Livingston Real Estate: Discover Upscale Suburban Living with Deep Historic Roots
Livingston, an Essex County township with historical roots dating back to 1699, is popular among real estate buyers who value a harmonious blend of preserved open space, outstanding schools, fine dining, as well as a lively arts and culture scene.
Real estate owners in Livingston join a long-established and distinguished community that has included such notable citizens as Nobel Prize winner Roger Tsien, comic Chelsea Handler, author Harlan Coben, former major league baseball star Richie Zisk, and actor Jason Alexander, Seinfeld’s George Costanza.
Named for New Jersey’s first governor, Livingston welcomes real estate buyers with over 300 years of history as well as all the modern conveniences. Livingston’s 14 square miles are adjacent to Florham Park, East Hanover, Short Hills, West Orange, South Orange, and Roseland. Outdoor lovers enjoy fun in the sun at the three parks in the Riker Hill Complex, 205 acres of parkland bordering Livingston and Roseland.
“It’s very family oriented here,” says Phil Wells, a local real estate owner who, along with his wife, Kristine, has been a lifelong resident of the township. “A lot of people come here for the community events, and newcomers stay.”
Take a private neighborhood tour, or receive detailed neighborhood market information. Contact our local expert for all you need to know about Livingston and the Real Estate opportunities that exist.
Contact JasonCommute Easily to New York City
Livingston is a comfortable 40 minutes’ commute east to New York City and the Port Authority Bus Terminal. Bus service to Newark is also available and the township’s Livingston Express shuttle provides a 15-minute ride from Livingston Mall to the South Orange Station and the Morristown NJ Transit and PATH lines.
For vacations or business travel, Newark-Liberty International Airport is just 25 minutes away to the southeast. Planning a road trip? Eisenhower Parkway, County Route 508, County Route 527, Interstate 280, and Route 10 all provide convenient access to the township and surrounding communities.
Shore lovers pack their sun screen and beach towels before heading out to New Jersey’s beaches and seaside attractions via the Garden State Parkway, just 20 minutes southeast. Likewise, bright casino lights and world-class entertainment beckon from Atlantic City, about a two hour drive south on the Parkway.
Choose a Quality Education and Your Perfect Dream Home
A township of nearly 30,000, reflecting an increase of 7.2 percent since 2010, Livingston is a quiet bedroom community with a classic suburban lifestyle. Homebuyers searching real estate listings for sale can choose from Colonial-style homes with some Cape Cod, split-level, and ranch and bi-level designs available. Some homes for sale date from the late 1800s, with most built between the 1950s through today. Home prices average in the mid $600,000s, with the most valuable homes ranging up to just over $2 million.
In addition to the selection of real estate listings for sale, home buyers are attracted to the area’s well-regarded educational system. All eight Livingston school district schools are rated three or better on the five-point greatschools.org scale. Livingston High School was also ranked 24th in New Jersey in New Jersey Monthly magazine’s 2012 rankings, and 9th among the state’s high schools in Newsweek magazine’s 2013 rankings of “America’s Best High Schools.”
Three Major Shopping Destinations, a Variety of Delicious Cuisines, and a Distinctive Pulled-Pork Brunch Keep Locals Happy
Three popular shopping areas in the area offer convenience and value for local real estate owners. Livingston Town Center, a downtown shopping district, features a variety of locally owned shops and restaurants, as well as a Starbucks, Wells Fargo bank, and a few other national names. Livingston Mall in the southwest corner of town features anchors Barnes & Noble, Macy’s, Lord & Taylor and Sears. The mall also hosts a food court and more than 100 other stores such as Old Navy, Famous Footwear, and H&M.
There’s even more shopping along the route 10 corridor west of town which includes both small retailers and giants such as REI, Best Buy and Costco and extends into neighboring East Hanover.
Local foodies love the eclectic selection of cuisines in Livingston. From exotic to American casual fare there are plenty of local favorites to choose from, including Sweet Basil’s café, featuring its American cuisine specialty of pulled pork eggs Benedict. A few other popular eateries include Cocco Bello café and its signature dish of Italian pork chops and broccoli rabe in garlic sauce, as well as delicious Asian dishes from Baumgart’s café, and those with a taste for Greek and Mediterranean food find excellent dining at Thavma.
Enjoy Exciting Arts and Culture with Local Symphony, Musical Theater, Dance Company, and More
Got culture? Classical music lovers flock to the Livingston Symphony Orchestra, which performs to packed houses each season. Fans of the footlights enjoy the Livingston Community Players, who produce family-friendly musicals like “The Sound of Music,” “Annie,” and “Oliver! – each of which received Perry Awards from the New Jersey Association of Community Theaters.
In addition, the New Jersey Ballet, based in Livingston, is internationally renowned and tours throughout North America, Asia, and Europe. Classes in Ballet, Jazz, and Tap are offered at the New Jersey School of Ballet, also headquartered in Livingston.
Young thespians in grades 2-8 take the stage at the Children’s Theater of Livingston to be trained in acting and stage production. CTL has been presenting children’s shows since 2007. And book lovers of all ages will be pleased to learn The Institute of Museum and Library Services is one of the best in the state, with the Livingston Public Library ranking 22nd out of 232 municipal libraries in New Jersey in 2006.
Get Outdoors and Explore the Wonders of Nature in Riker Hills Outdoor enthusiasts hike nearly 500 acres of wooded parks and hiking trails, including Riker Hill Complex with 205 acres of parkland. Managed by the township Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs of Essex County, the complex includes three recreation areas starting with Riker Hill Art Park, a former Nike Missile control site.
One of the area’s most popular attractions is the Walter Kidde Dinosaur Park, a 16-acre paleontological site. A National Natural Landmark, the Dinosaur Park is one of the major sites in the country where numerous dinosaur tracks are preserved. And for local creative types, Becker Park is home to a wide variety of art and crafts studios.
Swing into Action with Golf, Little League and Ice Hockey
There’s always something fun and educational to do in Livingston. The Recreation Department, under the auspices of Senior, Youth, and Leisure Services, offers pre-school courses, children’s games, crafts, and dance programs, along with a dozen of youth and adult sports programs. Sports groups include Livingston Little League, Livingston Jr. Lancers for football and cheerleading, the Livingston Lacrosse Club, and the Livingston Soccer Club.
Athletes of all skill levels enjoy the many recreational facilities in Livingston’s parks, including swimming pools, Little League and full-size baseball diamonds, lacrosse fields, basketball and tennis courts, playgrounds, a fishing and ice skating pond, a jogging track, and a dog park.
Livingston golfers tee up at the Cedar Hill Golf and Country Club, and are also welcome at the Francis Byrne Golf Course in neighboring West Orange and the municipal Golf Course in Millburn Township. In adjoining Florham Park, golfers can also enjoy a round at the Pinch Brook Golf Course.
South Mountain Reservation, an Essex County park complex, is located one mile from Livingston with the famous Turtle Back Zoo, the Richard J. Codey Arena for ice hockey and skating, and natural hiking trails.
Welcome Home to Livingston!
Real estate buyers searching the listings for sale find Livingston an alluring mix of upscale suburban America, shopping galore, outstanding schools, a respect for history, and love of modern life. The splendor of the nearby mountains and local recreation areas offer variety for every taste in outdoor activities, while local dining is sure to please even the most discerning palate.
Livingston is close enough for its residents to conveniently work or play in New York City, yet far enough to remain a quiet, welcoming community. “It was great growing up here. I never wanted to leave,” says Phil Wells of his lifetime home. “We have a wonderful time living here today. This is has always been our home and we plan to stay.”
