Newark is a diverse city, populated by people of various backgrounds and distinctive neighborhoods spread among each of Newark's five wards. The Ironbound District in Newark's East Ward holds one of the country's largest Portuguese-speaking neighborhoods and is known for an abundance of Portuguese and Spanish restaurants. Forest Hill in Newark's North Ward features hundreds of well-preserved and stately homes. Newark's South Ward features several bustling residential communities and quick access to Newark Liberty International Airport. The city’s West Ward is notable for its diverse immigrant community. The Central Ward is the heart of Newark's business district with beautiful parks and is the center of Newark's arts and entertainment activities. The city is one of the nation's major air, shipping, and rail hubs, including the largest container shipping terminal on the east coast, and one of the nation's busiest airports.
Newark was founded in 1666 by Connecticut Puritans from the New Haven Colony, and formed as a township in 1693. During the 19th century, Newark’s leather manufacturing industry grew to supply 90% of the nation’s leather. With the arrival of railroads, Newark became a prominent shipping port and a diverse industrial center. Newark’s growth exploded during the first half of the 20th century, reaching its peak population of nearly 450,000 in 1948. During the post World War II era, poor housing conditions, limited available funds for mortgages, and poor government planning led to an out-flux of wage-earners, lowering the tax base while increasing dependence on public assistance. Today, Newark is experiencing a renaissance, with significant investments including the opening of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Riverfront Stadium, The Prudential Center, and the Newark Public Library. Since 2000, the population has begun to increase for the first time since the 1940’s and the general quality of life continues to improve.
Newark weather offers four distinct seasons, with summers averaging in the mid 80s and winters staying generally below freezing temperatures. Spring and autumn are pleasant, and rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, typically falling 8-12 days per month.
New Jersey Transit operates light rail and bus service within the city of Newark, and train service to popular regional destinations including the Jersey Shore, Manhattan, Atlantic City, Trenton, and Philadelphia. Newark is also home to one of the nation’s busiest airports, with flights to destinations across the country and around the world.
The cost of living in Newark is around 32% above the national average, primarily due to higher than average housing and utility prices. Use these cost of living calculators to determine how far your budget will carry you in Newark.
Newark’s public school system is comprised of 75 schools serving 39,400 students. The school system is now funded and overseen by the New Jersey Department of Education.
The average home cost in Newark fell nearly 45% in recent years, making prices much more attractive to buyers, and providing a great opportunity for those seeking a home that offers easy access to New York City. Find the best homes in Newark using the resources below.
The Robert Treat Hotel offers classic luxury and modern conveniences in a central location, just across the street from the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. The Newark Hilton is conveniently located at Newark Penn Station and provides quick access to midtown Manhattan via light rail. The Marriott Newark International Airport Hotel is located on the airport grounds, making it easy to catch an early morning flight. Use the links below to explore places to stay in Newark.
Spanish and Portuguese cuisine abounds in Newark. Some of the local favorite spots include Forno’s, Casa Vasca, and De Caneca. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que was voted "Best Barbecue in America", and Assaggini Di Roma serves Italian food that is so popular you will need reservations--even for lunch! Use the links below to find great dining in Newark.
With more than 100 restaurants, Downtown Newark offers plenty of options for dining and nightlife. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center draws more than 600,000 patrons each year to its two theaters, is home to the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, and features free outdoor concerts during the summer. The Paul Robeson Gallery at Rutgers University presents arts exhibitions and a variety of educational events. With close proximity to New York City, Newark offers many regional attractions, including five pro sports teams, and 130 miles of beaches along the New Jersey shore.