Is The Hills Development safe?
Bernards, New Jersey · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates The Hills Development as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on The Hills Development
“Go. The Hills is an exceptionally safe, affluent master-planned community with virtually negligible violent crime and immaculate neighborhood upkeep. Visitors and residents can walk or jog around the clock with zero safety concerns beyond standard awareness of suburban traffic and local wildlife.”
About the area
The Hills is a sprawling, manicured planned residential community straddling Bernards Township and Bedminster in Somerset County. Characterized by upscale townhomes, single-family residences, private clubhouses, and quiet cul-de-sacs, it offers a peaceful suburban retreat surrounded by rolling hills and golf courses.
- Quiet & Residential
- Master-Planned
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in The Hills Development
Walk score: 24/100 · Bike score: 32/100
There are no public bike-share stations, but internal paved paths and wide neighborhood lanes connect easily for recreational road biking through Somerset County's scenic country routes.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rate is near zero with municipal safety rankings consistently among the safest in New Jersey
- High household incomes exceeding $160,000 and poverty rates below 2% foster exceptional neighborhood stability
- Well-maintained private HOA infrastructure including pristine sidewalks, pools, and recreational amenities
- Rapid emergency response times from Bernards Township Police and local volunteer first responders
Cons
- Isolated and car-dependent with very limited commercial amenities directly within walking distance
- Occasional reports of targeted overnight vehicular burglaries involving unlocked luxury cars
- Winding, unlit internal roads require caution when walking at night without reflective gear
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent in The Hills and the surrounding municipal area; social support services and shelters are concentrated in larger Somerset County hubs like Somerville.
What The Hills Development is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents jogging, walking dogs, and commuting along well-paved community sidewalks.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and quiet with school buses and delivery vehicles navigating tree-lined streets in complete safety.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Subdued suburban ambiance where residents unwind, with low traffic and excellent ambient safety across all sections.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet and safe, though some residential streets have minimal streetlighting requiring flashlights.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is very limited within the development; NJ Transit rail service is available a short drive away at Basking Ridge or Lyons stations on the Gladstone Branch, offering direct access to Hoboken and Midtown Manhattan via Midtown Direct.
Parking is abundant and hassle-free, with designated resident driveways, garages, and ample free visitor surface spaces throughout HOA clusters.
Things to do in The Hills Development
- Walk or jog the paved multi-use trail system winding through the neighborhood's scenic open spaces
- Explore the nearby Pleasant Valley Park for sports fields, tennis courts, and seasonal community events
- Visit the adjacent historic village of Basking Ridge for local dining and colonial heritage sites
Local favorites
- Washington House Restaurant · American Restaurant · 4.5★ (420)Upscale contemporary American dining and cocktails in a charming historic setting just minutes away in Basking Ridge village.
- Origin French Thai · Fusion Restaurant · 4.6★ (310)Beloved local eatery serving innovative French and traditional Thai fusion dishes in nearby Basking Ridge center.
- Delicious Heights · Gastropub · 4.4★ (1150)Lively neighborhood gathering spot offering elevated pub fare, craft beers, and spacious patio seating.
Neighborhoods near The Hills Development
Common questions about The Hills Development
Is The Hills Development safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is The Hills Development a good place to live?
On safety, The Hills Development scores 96/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is The Hills Development?
Walk score 24/100 and bike score 32/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near The Hills Development are safer?
The Hills Development scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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