Finding a reliable pharmacy in a town like Summit isn't just about convenience; it's about knowing where you can actually get a prescription filled without a three-hour wait or a headache. Most locals just call it "the DeForest CVS." It's tucked right into the heart of the downtown area at 4-6 DeForest Avenue. Honestly, if you live in Summit or the surrounding area like Short Hills or New Providence, you've probably circled that parking lot at least once or twice praying for a spot to open up. It is a staple of the community.
There's something specific about the CVS DeForest Ave Summit NJ location that sets it apart from the massive, sprawling 24-hour hubs you see out on Route 22. It feels more like a neighborhood fixture. It’s a bit tighter, a bit more lived-in, but it’s the place people go when they need a last-minute birthday card or a flu shot.
🔗 Read more: Why a 6 foot walking staff is actually better than trekking poles
The Logistics of 4-6 DeForest Avenue
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: parking. If you’re heading to the CVS on DeForest Ave in Summit, NJ, you need a strategy. The lot is small. It’s shared with other local businesses, and if you arrive during the Saturday morning rush when everyone is hitting the Farmers Market or the local coffee shops, you might be out of luck.
Most regulars know the trick. If the main lot is full, you look toward the Bank Street lot or try your luck with the metered street parking. Summit is strict about meters. Don't risk it. The store itself is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM most days, though the pharmacy hours are a bit more restrictive. Usually, the pharmacy closes at 8:00 PM on weekdays and 6:00 PM on weekends. You’ve got to check the app because they do occasionally shift those hours based on pharmacist availability, which has been a nationwide trend lately.
More Than Just a Drugstore
It isn't just about the pills. This location handles a ton of photo printing. It's funny, really. In a world where everything is digital, the Summit CVS always seems to have a backlog of people waiting for passport photos or 4x6 prints.
The beauty aisle is surprisingly well-stocked for the footprint of the building. You’ll find the standard brands—Maybelline, Neutrogena, L’Oreal—but they also carry some of the "prestige" drugstore lines that you might not find in the smaller CVS outposts.
Managing the Pharmacy at CVS DeForest Ave Summit NJ
If you're transferring a prescription here, be prepared for the pace of a high-volume suburban pharmacy. They are busy. The staff is generally efficient, but they are dealing with a massive population of commuters and families.
One thing people often get wrong is assuming the drive-thru is faster. At this specific location, the drive-thru can actually get backed up onto the street during the 5:00 PM rush. Sometimes it’s genuinely quicker to just park and walk in.
- Refill Tip: Use the CVS app. Seriously. If you try to call in a refill during peak hours, you’re going to be on hold listening to that repetitive CVS hold music for a while. The app lets you skip the line and gives you a notification when the script is actually ready.
- Vaccinations: This is a big spot for flu shots and shingles vaccines. You can walk in, but you’re way better off making an appointment online. They usually have a dedicated area for this, but during peak season, the waiting area can get a bit cramped.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Location
People often confuse this CVS with the other nearby locations, but the DeForest Ave spot is the "downtown" one. Because it's in the Special Improvement District of Summit, it follows certain local vibes.
You’ll see a lot of high schoolers here after school lets out. It’s a safe, central spot. But because of that, the snack and soda aisles can look a bit raided by 3:30 PM on a Tuesday.
Also, it’s worth noting the layout. It's an older building. Unlike the modern, "HealthHub" style CVS stores that look like mini-clinics, this one still has a bit of that classic pharmacy charm. It’s narrow. The aisles are close together. If you’re pushing a double stroller, you’re going to have to be a bit of a pro at navigating the turns.
Local Expert Insights on Shopping Here
I've talked to plenty of locals who swear by the "Tuesday morning" rule. If you want to browse the clearance endcaps or find the new seasonal items (think Valentine’s Day or Halloween), Tuesday mornings after the weekend rush but before the lunch crowd hits is the sweet spot.
The staff here has a lot of longevity. You’ll see the same faces at the registers for years. That counts for something. In an era of high turnover, having a pharmacist who recognizes your name is a rare luxury.
✨ Don't miss: Perro tacita de té: La realidad detrás de estos perros miniatura que nadie te cuenta
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Check the Pharmacy Clock: Don't assume the pharmacy is open just because the front doors are. They take a mandatory lunch break usually between 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM. If you show up then, you'll be staring at a closed gate.
- Join CarePass: If you live in Summit, the $5 monthly fee for CVS CarePass usually pays for itself with the free shipping and the $10 monthly promotional reward. Since the parking here is tough, having them ship your non-perishables for free is a life hack.
- Use the ExtraCare Coupon Center: That red kiosk near the entrance? Use it. In the Summit location, the digital coupons in the app don't always sync perfectly with the local inventory, but that machine prints the "mystery offers" that actually work at the register.
- Avoid the 5 PM Rush: Between 4:30 PM and 6:00 PM, this CVS is a madhouse. Commuters coming off the Midtown Direct train at the Summit station stop here on their way home. If you can wait until 7:30 PM, the store is a ghost town and you’ll have your pick of parking spots.
Whether you're just grabbing a gallon of milk because you forgot it at the Kings Food Markets nearby, or you're managing a complex medication schedule, the CVS on DeForest Ave in Summit remains the most convenient, albeit busiest, option in the 07901 zip code. Just remember to breathe when you're looking for a parking spot. You'll eventually find one.