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.