Berkeley Heights, NJ Properties | Susan Camus

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Berkeley Heights occupies a ridge in north-central Union County, where the Raritan Valley and Passaic Valley regions meet and the township borders both Morris and Somerset counties. With about 13,400 residents, it is a largely residential, family-oriented community whose identity has been tied to the railroad since the nineteenth century. The New Jersey West Line Railroad reached the area in 1872, and the Berkeley Heights station remains a stop on NJ Transit's Gladstone Branch, connecting commuters to Hoboken and New York via transfer. The township is known for spacious suburban streets, mature trees, and a strong sense of local civic life built around its schools and recreation programs. Its location just west of the Watchung Reservation places one of Union County's largest natural areas essentially at the town's doorstep, while the Passaic River traces part of the township's boundary and supports a network of walking trails and parks. Berkeley Heights' position in the Raritan Valley and its rail access have long made it attractive to professionals working in New York City, as well as to those employed across the nearby corporate and research corridors of Morris and Somerset counties. The community balances a quiet, low-density residential feel with practical access to regional employment, shopping, and cultural destinations. For homebuyers, Berkeley Heights offers a well-regarded school system, a historic commuter-rail connection, and abundant preserved open space, all within roughly an hour of Manhattan. The town's appeal lies in the combination of a genuine suburban setting and the enduring convenience of a rail-based commute that has shaped it for more than a century.

Population 13,426

County Union County

Active Listings 62

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Frequently Asked Questions

What county is Berkeley Heights in?

Berkeley Heights is a township in Union County, New Jersey, in the north-central part of the state. It borders both Morris County and Somerset County and lies within the Raritan Valley and Passaic Valley regions.

How do residents commute to New York City from Berkeley Heights?

Residents can take NJ Transit's Gladstone Branch from Berkeley Heights station, which opened in 1872, toward Hoboken with connections into New York. Interstate 78 also provides a direct driving route for commuters.

What school district serves Berkeley Heights?

The Berkeley Heights School District serves the township, including Governor Livingston High School, which is shared with the neighboring borough of Mountainside. The district operates an early childhood center bringing together kindergarten and first-grade students.

What outdoor recreation is near Berkeley Heights?

The Watchung Reservation, one of Union County's largest natural areas, borders the township and offers extensive wooded trails. Additional walking paths follow the Passaic River, and township parks provide playgrounds and sports fields.

City Guide

About Berkeley Heights

Real Estate & Housing

Berkeley Heights' housing stock consists predominantly of single-family homes on generous, landscaped lots, with a mix of older colonial and mid-century construction alongside newer builds. The township's density is relatively low for Union County, reflecting its history as a railroad-era residential community rather than an urbanized center. Streets are wide and tree-lined, and the overall character is one of established, well-maintained suburban neighborhoods appealing to families seeking space and access to top-tier schools.

Neighborhoods

Lifestyle in Berkeley Heights

Life in Berkeley Heights centers on family, schools, and outdoor recreation. The township maintains a robust parks and recreation program, and community events and school activities anchor the social calendar. The nearby Watchung Reservation offers extensive woodland trails, while the township's own parks provide playgrounds, sports fields, and passive green space. The result is a quiet, community-oriented lifestyle with easy access to the dining and shopping of neighboring towns such as Summit, New Providence, and Westfield.

Schools & Education

The Berkeley Heights School District serves the township from early childhood through high school. A distinctive feature is the Mary Kay McMillin Early Childhood Center, which brings together the town's kindergarten and first-grade students. Older students attend Governor Livingston High School, which also serves the neighboring borough of Mountainside. The district is widely regarded as a draw for families relocating to the area, and its performance contributes strongly to the township's residential appeal.

Getting Around

NJ Transit's Gladstone Branch provides the township's rail connection, with Berkeley Heights station offering weekday service toward Hoboken and connections into New York. Interstate 78 is accessible nearby for drivers, placing the township within commuting distance of Newark, Jersey City, and the corporate centers of Morris and Somerset counties. The combination of a walkable, historic train station and convenient highway access makes Berkeley Heights a practical base for a range of commutes.

Parks & Recreation

The Watchung Reservation, a large Union County park system of woodlands and trails, lies immediately adjacent to Berkeley Heights and is the township's most significant recreational asset. The Passaic River corridor supports additional walking paths, and the township maintains neighborhood parks and the historic Littel-Lord Farmstead. Residents also benefit from proximity to the broader trail and park networks of Morris and Somerset counties, including the Great Swamp and the Loantaka Brook Reservation.

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