid NJ driver’s license showing your name and current summit home address and
Valid NJ registration for leased or company owned vehicle and
Valid insurance card showing your Summit home address, if you pay, or
Recent personal residential phone, internet or cable bill, if the company pays the insurance.
Permits can be prepaid or you can pay per day. Pre-paid rates are $60 a month, $175 for the quarter or $600 for the year. If you choose to pay daily, you will need to pay $3 per day at the machines located in the garage.
Non-Resident Parking Permits are available at the following rates: Monthly $110, Quarterly $330, Annually $1,165.
SUMMIT PLACES OF INTEREST
The Connection for Women and Families 79 Maple Street, Summit, NJ 07901 908-273-4242
The Grand Summit Hotel 570 Springfield Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901 908-273-3000
New Jersey Center for Visual 68 Elm Street Summit, NJ 07901 908-273-9121
The Reeves-Reed Arboretum 165 Hobart Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901 908-273-8787
The Summit Playhouse 10 New England Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901 908-273-2192
AREA GOLF COURSES
Essex County Noteworthy: Rock Spring Country Club, East Orange Golf Course (Short Hills)
Morris County Noteworthy: Madison Golf Club, Spring Brook Country Club
Somerset County Noteworthy: Foxhollow Golf Club, Somerset Hills Golf Club
Union County Noteworthy: Balusrol Golf Club, Canoe Brook Country Club
AREA GROCERY STORES
CHATHAM
Kings Supermarket 393 Main Street 973-635-4400 http://www.kingswebsite.com/index2.htm
Shop Rite 641 Shunpike Road 973-377-4788
MADISON
Super Stop & Shop 133 Main Street 973-593-8484
Whole Foods 222 Main Street 973-822-8444 http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/
MAPLEWOOD
Kings Supermarket 159 Maplewood Avenue 973-761-4092 http://www.kingswebsite.com/index2.htm
MILLBURN-SHORT HILLS
Kings Supermarket 778 Morris Turnpike 973-258-4000 http://www.kingswebsite.com/index2.htm
Shop Rite 727 Morris Turnpike 973-376-3028
Shop Rite 220 Main Street 973-376-9886
Whole Foods 187 Millburn Avenue 973-376-4668 http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/
SUMMIT
Kings Supermarket 784 Springfield Avenue 908-598-4502 http://www.kingswebsite.com/index2.htm
WESTFIELD
Stop & Shop 219 Elm Street 908-232-1292
Trader Joe’s 155 Elm Street 908-301-0910
WINE AND SPECIALTY FOODS
CHATHAM
Chatham Wine Shop 465 Main Street Chatham 973-635-0088
Hickory Wine Cellar 641 Shunpike Road Chatham 973-822-2121
MADISON
Madison Wine Cellar 29 Main Street Madison 973-377-4075
MAPLEWOOD
Celebrated Foods 6 Highland Place 973-762-1722 www.celebratedfood.net
Village Wine Shop 1994 Springfield Avenue Maplewood 973-762-7899
MILLBURN-SHORT HILLS
Tulip Chocolatier 537 Millburn Avenue 973-467-1930
Wine Library 586 Morris Avenue 888-980-WINE http://winelibrary.com/default.asp
SUMMIT
Chez Barbara To Go 40 Union Place Summit 908-522-1359
Summit Cheese Shop 75 Union Place Summit 908-273-7700
The Wine List 417 Springfield Avenue 908-277-6565
WESTFIELD
Westfield Wine Liquors 276 North Avenue East Westfield 908-232-1133
Summit City, New Jersey Statistics and Demographics (US Census 2000)
|
|
|
|
Number |
Percent |
|
Summit Population: |
21131 |
100.00% |
|
|
|
|
|
Sex and Age |
|
|
|
Male |
10225 |
48.39% |
|
Female |
10906 |
51.61% |
|
|
|
|
|
Under 5 years |
1815 |
8.59% |
|
5 to 9 years |
1677 |
7.94% |
|
10 to 14 years |
1506 |
7.13% |
|
15 to 19 years |
935 |
4.42% |
|
20 to 24 years |
688 |
3.26% |
|
25 to 34 years |
3023 |
14.31% |
|
35 to 44 years |
3953 |
18.71% |
|
45 to 54 years |
2886 |
13.66% |
|
55 to 59 years |
1070 |
5.06% |
|
60 to 64 years |
809 |
3.83% |
|
65 to 74 years |
1373 |
6.5% |
|
75 to 84 years |
1047 |
4.95% |
|
85 years and over |
349 |
1.65% |
|
|
|
|
|
Median age (years) |
37.3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
18 years and over |
15434 |
73.04% |
|
Male |
7274 |
34.42% |
|
Female |
8160 |
38.62% |
|
21 years and over |
15071 |
71.32% |
|
62 years and over |
3196 |
15.12% |
|
65 years and over |
2769 |
13.1% |
|
Male |
1144 |
5.41% |
|
Female |
1625 |
7.69% |
|
|
|
|
|
Race |
|
|
|
One race |
20783 |
98.35% |
|
White |
18546 |
87.77% |
|
Black or African American |
914 |
4.33% |
|
American Indian and Alaska Native |
19 |
0.09% |
|
Asian |
941 |
4.45% |
|
Asian indian |
307 |
1.45% |
|
Chinese |
264 |
1.25% |
|
Filipino |
119 |
0.56% |
|
Japanese |
52 |
0.25% |
|
Korean |
78 |
0.37% |
|
Vietnamese |
19 |
0.09% |
|
Other Asian |
102 |
0.48% |
|
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander |
3 |
0.01% |
|
Native Hawaiian |
1 |
0% |
|
Guamanian or Chamorro |
1 |
0% |
|
Samoan |
0 |
0% |
|
Other Pacific Islander |
1 |
0% |
|
Some other race |
360 |
1.7% |
|
Two or more races |
348 |
1.65% |
|
|
|
|
|
Hispanic or Latino and race |
|
|
|
Total Population |
21131 |
100.00% |
|
Hispanic or Latino(of any race) |
2150 |
10.17% |
|
Mexican |
162 |
0.77% |
|
Puerto Rican |
207 |
0.98% |
|
Cuban |
159 |
0.75% |
|
Other Hispanic or Latino |
1622 |
7.68% |
|
Not Hispanic or Latino |
18981 |
89.83% |
|
White alone |
16926 |
80.1% |
|
|
|
|
|
Relationship |
|
|
|
Total Population |
21131 |
100.00% |
|
In households |
21114 |
99.92% |
|
Householder |
7897 |
37.37% |
|
Spouse |
4825 |
22.83% |
|
Child |
6652 |
31.48% |
|
Own child under 18 years |
5521 |
26.13% |
|
Other relatives |
736 |
3.48% |
|
Under 18 years |
136 |
0.64% |
|
Nonrelatives |
1004 |
4.75% |
|
Unmarried partner |
207 |
0.98% |
|
In group quarters |
17 |
0.08% |
|
Institutionalized population |
0 |
0% |
|
Non-Institutionalized population |
17 |
0.08% |
|
|
|
|
|
Households by Type |
|
|
|
Total Households |
7897 |
100.0 % |
|
Family households (families) |
5610 |
71.04% |
|
With own children under 18 years |
2820 |
35.71% |
|
Married-couple family |
4825 |
61.1% |
|
With own children under 18 years |
2492 |
31.56% |
|
Female householder, no husband present |
613 |
7.76% |
|
With own children under 18 years |
278 |
3.52% |
|
Non Family households |
2287 |
28.96% |
|
Householder living alone |
1887 |
23.9% |
|
Householder 65 years and over |
809 |
10.24% |
|
|
|
|
|
Households with individuals under 18 years |
2908 |
36.82% |
|
Households with individuals 65 years and over |
2054 |
26.01% |
|
|
|
|
|
Average Household size |
2.67 |
|
|
Average family size |
3.18 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Housing Occupancy |
|
|
|
Total housing units |
8146 |
100.00% |
|
Occupied housing units |
7897 |
96.94% |
|
Vacant housing units |
249 |
3.06% |
|
For seasonal, recreational, or occasional use |
41 |
0.5% |
|
Homeowner vacancy rate (percent) |
0.7 |
|
|
Rental vacancy rate (percent) |
2.7 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Housing Tenure |
|
|
|
Occupied housing units |
7897 |
100.00% |
|
Owner-occupied housing units. |
5378 |
68.1% |
|
Renter-occupied housing units. |
2519 |
31.9% |
|
|
|
|
|
Average household size of owner-occupied units |
2.86 |
|
|
Average household size of renter-occupied units |
2.27 |
|
Summit NJ Crime Statistics (2002 - New Crime Data)
|
Crime Type |
|
2002 Total |
Per 100,000 People |
National per 100,000 People |
|
Overall Summit Crime Index |
|
480 |
2225 |
4118.8 |
|
Summit Murders |
|
0 |
0 |
5.6 |
|
Summit Forcible Rapes |
|
1 |
4.64 |
33.0 |
|
Summit Robberies |
|
13 |
60.26 |
145.9 |
|
Summit Aggravated Assaults |
|
9 |
41.72 |
310.1 |
|
Summit Burglaries |
|
82 |
380.1 |
746.2 |
|
Summit Larceny/Thefts |
|
347 |
1608.49 |
2445.8 |
|
Summit Motor Vehicle Thefts |
|
28 |
129.79 |
432.1 |
|
Summit Arsons |
|
0 |
0 |
N/A |
|

Selling Your Home >The Pheromone Factor
Pheromones are mysterious little chemical sensors that are supposed to have a lot to do with whether or not we are attracted to people. They may also play a big part in the way people react to houses.
If you have a house on the market, it will be important to ensure that the pheromone factor is as high as possible--so that the prospects who come inside will involuntarily pull out their checkbooks and offer to pay your asking price. A good real estate agent can give you some important hints about maximizing your home's ability to attract buyers. This could mean completely airing out every room to eliminate musty odors, or allowing enough time for freshly painted walls to lose that telltale toxic smell.
Unless you are already compulsively neat, you may need to make temporary changes in your housekeeping habits to ensure that your home is both fresh-smelling and sparkling clean. Sometimes this will involve hiring a professional cleaning service. Give your real estate agent the space to speak candidly about what you need to do to make your house looks its best.
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| Q |
In what real estate market are more than 90 percent of home sales cash transactions?
|
| A |
Palm Beach, home to princes, politicians, and CEOs, has homes from 2,000 sq.ft. condos to 56,000 sq.ft. estates. |
See More Real Estate Trivia > |
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All rights reserved. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
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