Large estates, mountain trails, horseback riding, and a small town atmosphere may seem as far removed from New York City as the far side of the moon, but because of the convenient rail connection that runs between Manhattan's financial district and the town of Summit, New Jersey they're within easy each of even the busiest Gothamite. Located atop the crest of the Second Wachtung Mountain, this city of over 21,000 in Union County has fast become a favorite of professionals in the financial sector and, indeed, its median household income of $168,000 makes it one of the wealthiest communities in the state. Summit's excellent schools, educated population, and safe environment have also attracted a number of biomedical, biotechnology, and telecommunication research firms, however, and so its economy is not entirely dependent on trends in the stock market. Ultimately, it is the nature of this small city and its outlying regions that make Summit such a valued stretch of real estate, though. Immediately adjacent to the Wachtung Reservation, which covers nearly 2,000 acres of forested mountain terrain to the city's south, Summit provides its residents with easy access to horse stables and trails as well as mountain paths and sheer cliffs that are popular with both casual and experienced hikers and climbers. A number of golf courses, picnic areas, and museums, including the Reeves-Reed Arboretum, also dot the area. Even when they're not outside enjoying the natural terrain for which the Wachtung Range is known, Summit's residents can still experience a unique sense of personal space due to the expansive homes and private estates that are emblematic of the city. Consisting of a mixture of Colonial and Georgian mansions, this housing stock is the epitome of elegance. Given the high population density and urbanization that is generally associated with the New York-New Jersey area, the virtues of owning a home in this semi-rural enclave become all the more apparent.