Imagine a picturesque, quiet town where neighbors know your name. A nationally recognized school district, the acclaimed Paper Mill Playhouse, the best in shopping at the Mall at Short Hills and a 30-minute train ride into New York City–it’s lovely Millburn, NJ!

With approximately 20,000 residents, the historic town of Millburn is divided into the enclave of Short Hills with its many magnificent, historic homes, and Millburn, comprised of a busy downtown area, quiet neighborhoods and beautiful homes surrounded by family-friendly parks. A storied history and all the conveniences you can ask for within 10 square miles make Millburn a fantastic place to live.

Here’s a quick overview of 5 things that make Millburn, NJ so liveable and likeable:

1. Family-friendly activities abound in Millburn

For a small town, Millburn is full of engaging things to do. The parks, in particular, are great places for Millburn residents of all ages. Taylor Park, for example, features areas for sports, a playground, a lake, and the Bauer Community Center, where “Friday Friends” and many other enriching programs for seniors are organized. Gero Park in Short Hills is home to the Millburn Township Par 3 golf course and the town pool.

Feel like a nature hike? It’s as simple as paying a visit to Greenwood Gardens, which has earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. You can catch a movie at the movie theater on Main Street and enjoy an array of restaurant choices while out and about on a weekend. The Millburn Free Public Library has Storytime for toddlers on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, and its own Film Festival on select Fridays.

2. Millburn has great restaurants and shopping

A premiere destination in the Short Hills enclave of Millburn is, of course, the Mall at Short Hills. It attracts shoppers from near and far boasting retailers that range from Burberry to Tiffany & Co and Abercrombie & Fitch. In downtown Millburn, there is expertly-crafted custom jewelry at Bedazzled Jewelry, the latest in fashions at Gotham, and enough tools to delight any weekend warrior at Buncher’s Hardware.

When dining in Millburn, you can rely on Charlie Brown’s on Main Street for old-fashioned American comfort food. The award-winning Moonshine Modern Supper Club has a select menu, and for the best in wood-fired pizza, there’s Fiamma. Looking for Asian cuisine–go no further than the Thai House with its selection of curried dishes and noodles.

3. The Millburn-Short Hills Historical Society is a must-see

Whether you’re a die-hard history buff or simply looking for a fun learning opportunity, the exhibits at the Millburn-Short Hills Historical Society are a must-see. Since the Society was founded in 1975, it’s been dedicated to preserving the rich history of the town. You’ll find the Society’s collection of photographs and maps on display at the Short Hills Train Station during select weekday afternoon hours and the first Sunday of each month.

Besides the lectures and educational walking tours offered by the Society, just seeing the stories and visuals of old Millburn—whether it’s reflecting on old Millburn through historic pictures, or stopping by the Parsil-Smith House, which now has battery-operated candles visible in the windows as you drive by—can enhance the sense of belonging to this historic town.

4. Paper Mill Playhouse is a Millburn jewel

The Paper Mill Playhouse is Millburn’s premiere destination for theater. In fact, it’s one of the most prominent not-for-profit regional theaters in the nation. The Playhouse regularly hosts well-known plays and musicals, often produced in collaboration with professionals from the Broadway scene. It’s also a major venue for theater education for all ages.

The musicals Newsies and A Bronx Tale had their world premieres on the Playhouse stage, drawing enthusiastic crowds. With an $80 million grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Playhouse is seeking to expand its outreach to children with disabilities via the Theater for Everyone project. This crown jewel of New Jersey theater is inclusive, inviting and family-friendly! It even boasts the Carriage House restaurant only a few steps away.

5. Homes to Suit Every Homeowner

Millburn homes have a wonderful and varied architecture. There are elegant Tudors, Cape Cod-style houses, as well as grand Victorians, stately Colonials, and simple ranch-style homes.

An interesting article in the New York Times back in 2000 profiled Millburn and noted that many homeowners choose to renovate their homes and remain in Millburn as their families grow. It’s still true today. Often, my team will see a family starting with a ranch that offers low maintenance and a simple lifestyle eventually move into a larger, multi-level Colonial or Tudor just to remain in town.

Millburn is a remarkable, historic place to live. Residents are surrounded by art, culture, recreational activities and a first-rate school district. Are you interested in a new home in Millburn? I’d love to show you around and tell you more about this northern New Jersey community. Contact Victoria Carter at (973) 220-3050 or email victoria@victoriacarter.com.