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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.