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Livingston is a township in Essex County, New Jersey, located about 20 miles west of Manhattan within the New York City metropolitan area. It is one of northern New Jersey's established commuter suburbs, known for its strong public schools, leafy residential neighborhoods, and convenient access to the city. As of the 2020 census, the township had a population of roughly 31,000, its highest decennial count on record. The area's history reaches back to the late 17th century, when a group of Newark settlers purchased land from the Lenni Lenape. The township later took its name from William Livingston, a New Jersey governor and signer of the U.S. Constitution. For much of the 19th century, timber and agriculture anchored the local economy, but the arrival of the automobile in the early 20th century transformed Livingston into a desirable suburb, first of Newark and later of New York City. Today Livingston is a largely residential, family-oriented community. The township is anchored institutionally by Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, a major regional hospital, and by the Livingston Public Schools, a nine-school district serving pre-K through 12th grade that is a primary reason families move to town. The surrounding area offers both suburban convenience and open space, with the 2,110-acre South Mountain Reservation just beyond the township's western edge. For homebuyers, Livingston offers larger-lot suburban living, highly regarded schools, and a commuter infrastructure that includes direct NJ Transit bus service to Manhattan and rail options in nearby towns. It appeals to families, professionals, and anyone seeking an established New Jersey suburb with deep ties to the New York employment market.

Population 31,330

County Essex

Active Listings 257

Frequently Asked Questions

What county is Livingston, New Jersey in?

Livingston is located in Essex County, in northeastern New Jersey. It sits about 20 miles west of Manhattan, making it part of the New York City metropolitan area and a well-established commuter suburb.

How far is Livingston from New York City?

Livingston is about 20 miles west of Manhattan. NJ Transit operates direct bus service to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown, and Newark Liberty International Airport is roughly 17 miles away, about a 20-minute drive.

What school district serves Livingston?

Livingston is served by Livingston Public Schools, a comprehensive pre-K through 12th-grade district with nine schools and more than 6,000 students. The district is widely regarded for its strong academics and is a central reason families choose the township.

Does Livingston have a train station?

Livingston does not have a train station within the township, but NJ Transit buses run directly to Manhattan's Port Authority Bus Terminal. Nearby communities such as Millburn and South Orange offer Midtown Direct rail service, giving commuters additional options into New York City.

What is Livingston known for?

Livingston is known as an affluent Essex County suburb with highly regarded public schools, leafy residential neighborhoods, and convenient commuting access to New York City. Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, a major regional hospital, is located in the township, and the South Mountain Reservation lies nearby.

City Guide

About Livingston

Real Estate & Housing

Livingston's housing stock consists largely of single-family homes on leafy, tree-lined streets, with many properties offering generous lots and a suburban, low-density feel. The township spans about 14 square miles and includes a range of architectural styles, from mid-century ranches and colonials to larger, newer custom homes. Neighborhoods farther from the commercial corridors, such as Riker Hill, tend toward larger properties and more residential, wooded settings, while sections closer to Livingston Avenue and the Town Center offer proximity to shopping and dining. The market skews toward established, family-oriented housing rather than dense multifamily development, and the township's strong schools and commuter access underpin its appeal as a premium Essex County suburb.

Neighborhoods

Livingston's neighborhoods are defined by leafy streets and well-established residential character. Riker Hill, on the township's western side, is prized for its larger properties and immediate access to the South Mountain Reservation's trails and open space. Collins, Burnet Hill, and Chestnut Hill are similarly known for spacious, residential settings with generous lots and mature landscaping. Closer to Livingston Avenue and the Town Center, neighborhoods offer greater convenience to shopping, dining, and services. The township's layout — roughly 14 square miles with about 30,000 residents — keeps most homes within a short drive of schools, recreation fields, and commercial areas, and school attendance zones are a key factor in how families compare neighborhoods.

Lifestyle in Livingston

Livingston offers a family-centered suburban lifestyle with convenient access to New York City. The township is known for its strong sense of community, active recreation programming, and a calendar of cultural offerings, including local arts and performance venues, with the larger cultural scene of Newark, Morristown, and Manhattan close by. Tree-lined streets, neighborhood parks, and well-maintained public spaces define the everyday environment, and the presence of Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center adds a major healthcare institution within the community. Residents typically balance suburban routines — schools, sports fields, and town events — with the option of a bus or train commute into the city, a combination that has made Livingston a long-standing draw for professionals and families.

Schools & Education

Livingston is served by Livingston Public Schools, a comprehensive community district covering pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. The district operates nine schools serving more than 6,000 students and is consistently regarded as among the strongest public school systems in Essex County, which is a central factor in the township's real-estate appeal. The district is organized around elementary schools feeding into a middle school and Livingston High School, with broad academic, arts, and athletic programming. Families relocating to the township typically evaluate specific elementary attendance zones, and the quality and reputation of the schools are frequently cited as a primary reason for choosing Livingston over other northern New Jersey suburbs.

Getting Around

Livingston's transportation strength is its commuter access to New York City. The township sits about 20 miles west of Manhattan, with NJ Transit bus service running directly to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown. Although Livingston has no rail station within its borders, nearby communities such as Millburn and South Orange offer Midtown Direct train service into Penn Station, giving commuters a rail option a short drive away. Newark Liberty International Airport is roughly 17 miles from the township, about a 20-minute drive. Major roadways, including Interstate 280 and Route 10, connect Livingston to the region's highway network, making both the city and the broader northern New Jersey area readily accessible by car.

Parks & Recreation

Livingston's recreation is anchored by its proximity to the South Mountain Reservation, a 2,110-acre Essex County nature reserve offering hiking trails, picnic areas, a dog park, and a recreation complex, with carriage roads suited to walking and cross-country skiing. Within the township, residents have access to neighborhood parks such as Littell People's Park and Riker Hill Art Park, along with community recreation fields, classes, and organized sports programs. The township's arts and cultural programming includes theaters and concert venues, and the broader offerings of Newark, Morristown, and New York City are easily reached. This blend of preserved open space and suburban amenities supports an active, outdoor-oriented lifestyle.