Summit

Summit is a city in Union County in the state of New Jersey, covering an area with residential neighborhoods, shopping streets, and several small parks. The town sits around 19 miles (30 km) west of Manhattan and connects to the New York metropolitan area through commuter trains.

The first settlers arrived in the area during the early 18th century and established a farming community that later grew with the construction of the railroad. By the late 19th century the town received city status and developed into a commuter suburb for New York.

The name Summit refers to the town's location at the highest point of the Morris and Essex railroad line, a geographic feature visible today in the gentle hills across the residential areas. Many streets lead to small parks and green spaces used by families for walks and neighborhood gatherings throughout the week.

The town is served by a train station on the New Jersey Transit network, with regular connections to Newark and New York. Most residential streets and shops lie within walking distance of the station, making it easy to explore the area on foot.

The town sits at the highest point of the historic railroad line, which meant that travelers once noticed trains slowing down here before rolling downhill toward the coast. This geographic fact gave the place its name and still shapes the hilly layout of streets and properties today.

Location: Union County

Inception: 1710

Elevation above the sea: 114 m

Shares border with: Chatham Borough, Springfield Township, Mountainside, Millburn, Berkeley Heights, New Providence, Chatham Township

Website: https://cityofsummit.org

GPS coordinates: 40.71560,-74.36470

Latest update: December 12, 2025 22:53