The Hills is a census-designated place in Somerset County, New Jersey, tucked within the rolling terrain of Bernards Township — a distinction that sets it apart from the incorporated municipalities surrounding it. Unlike neighboring Basking Ridge or Bernardsville, The Hills developed as a planned residential community, giving it a cohesive, carefully designed character that draws buyers seeking a quieter, more intentional suburban environment without sacrificing access to the broader region.

Residents benefit from the well-regarded Bernards Township school system, which serves the community with a reputation for academic strength across its elementary, middle, and high school levels. Commuters appreciate the proximity to Route 78 and the broader network of New Jersey Transit rail lines that connect Somerset County to New York City, making the daily commute manageable for those working in the metro area.

The surrounding landscape — characterized by mature trees, open space preserves, and the gentle hills that give the community its name — offers a quality of life that is genuinely difficult to replicate at this price point in the region. For buyers prioritizing space, planning, and long-term value in Somerset County, The Hills represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking investment that holds its appeal for decades.

Tucked into Somerset County within the greater New York metro area, this community of 10,785 residents reads like a portrait of established professional success. The median household income here reaches $154,564 — more than double the national median — and a remarkable 70% of households earn six figures or more. That prosperity is grounded in serious credentials: 74.1% of residents hold at least a bachelor's degree, nearly 40% have earned a graduate degree, and an impressive 56.5% hold STEM degrees, reflecting a community deeply connected to the innovation and finance corridors of the broader region.

With a median age of 47.1 years and 56.3% of residents married, The Hills skews toward seasoned households — many likely past the scramble of early careers and settled into a lifestyle that values stability, community, and quality of place. The 83% homeownership rate — well above the national average of 65.5% — underscores just how committed residents are to putting down roots here. Homes reflect that investment, with a median value of $579,736. The poverty rate sits at just 3.8%, and an extraordinarily low 1.1% of residents lack health insurance, pointing to a community where financial security is the norm rather than the exception. For buyers drawn to an educated, affluent, and diverse neighborhood — Asian residents make up a vibrant 33.5% of the population — within commuting reach of New York City, this Somerset County enclave offers a compelling case.

Outdoor Recreation

The Hills, New Jersey is a planned residential community nestled in Bernards Township, Somerset County, and its greatest asset may be the natural landscape that surrounds it. The community was developed with green space woven throughout, giving residents easy access to walking trails, open fields, and wooded paths right outside their doors. The nearby Lord Stirling Park and the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge — both within a short drive — offer exceptional opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and nature photography across thousands of acres of preserved wetlands and meadows. The Passaic River corridor adds to the area's outdoor appeal, particularly for those who enjoy kayaking or simply exploring along the water's edge.

Golf & Sports

Golf is a natural part of life in this part of Somerset County. The Hills is home to The Hills Golf Club, a well-regarded course that serves the community and reflects the area's commitment to active, outdoor living. Tennis courts, community pools, and recreational facilities within the planned development itself keep residents active year-round without needing to travel far.

Dining & Shopping

The Hills sits conveniently close to the dining and retail offerings of Basking Ridge and Bernardsville, both charming Somerset County towns with independent restaurants, cafés, and boutique shops along their historic main streets. For more extensive retail therapy, Bridgewater Commons Mall is just a short drive away, offering a full range of national retailers and dining options. The proximity to these established town centers means residents enjoy a quiet, residential atmosphere at home while never being far from everyday conveniences.

Arts, Culture & Day Trips

Somerset County's cultural calendar keeps things lively throughout the year, with seasonal farmers markets, community festivals, and events hosted through the county's parks system. The Hills' location also makes it an ideal base for day trips — New York City is roughly 35 miles east, easily accessible by NJ Transit rail from nearby Bernardsville station. Whether you're drawn by the tranquil natural setting or the connectivity to everything New Jersey and the greater metro area has to offer, The Hills delivers a genuinely balanced lifestyle that continues to attract discerning buyers to this corner of Somerset County.

A Planned Community Rooted in the Late Twentieth Century

The Hills is a census-designated place located in Bernards Township, Somerset County, New Jersey — a community whose origins are distinctly modern compared to the colonial-era towns that surround it. Rather than evolving organically over centuries, The Hills was developed as a planned residential community beginning in the 1970s and continuing through the 1980s and into the 1990s, a period when Somerset County was experiencing significant suburban expansion driven by the growth of the Route 78 and Route 287 corridors.

The community was carved from the rolling Watchung foothills that give Somerset County much of its scenic character. Developers designed The Hills with a deliberate emphasis on open space, winding interior roads, and a mix of housing types — townhomes, condominiums, and single-family residences — all integrated with preserved green areas and community amenities. This master-planned DNA is still clearly visible today: the neighborhood's cohesive streetscapes, mature landscaping, and well-maintained common areas reflect the original vision of a self-contained, amenity-rich enclave.

Because The Hills was built largely within a concentrated window of time, its housing stock is remarkably consistent in age and condition, which tends to simplify the buying process and create a strong sense of community identity. Bernards Township's excellent school system and The Hills' proximity to major commuter routes have kept demand steady for decades. Buyers exploring the broader Somerset County market frequently find that The Hills offers a compelling combination of planned-community polish and genuine neighborhood warmth — qualities that trace directly back to the intentional design choices made when the first foundations were poured in the 1970s.

Four Distinct Seasons in The Hills, NJ

The Hills, New Jersey experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by four well-defined seasons, meaningful temperature swings throughout the year, and reliable precipitation spread across all months. Situated in Somerset County in north-central New Jersey, the community sits inland from the coast, which means it lacks the moderating marine influence felt closer to the Shore — winters here are genuinely cold, and summers can turn hot and humid.

Summer highs typically reach the mid-to-upper 80s °F, with overnight lows settling in the mid-60s. Humidity rises noticeably in July and August, making air conditioning a practical necessity rather than a luxury. Winters bring average highs in the mid-30s to low 40s °F, with lows frequently dipping into the 20s. Snowfall is a regular seasonal feature, with nor'easters occasionally delivering significant accumulation across Somerset County.

Annual precipitation runs roughly 46 to 50 inches, distributed fairly evenly across the year. Spring tends to be wet, while late summer can bring brief but intense thunderstorms. Fall is arguably the region's most celebrated season — crisp air, vivid foliage, and comfortable temperatures make it ideal for enjoying the area's wooded surroundings.

For homeowners and those exploring available properties in the area, the climate has real practical implications. Heating costs are a meaningful budget consideration given the cold winters, while summer humidity underscores the value of efficient cooling systems. Seasonal maintenance — roof inspections before winter, gutter clearing in fall, and deck upkeep heading into summer — is simply part of responsible homeownership in this part of New Jersey.

The real estate market in The Hills, New Jersey is showing signs of stability and moderate growth, with the average home value increasing by 1.6% over the past year, according to data analyzed by Opulist. This suggests that the market is balancing, with a relatively equal number of homes being sold above and below their list prices, and a median sale-to-list ratio of 1.004. Additionally, the median days to pending is 16, indicating a relatively fast-paced market, which is a positive sign for sellers and a challenge for buyers to act quickly.

The Hills Home Value Index over time.