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Summit, NJ


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Summit, New Jersey

Introduction to Summit, New Jersey

Summit, New Jersey, in Union county, is 5 miles NW of Union, New Jersey and 9 miles W of Newark, New Jersey. The people of the city are in the Newark metropolitan area. Summit has a population of 21,131.

Summit History

Native Americans were the first inhabitants in this region. This area was purchased in the year 1664. European settlers arrived at this place in 1710. This city has undergone quite a few name changes, including ones like "Pie Hill" and "Beacon Hill." According to some sources, it acquired its present name from the house of Lord Chancellor James Kent that was called “Summit Lodge.” Summit was initially incorporated as a township on March 23, 1869, but was later reincorporated as a city on March 8, 1899. Post World War II, the city experienced a rapid growth and development, and it is currently one of the wealthiest communities in the state of New Jersey.

Summit and nearby Attractions

  • Free Public Library of Summit
  • Basset Building
  • New Jersey Center for Visual Arts
  • Christ Church
  • Wick House Herb Garden
  • Edison Recreation Center

Things To Do In Summit

There are quite a few places of historic and cultural interest in the city of Summit, including the Free Public Library, the Basset Building, the Municipal Building and the Central Building. Some of the nearby attractions include the New Jersey Center for Visual Arts. One can also take a trip of the various churches around the city, or even visit the Briant Pond. The Edison Recreation Center and the Watchung Reservation offer excellent recreational facilities that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike.

Summit Transportation

Air transportation is available from Newark Liberty International Airport.

Summit Higher Education

Residents have higher educational opportunities at Drew University, Union County College, Kean University and Seton Hall University.

High Points

Summit strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in New Jersey):

CategoryTrophy
Median Family Income
(vs. Peers)
Top 2%trophySummit Median Family Income
Well-Paid Single Men
(vs. Peers)
Top 2%trophySummit Well-Paid Single Men
Well-Paid Single Women
(vs. Peers)
Top 2%trophySummit Well-Paid Single Women
Public Transportation Use
(vs. Peers)
Top 3%trophySummit Public Transportation Use
College Educated Adults
(vs. Peers)
Top 4%trophySummit College Educated Adults
Low Violent Crime
(vs. Peers)
Top 13%Summit Low Violent Crime
People in Middle Class or Better
(vs. Peers)
Top 16%Summit People in Middle Class or Better

Comparative Profile of Summit, NJ

Comparing Summit to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in New Jersey (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Well-Paid Single Men1010
Well-Paid Single Women1010
Children Under 5 Years Old910
Racial Diversity87
Male Share of the Population65
Age of the Population64
Female Share of the Population56
Senior Citizens55

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Portion of People Married87
Average Household Size76

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Median Family Income1010
College Educated Adults1010
People in Middle Class or Better97
People Above Poverty86

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Public Transportation Use1010
Working at Home109
Walking and Biking to Work66
Short Commute Times13

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Seasonal and Vacation Housing77
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals56
People Living Alone46
Housing Recently Built22
Affordability of Rents12
Affordability of Property Taxes11

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Low Violent Crime98
Low Property Crime85
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Summit hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation.

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