Where to Stay Near NYC Without Staying in Manhattan: Why Summit, NJ Is Worth Considering
Planning a trip to New York City but don't want to stay in the middle of Manhattan? Summit, New Jersey offers a quieter alternative with easy train access to NYC, a walkable downtown, local restaurants and shops, and the comfort of staying in a smaller community.
For travelers looking for a place to stay near New York City without booking a traditional Manhattan hotel, Summit, NJ is worth considering. Located in Union County, Summit combines convenient NJ Transit access to New York City with a charming downtown, restaurants, shopping, parks, and a more relaxed suburban setting.
For guests who want to combine a visit to NYC with the experience of staying in a walkable New Jersey town, The DeBary Inn in Summit provides a convenient home base. The inn is located one block from downtown Summit and approximately an eight-minute walk from Summit Train Station. NJ Transit trains provide service from Summit to New York City.
Quick Answer: Where Should You Stay Near NYC Without Staying in Manhattan?
If you want convenient access to New York City but prefer a quieter place to stay, Summit, New Jersey is an excellent option to consider.
Summit is particularly appealing for travelers who want:
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Easy access to New York City by train
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A walkable downtown
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Local restaurants and shops
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A quieter place to return to after a day in NYC
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Free parking at their accommodation
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Access to nearby attractions in northern New Jersey
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A convenient location for both NYC and local New Jersey activities
The DeBary Inn is located at 265 Springfield Avenue in Summit, just one block from downtown. The property has 16 rooms and suites, and rooms include continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and free parking.
Explore rooms and accommodations at The DeBary Inn
Why Stay Outside Manhattan When Visiting New York City?
Staying in Manhattan certainly has advantages. You're already in the city and close to major attractions, restaurants, museums, Broadway theaters and nightlife.
But Manhattan isn't the only option.
Some travelers prefer to stay somewhere quieter at the end of a busy day. Others are traveling with a car and want convenient parking. Some are visiting both New York City and destinations in New Jersey. Others simply prefer the atmosphere of a small town to a large urban hotel.
That's where Summit can be an appealing alternative.
You can spend the day exploring New York City, return to Summit by train, enjoy dinner in downtown Summit, and then settle into a quieter environment for the evening.
For travelers who don't need to be in Manhattan 24 hours a day, that combination can provide a very different kind of NYC trip.
How Far Is Summit, NJ From New York City?
One of Summit's biggest advantages for NYC visitors is its NJ Transit connection.
The DeBary Inn is approximately an eight-minute walk from Summit Train Station. The station is served by NJ Transit's Morris & Essex Lines, including the Morristown Line and Gladstone Branch. According to the inn's current transportation information, an express train takes approximately 38 minutes to reach New York Penn Station, while local service takes about an hour.
Train schedules and travel times can change, so travelers should check the current schedule before their trip.
Check current NJ Transit schedules and service information
How do you get from The DeBary Inn to NYC?
The basic trip is simple:
The DeBary Inn → walk to Summit Train Station → take NJ Transit → New York Penn Station → explore Manhattan.
For many visitors, the biggest advantage is that you don't need to drive into Manhattan.
That can make Summit particularly attractive for travelers who want to combine the convenience of public transportation with the option of staying in a quieter New Jersey community.
See The DeBary Inn's NYC transportation information
Is Summit, NJ Walkable?
Yes. One of Summit's strongest advantages for visitors is its walkable downtown.
The DeBary Inn is approximately one block from downtown Summit and within walking distance of shops and restaurants.
That means visitors can leave the car at the inn and explore much of the immediate area on foot.
Depending on your plans, a Summit stay can look something like this:
Morning:
Enjoy breakfast at the inn and walk into downtown Summit.
Afternoon:
Shop at local stores, explore the area or take the train into New York City.
Evening:
Return from NYC by train, walk downtown for dinner, and return to the inn.
Next morning:
Enjoy breakfast before heading home or exploring more of northern New Jersey.
For travelers who don't want to spend their entire trip driving, this walkability is a major advantage.
What Can You Do in Summit, NJ?
Staying in Summit isn't simply about being close to New York City.
Summit itself offers visitors restaurants, shopping, community events, parks and local attractions.
The downtown area is within walking distance of The DeBary Inn, making it easy for guests to explore the town without needing to get back into their car.
The inn also maintains a local restaurant guide featuring several Summit restaurants within approximately a 5–10 minute walk of the property.
Explore Summit restaurants near The DeBary Inn
For visitors planning a longer stay, Summit can also serve as a starting point for exploring other northern New Jersey destinations.
Where Should You Eat in Summit?
One advantage of staying outside Manhattan is that you don't have to rely exclusively on restaurants in the city.
Summit has its own dining scene, with options ranging from casual restaurants and cafés to Italian restaurants, steakhouses and American dining.
The DeBary Inn's current restaurant guide highlights several nearby options, including La Pastaria, Roots Steakhouse, The Committed Pig and Zappia's Cucina & Pizza.
That makes Summit particularly convenient for travelers who want to have dinner close to their accommodation after spending the day in New York City.
Instead of returning to a large Manhattan hotel and navigating a crowded city restaurant district, you can take the train back to Summit and walk to a local restaurant.
What About Shopping Near Summit?
Summit is also conveniently located near The Mall at Short Hills, a major shopping destination in the area.
The Mall at Short Hills is only about a 2 mile drive from the property of the Debary Inn and the heart of Summit.
This gives guests another reason to consider Summit as a base: you can combine a New York City trip with shopping and other northern New Jersey activities.
For travelers staying several nights, having access to both NYC and nearby New Jersey destinations can make the trip more flexible.
Is Summit a Good Place to Stay If You Have a Car?
It can be particularly convenient for travelers who are driving to the area.
The DeBary Inn offers free off-street parking for guests, with parking available in designated spaces at the property.
That can be an important consideration for visitors who want to explore both New York City and New Jersey.
You can drive to Summit, park at the inn, and use NJ Transit for your NYC day trip rather than taking your car into Manhattan.
For visitors who plan to explore destinations throughout northern New Jersey, having a car can also provide additional flexibility.
See parking and driving directions to The DeBary Inn
Can You Visit NYC From Summit Without a Car?
Yes.
In fact, this is one of the strongest reasons to consider Summit for an NYC trip.
The DeBary Inn is within walking distance of Summit Train Station, and NJ Transit provides service from Summit toward New York City.
A typical car-free NYC day could look like:
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Have breakfast at The DeBary Inn.
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Walk approximately eight minutes to Summit Train Station.
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Take NJ Transit toward New York City.
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Spend the day exploring Manhattan.
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Return to Summit by train.
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Walk to a downtown Summit restaurant for dinner.
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Return to The DeBary Inn for the evening.
This makes Summit an especially interesting option for visitors who want NYC access without needing to stay in NYC.
Who Should Consider Staying in Summit Instead of Manhattan?
Summit may be a particularly good fit for:
Couples
Couples can combine a day or evening in Manhattan with a quieter overnight stay in Summit.
Families
Families may appreciate having more space and a calmer environment than a busy Manhattan hotel district.
Business Travelers
Travelers visiting both New York City and New Jersey businesses can use Summit as a central base.
Visitors With Cars
Free parking at The DeBary Inn allows guests to keep their vehicle at the property while using the train for NYC trips.
Travelers Visiting Friends or Family
Summit provides convenient access to surrounding New Jersey communities while remaining connected to New York City.
Travelers Attending Events in NYC
If you're attending a Broadway show, sporting event, concert or other Manhattan activity, Summit can provide an alternative place to stay outside the city.
Why Stay at The DeBary Inn?
The DeBary Inn combines several of the characteristics travelers often look for when they want an alternative to a Manhattan hotel.
The inn is located on Springfield Avenue in Summit's historic North End, one block from downtown and within walking distance of restaurants and shops. The property has 16 rooms and suites and offers continental breakfast, free parking, Wi-Fi and private bathrooms.
The location is particularly useful for NYC travelers because Summit Train Station is approximately an eight-minute walk from the inn.
The result is a combination that can be difficult to replicate at a large urban hotel:
A quieter New Jersey setting + walkable local amenities + train access to NYC.
Learn more about The DeBary Inn
Summit vs. Staying in Manhattan: Which Is Right for You?
There isn't one right answer for every traveler.
Choose Manhattan if:
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You want to be in the center of NYC.
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You plan to spend most of your time in Manhattan.
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You want to walk directly from your hotel to NYC attractions.
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You don't need a car.
Consider Summit if:
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You prefer a quieter place to stay.
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You want easy train access to NYC.
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You're traveling with a car.
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Free parking is important to you.
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You want to explore northern New Jersey as well as NYC.
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You enjoy staying in a smaller community.
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You want restaurants and shops within walking distance.
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You're visiting NYC for only part of your trip.
For many travelers, the decision comes down to this simple question:
Do you want to stay in the middle of New York City, or would you rather visit New York City while staying somewhere quieter?
If the second option sounds appealing, Summit is worth a look.
Frequently Asked Questions About Staying Near NYC
Is Summit, NJ a good place to stay when visiting New York City?
Yes. Summit offers NJ Transit service to New York City and has a walkable downtown with restaurants and shops. The DeBary Inn is approximately an eight-minute walk from Summit Train Station.
How long does the train from Summit to NYC take?
The DeBary Inn's current transportation information states that express trains take approximately 38 minutes to New York Penn Station, while local trains take approximately one hour. Travelers should check NJ Transit for current schedules and service information.
Can I stay in Summit and visit NYC without a car?
Yes. Summit Train Station is within walking distance of The DeBary Inn, making it possible to travel to New York City by NJ Transit without driving into Manhattan.
Is The DeBary Inn near the Summit train station?
Yes. The DeBary Inn is approximately an eight-minute walk from Summit Train Station.
Is The DeBary Inn near downtown Summit?
Yes. The inn is approximately one block from downtown Summit and within walking distance of shops and restaurants.
Does The DeBary Inn have parking?
Yes. The inn offers free off-street parking for guests in designated parking spaces.
How far is The DeBary Inn from The Mall at Short Hills?
The Mall at Short Hills is a 6 minute drive or rideshare ride from the property.
Ready to Explore New York City From Summit?
For travelers who want NYC access without staying in Manhattan, Summit, New Jersey offers an appealing combination of transportation, walkability and local character.
You can spend the day exploring New York City, return to Summit by train, enjoy dinner downtown and end the evening in a quieter setting.
And with The DeBary Inn located just one block from downtown and approximately an eight-minute walk from Summit Train Station, you can have easy access to both.
Plan your New York City getaway from Summit, NJ and make The DeBary Inn your home base.
