Berkeley Heights' housing stock consists predominantly of single-family homes on generous, landscaped lots, with a mix of older colonial and mid-century construction alongside newer builds. The township's density is relatively low for Union County, reflecting its history as a railroad-era residential community rather than an urbanized center. Streets are wide and tree-lined, and the overall character is one of established, well-maintained suburban neighborhoods appealing to families seeking space and access to top-tier schools.

Life in Berkeley Heights centers on family, schools, and outdoor recreation. The township maintains a robust parks and recreation program, and community events and school activities anchor the social calendar. The nearby Watchung Reservation offers extensive woodland trails, while the township's own parks provide playgrounds, sports fields, and passive green space. The result is a quiet, community-oriented lifestyle with easy access to the dining and shopping of neighboring towns such as Summit, New Providence, and Westfield.

The Berkeley Heights School District serves the township from early childhood through high school. A distinctive feature is the Mary Kay McMillin Early Childhood Center, which brings together the town's kindergarten and first-grade students. Older students attend Governor Livingston High School, which also serves the neighboring borough of Mountainside. The district is widely regarded as a draw for families relocating to the area, and its performance contributes strongly to the township's residential appeal.

NJ Transit's Gladstone Branch provides the township's rail connection, with Berkeley Heights station offering weekday service toward Hoboken and connections into New York. Interstate 78 is accessible nearby for drivers, placing the township within commuting distance of Newark, Jersey City, and the corporate centers of Morris and Somerset counties. The combination of a walkable, historic train station and convenient highway access makes Berkeley Heights a practical base for a range of commutes.

The Watchung Reservation, a large Union County park system of woodlands and trails, lies immediately adjacent to Berkeley Heights and is the township's most significant recreational asset. The Passaic River corridor supports additional walking paths, and the township maintains neighborhood parks and the historic Littel-Lord Farmstead. Residents also benefit from proximity to the broader trail and park networks of Morris and Somerset counties, including the Great Swamp and the Loantaka Brook Reservation.