Summit 84 Exceptional
Summit Livability #23 ranked city in New Jersey#567 ranked city in the USARanks better than 98% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Summit

PROS
  • Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Commute

    The high commute score in this area could imply easy access to public transportation, as well as shorter-than-average commute times to your workplace.

  • Crime

    This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.

  • Employment

    With higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates, this area scores extremely well in the employment category.

  • Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    This area is known for its high cost of living, which means you should anticipate higher costs for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries, and health care.

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What's it like Living in Summit?

Located in the state of New Jersey, Summit is a medium-sized city with a population of 21,913 residents. With a population density of 3,656 people per square mile, Summit is well above the nation's average density level. According to the most recent Census, 76% of Summit residents are White, 8% Asian and 6% Black. When traveling to work, spending unnecessary time in your vehicle is not ideal and downright frustrating. Across all of America, the average one way commute time is 26 minutes, unfortunately, living in Summit offers up a higher than average one way commute time of 36 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a positive experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Summit, New Jersey. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Summit and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, health & safety, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the New Jersey and national averages.

The livability score in Summit is 83/100 and the city is ranked in the 98th percentile of all cities across America. This is a phenomenal score, as Summit ranks well in multiple categories! The cherry on top is that Summit also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. For each of the livability categories, we know that Summit ranks very well for amenities (A+) and crime (A+). Summit does not do well for the following: housing (D). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

If you're living in Summit, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making Summit an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home.

Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Summit gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 31 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.

Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Summit, the average school test scores are an impressive 81%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Summit is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Summit come in at $831,700, which is 162.9% higher than the New Jersey average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Summit, the home price to income ratio is 5.8, which is 34.9% higher than the New Jersey average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Summit

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Compare Summit, NJ Livability

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      Summit transportation information

      Statistic Summit New Jersey National
      Average one way commute36min31min26min
      Workers who drive to work54.0%71.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.0%8.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit22.5%11.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.1%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk6.1%3.0%2.8%
      Working from home8.8%4.1%4.6%
      Source: The Summit, NJ data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).