Essex County · New Jersey
Millburn & Short Hills
Millburn Township combines a traditional downtown, the historic and residential community of Short Hills, nationally recognized performing arts, major regional shopping, extensive parkland and two NJ TRANSIT rail stations.
NJTGO uses Millburn as the shared town page for both Millburn and Short Hills. Information throughout this guide covers the entire township, including Short Hills neighborhoods, businesses, schools, attractions and community resources.
Downtown MillburnShort HillsPaper Mill PlayhouseThe Mall at Short HillsCora Hartshorn ArboretumSouth Mountain ReservationTwo Rail Stations
Millburn Township at a Glance
21,710Population recorded in the 2020 U.S. Census.
22,874U.S. Census Bureau population estimate for July 1, 2025.
2 Rail StationsMillburn Station and Short Hills Station serve the Morris & Essex rail corridor.
1 TownshipMillburn Township includes the unincorporated community of Short Hills.
Millburn and Short Hills: Short Hills is not a separate municipality. It is an unincorporated community within Millburn Township. The Township's 2026 Charter Study Commission report states that 14,422 of Millburn's 21,710 residents counted in the 2020 Census lived in Short Hills.
Explore Millburn & Short Hills
DowntownMillburn CenterMillburn Avenue, Main Street, Essex Street and nearby blocks form a walkable downtown with restaurants, shops, professional services, Taylor Park, the train station and easy access to Paper Mill Playhouse.
VillageShort Hills VillageThe historic commercial and residential area around Chatham Road and Short Hills Station grew from Stewart Hartshorn's nineteenth-century planned commuter community.
Regional ShoppingThe Mall at Short HillsLocated at 1200 Morris Turnpike, the mall is one of New Jersey's best-known regional shopping destinations and a major commercial center within the township.
NeighborhoodsWyoming, Glenwood, Deerfield & MoreMillburn and Short Hills include distinctive residential areas such as Wyoming, South Mountain, Knollwood, Glenwood, Brookhaven, Country Club, Merrywood, Deerfield-Crossroads, Mountaintop, White Oak Ridge and Old Short Hills Estates.
History & Historic Character
Millburn became an independent township in 1857 after separating from Springfield Township. Its development was shaped by water-powered mills along the Rahway River and by the Morris & Essex Railroad, which connected the area with regional markets and commuters.
Short Hills developed as a planned residential suburb under Stewart Hartshorn, inventor of the roller window shade. A current Township historic-district nomination report describes Hartshorn's Short Hills development as the first planned commuter suburb in America. The station, surrounding village and landscaped approach remain central to Short Hills' identity.
Millburn's Mill HeritageThe Rahway River powered mills in the area, and Millburn's name reflects the community's historic connection with milling and local waterways.
Short Hills & Stewart HartshornBeginning in the nineteenth century, Hartshorn developed a carefully planned residential community around the railroad and preserved landscape around the station area.
Wyoming Historic DistrictThe Wyoming area is one of Millburn Township's recognized historic districts and remains an important part of the community's architectural heritage.
Short Hills Park Historic DistrictThis historic district is listed on the New Jersey Register and National Register of Historic Places and remains subject to local preservation review for designated properties.
Historic-property guidance: Millburn Township has a Historic Preservation Commission that reviews designated historic resources and advises the Planning Board and Zoning Board on applicable development proposals.
Paper Mill Playhouse
Paper Mill Playhouse is Millburn's best-known cultural landmark and one of New Jersey's major professional theaters. The current theater site traces its industrial history to a paper mill established in 1795. The performing-arts organization opened at the site in 1938 and has played a significant role in American musical theater for decades.
Regional Theatre Tony AwardPaper Mill Playhouse received the Regional Theatre Tony Award in 2016 for its artistic achievement and contribution to American theater.
New Musicals & RevivalsPaper Mill develops new work, reimagines established musicals and has originated productions that later transferred to Broadway or toured nationally.
Education & AccessibilityThe theater operates musical-theater education, artist training and accessibility programs for audiences and students.
Walkable from RailPaper Mill Playhouse is at 22 Brookside Drive, approximately a 5–10 minute walk from Millburn Station.
Parks, Nature & Recreation
Taylor ParkMillburn's downtown park includes Taylor Pond, lawn and picnic space, a rose garden, cherry blossoms, tennis, basketball, baseball, playground facilities and the Bauer Community Center.
Cora Hartshorn ArboretumA historic woodland garden and environmental education center at 324 Forest Drive South in Short Hills, with roughly 16 acres of forest and about three miles of trails.
Gero ParkA major Short Hills recreation complex with the Township pool, par-3 golf course and other active recreation facilities.
South Mountain ReservationThe Essex County reservation includes more than 2,100 acres of hiking trails, carriage roads, scenic areas, wildlife habitat and recreation extending into Millburn.
Hobart Avenue ParkA neighborhood recreation area in Short Hills with a baseball/softball diamond and play area.
Township RecreationMillburn offers seasonal sports, camps, concerts, pool programs, golf, tennis, pickleball, skating, senior activities and other recreation programs.
Education
Millburn Township Public Schools serves the entire municipality, including Short Hills. The district currently operates eight schools: five elementary schools serving grades K–4, Washington School for grade 5, Millburn Middle School for grades 6–8 and Millburn High School for grades 9–12. The district also operates preschool programs.
Elementary SchoolsDeerfield, Glenwood, Hartshorn, South Mountain and Wyoming serve elementary students across Millburn and Short Hills.
Washington SchoolWashington School serves all district fifth-grade students in a townshipwide transition-year program.
Millburn Middle SchoolThe district's grades 6–8 school is located at 25 Old Short Hills Road.
Millburn High SchoolThe district's grades 9–12 school is located at 462 Millburn Avenue.
School information changes: Families should verify registration, school assignment, calendars, transportation and program details directly with Millburn Township Public Schools.
Millburn Free Public Library
Millburn Free Public Library at 200 Glen Avenue serves residents throughout Millburn Township and Short Hills with books, digital collections, research services, technology access, children's programming, cultural events and community resources.
Collections & ResearchPrint and digital materials, databases and reference services support residents of all ages.
Programs & EventsEducational, cultural and community programs are offered throughout the year.
Public TechnologyLibrary technology and digital services provide internet, research and learning resources for the community.
Government & Municipal Services
Millburn Township operates under the Township Committee form of government. Municipal functions include administration, building and construction, planning and zoning, public works, recreation, health, tax services, public safety and other resident services.
Millburn TownshipTemporary municipal location:
22 East Willow Street
Millburn, NJ 07041
973-564-7000
Township CommitteeThe governing body consists of five elected Township Committee members, with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor selected from the Committee.
Public SafetyFor emergencies call 911. The current Millburn Police non-emergency number is 973-564-7001.
Online Government ResourcesTownship agendas, minutes, codes, projects, public notices, permits and department information are available through the official municipal website.
Town Hall location: Millburn Township currently lists 22 East Willow Street as its temporary municipal location. Check the Township website before visiting an office in person.
Promote Your Millburn or Short Hills Business
Reach residents, commuters and visitors through NJTGO's shared Millburn–Short Hills page set. Basic directory listings may include a business or organization name, category, address and phone number. Website links, expanded descriptions, logos, photos, featured placement and broader promotional visibility are available through paid advertising options.
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