Moving to Newark

Welcome to the fascinating world of Newark, New Jersey! This intriguing abode, famous for its multicultural and diverse population, bridges the gap between history and innovation. Rich with a dynamic arts scene, mouthwatering cuisine, and an evocative history, Newark promises a unique life experience. Whether it's for career, education or simply a change of scenery, our comprehensive relocation guide will playfully steer you through the ins and outs of settling into this vibrant city. Get ready to "Newark and thrive!"

Moving to Newark, NJ landscape image

What to Know Before Moving to Newark

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1. It\'s much more than just an airport city

If you\'re like most people, you might think of Newark as just a sprawling airport. But, in reality, Newark is a vibrant, multicultural city with so much more to offer. Besides being a prime transportation hub, it\'s home to unique cultural institutions, incredible historic landmarks, a bustling downtown district, and an impressive restaurant scene.

2. Newark\'s Ironbound neighborhood is an international culinary gem

Newark\'s Ironbound district is a vivacious, multilingual neighborhood known for its wide range of international cuisines. From sizzling Brazilian churrasco to raved-about Portuguese pastries, yummy Spanish tapas, and an abundance of fresh seafood, Ironbound is a food lover\'s delight. And all of this without having to show your passport or exchange currency!

3. Historic and not-so historic architecture adds to the city\'s charm

Newark is an architectural gem, brimming with historic and modern architectural masterpieces. If you have a thing for beautiful, age-old buildings, you\'d love places like the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, a stunning neo-Gothic structure, and the Newark Museum, the state\'s largest museum. On the other hand, if you\'re a fan of modern, sleek designs, then you\'ll fall in love with buildings like Prudential Center, an impressive red-brick and glass structure in downtown Newark.

4. Newark is a city of festivals

This will surprise many, but Newark is a city of festivals. From the popular Newark Arts Festival to the Newark International Film Festival, the city hosts a myriad of other events throughout the year that can keep you entertained and give you a nice break from your daily routine.

5. You can enjoy urban farming

Urban farming might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about moving to a new city, but it\'s becoming more appealing - and Newark is leading this green revolution. Projects like AeroFarms, a high-tech vertical farm in Newark, are helping a fresh cuisine movement locally and making Newark an exciting place for those interested in sustainable living and eating.

6. You might stumble upon a celebrity

Last but not least, a somewhat lesser-known fact about Newark - it\'s home to many celebrities! That\'s right. The city has bred popular figures like Queen Latifah, Shaquille O\'Neal, Whitney Houston, and more. Who knows, you may bump into them at a local restaurant or, if you\'re really lucky, catch them chilling out at a neighborhood park!

Whether you\'re attracted by Newark\'s diverse food scene, intrigued by its balance between history and contemporary, or inspired by its urban farming initiative, it\'s often the unexpected surprises that make the city appealing to newcomers. So pack your suitcases, rev your engines, and prepare for an exciting adventure as you make Newark, NJ your new home. And don\'t forget to keep a lookout for those celebs!

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Pros and Cons of Living in Newark

Pros of Living in Newark

Proximity to New York City

Newark, NJ is just a stone's throw away from Manhattan. This makes it an excellent living location for commuting professionals and provides easy access to all the cultural richness that the NYC area provides, from Broadway shows to world-class dining and shopping.

Diverse Arts and Entertainment Scene

Newark is home to a plenty of art and culture that can rival any large city. The Newark Museum, showcasing world-class exhibits of American and Tibetan art, and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center is one such example which offers a wide array of performances each year.

Affordable Housing

Compared to many other areas in the Northeast, and particularly compared to New York City, Newark offers more affordable housing options. Whether you're looking to rent or buy, Newark's cost of living can be more favorable, especially for young professionals or families just starting out.

Transportation Options

Newark's location, in the heart of New Jersey, means it's well-connected to other parts of the state and country. Its robust public transportation systems include light rail, bus, and the largest airport in New Jersey.

Higher Education Opportunities

Newark is home to several institutions higher learning, including Rutgers-Newark, and the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Routinely ranked among America's top universities, these schools make Newark an educational hub for New Jersey.

Cons of Living in Newark

High Crime Rates

Newark has struggled with higher-than-average crime rates, which include both violent and property crimes. However, like many urban areas, crime is not evenly distributed throughout the city. Researching specific neighborhoods is crucial for potential residents.

Quality of Schools

The public school system in Newark has faced challenges, with lower-than-average performance rates. For families with school-age children, this requires careful consideration and potential investment in private education or finding quality school districts within the city.

Cost of Living

While housing in Newark is generally more affordable than in NYC, the cost of living can still be high when compared to other parts of the U.S. This includes costs like groceries, healthcare, and transportation.

Traffic Congestion

Being a dense city in a populated metropolitan area, traffic in Newark can be a significant issue, particularly during peak commute times. This is attributed to the heavy reliance on cars and the influx of commuters from surrounding areas.

Pollution

Newark deals with pollution problems, particularly air quality. This is due in part to the high volume of traffic, as well as its history as an industrial hub. Understanding potential environmental health concerns is key for those considering making Newark their home.

Modern day picture of Newark, NJ highlighting pros and cons of living in Newark, NJ

Is Newark a Good Place to Live?


Newark, NJ is a great place to live because it has a thriving arts scene, boasting both the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the Newark Museum of Art. Moreover, the city offers easy access to New York City via public transportation, while also being home to the bustling Newark Liberty International Airport. As a cherry on top, there's the delicious diversity of food, with tasty treats like the famous Portuguese barbecue and scrumptious soul food, it's a foodie's heaven!


What Is Newark Famous For?

Newark Museum of Art

As the largest museum in New Jersey, the Newark's Museum of Art boasts an impressive collection of American, African, Asian, and ancient world art. Not to mention, it has a fantastic planetarium that offers out-of-this-world experiences for guests. This treasure trove of culture and knowledge is a must-visit for any art and space enthusiasts.

Branch Brook Park

The first county park opened in the United States, Branch Brook Park is renowned for having the largest collection of cherry blossom trees in the nation. Each spring, the park transforms into a picturesque landscape that rivals Japan, during the renowned Cherry Blossom Festival. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day under the dreamy pink canopy!

Prudential Center

Home to the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League, the Prudential Center is the hub of entertainment in Newark. With its state-of-the-art facilities, it not only hosts thrilling ice hockey games, but also high-profile concerts, exciting sporting events, and even exhilarating WWE matches. A visit to the 'Pru Center' is always a blast!

Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart

This astonishing cathedral is a hidden gem in Newark, showcasing breathtaking gothic architecture. It is one of the largest cathedrals in the United States and is marked by its awe-inspiring stained glass and a Casavant Freres pipe organ. While visiting, don't forget to catch one of the organ concerts for a magical musical experience!

Capital building of Newark, NJ in artistic rendering

Overview of Tax Rates

Property Tax

In 2023, residents of Newark, NJ face a property tax rate of 2.605%, which is above the national average. This rate is significantly high when compared to rates in other parts of the country, where the average rate is typically around 1.1%.

Sales Tax

The sales tax in Newark, NJ for 2023 is 6.625%. This tax rate is towards the lower end when compared to the rest of the country, where the average rate is typically between 7% and 8% including local, county, and state sales taxes.

Income Tax

For 2023, the state income tax rate for residents of Newark, NJ ranges from 1.4% to 10.75% depending on income. This rate is high when compared to other states, especially considering that seven states in the country do not impose any income taxes.

Housing Market

The Newark, NJ housing market remains one of the most affordable in the nation. The median home value in Newark stands at $245,900 compared to the U.S median of $277,700. Despite a 5% year-over-year growth, Newark's rates remain attractive to budget-conscious buyers. Furthermore, renters also benefit from lower costs, with median rent at $1,348 - markedly lower than the national median. However, this affordability comes with a higher crime rate and lower school quality. Hence, investors, buyers, and renters should consider these factors when evaluating opportunities in the Newark housing market.

Cost of Living

Currently, living in Newark, NJ, is considerably more affordable compared to other major cities in the United States. While prices for basic amenities like groceries and healthcare align closely with national averages, housing costs remain relatively low. However, compared to some smaller cities and rural areas, Newark can be more expensive. It's essential to note that while Newark offers more affordability, average income levels may also be lower. Therefore, despite lower costs of living, residents may still feel a financial squeeze.

Weather & Natural Disasters

Newark, NJ experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and cold, relatively wet winters. Summer temperatures often reach into the high 80s (F), while winter can bring temperatures as low as the 20s. The city receives moderate precipitation throughout the year, with annual snowfall averaging around 26 inches. Natural disasters, although not extremely frequent, include hurricanes and tropical storms from June to November, and snowstorms and blizzards in the winter months. Newark has also experienced an occasional earthquake, though these are typically of low intensity. Despite these challenges, Newark's unique climate allows for a surprisingly vibrant range of flora and fauna, offering residents and visitors alike a refreshing contrast to its urban surroundings.

Typical weather in Newark, NJ

Economy & Job Market

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* Healthcare services

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* Education

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* Public administration

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* Finance and insurance

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* Manufacturing

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Born from an industrial past, Newark, New Jersey is still a humming hub of commerce and labor today, just with some modern updates. Historically, Newark was called home by numerous manufacturing powerhouses. Although those physical industries have decelerated somewhat, Newark remains a power player in the economy with growth in the healthcare, education, public administration, finance and insurance industries. It's not all serious business here though - the city also has a growing arts scene, vibrant cultural life and more and more companies choosing to make it their home. It's like the energetic teenager of the economic family, always surprising you with what they'll do next.

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Thinking about packing your bags and moving to Newark, NJ? Great choice, buddy! But if you're planning to look for a job after you move, let's highlight a few crucial points. First up, where to look for jobs? You'll find many opportunities in Newark's booming healthcare and educational sectors. How are the employment rates? Pretty darn solid! The unemployment rate here is below the national average and the job market has been witnessing a positive growth. So, don't worry, you won't be twiddling your thumbs on your couch. And you know what the best part is? The deciding factor for many, cost of living, is also more reasonable compared to many metro areas around the country. So basically, you get a cool job and get to keep more of your paycheck. It's like finding leftover cake in the fridge - win-win!

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Traffic and Transportation

Hey there, all you busy commuters in Newark, NJ! Ready to cruise through your transportation routine? Brace yourselves for an average commute time of a thrilling 31.1 minutes. That's more me-time for audio books, wacky morning radio or belting show tunes in your car (we won't judge)!

If driving isn't your jam, Newark offers a medley of public transportation options to suit your city dwelling desires. From the Newark Light Rail and PATH train, to the ever-reliable NJ Transit or the city's digital age darling, Uber, you're certain to find a ride that's just right for you. It's like speed dating, only with conveyance!

Seeking far-off adventures or just trying to dodge the garden state's traffic? Look no further than Newark Liberty International Airport, your golden ticket to a world of destinations. Spread your wings, Newark - the sky's the limit!

What is the traffic like in Newark, NJ?

Best Neighborhoods in Newark

1. Forest Hill

If you're a fan of breathtaking architecture and a strong sense of community, then Forest Hill should be on your radar. This neighborhood offers rows upon rows of historic mansions, just bursting with character and charm. Top it off with a smattering of parks, plenty of green space, and a tight-knit community, Forest Hill offers both urban sophistication and suburban tranquility.

2. Ironbound

A melting pot of cultures, Ironbound is a bustling, vibrant neighborhood, often considered Newark's culinary hotspot. With an abundance of Portuguese, Spanish, and Brazilian restaurants lining the streets, your taste buds are in for a treat. Also, Ironbound's close proximity to Newark Penn Station makes it a convenient spot for commuters. This neighborhood truly marries the old-world charms with modern conveniences.

3. Downtown Newark

For those of you who prefer the hustle and bustle of city life, Downtown Newark has a lot to offer. High-rise apartment buildings, upscale restaurants, art galleries, and a thriving nightlife await you in this bustling metropolis. Housing the performing arts center, the Prudential Center arena and top-notch universities it packs a cultural punch!

4. North Ward's The Ridge

Often referred to as 'The Ridge', this neighborhood has a small-town feel, boasting an impressive array of pre-war homes, flowering parks and charming locally-owned businesses. With family-friendly festivities and community events regularly conducted, social butterflies are sure to thrive here!

5. University Heights

University Heights, as the name suggests, is a hub of academic excellence. Home to renowned institutions such as Rutgers University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology, this neighborhood has a lively, youthful vibe. Bookstores, coffee shops and sports complexes, there's rarely a dull moment! Also, it's not all about students. Families and young professionals have much to enjoy in this vibrant neighborhood!

In conclusion, Newark has much to offer by way of neighborhoods, each with their own unique flavors and vibes. Whether you prefer the grandeur of historic communities, the zest of diverse cultures, or the energetic pulse of city life, Newark has a neighborhood perfectly suited for you. So pack your bags, and welcome to Newark, it's waiting for you with open arms!

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Things to Do

Often overlooked in favor of its flashy neighbor New York City, Newark, New Jersey, is a city brimming with underrated charm and charisma. Rich in culture, history, and mouth-watering cuisine, this East Coast gem is nothing less than a hotspot for anyone looking to spice up their routine. So dust off that bucket list, because we've got seven captivating, quirky, and seriously memorable things to do in Newark.

1. Stroll through Branch Brook Park

Start your Newark journey by soaking up nature's beauty at Branch Brook Park. Boasting over 4,000 cherry trees (that's more than Washington D.C's renowned cherry collection!), the park blossoms into a breathtaking spectacle of pink hues every spring. Year-round, it offers scenic pathways for biking, walking, and reflection amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.

2. Experience Art at the Newark Museum

Newark Museum is the state's largest museum, housing an impressive collection of global art and natural science exhibits. Be sure to check out the Tibetan galleries - some of the best in the world. Or, step into the universe with a visit to the museum's mini space station!

3. Nosh on Newark's Best Nosh at Ferry Street

Unleash your inner foodie on Newark's Ferry Street, a veritable pleasure land for lovers of bowl-licking delicious cuisine. Feel the Portuguese flair in the succulent dishes, savor the Spanish tapas and swoon over Brazilian BBQ. If food is your love language, Ferry Street is your soulmate!

4. Catch a Show at NJPAC

New Jersey Performing Arts Center, or NJPAC, is more than just a pretty facade. This cultural hub pulls in powerhouse performances in music, dance, and theater. From top-notch ballet and world-class symphonies to magic shows and comedy nights, NJPAC offers a splendid evening of culture and entertainment.

5. Throw an Axe at Bury The Hatchet

For an activity that truly breaks the mold, head to Bury The Hatchet for an adrenaline-fueled session of axe-throwing. Yes, you read that right. After a safety briefing, you'll be throwing axes at a target in no time - an exhilarating way to blow off some steam, guaranteed!

6. Explore the Hidden Catacombs of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Not your run-of-the-mill sightseeing spot, the city's Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart boasts secret underground catacombs open for adventurous explorers. Alongside being an architectural marvel representing Gothic Revival style, these mysterious tunnels laden with history are a secret treasure waiting to be uncovered.

7. Craft Cocktails at All Points West Distillery

Sip and savor at All Points West Distillery, one of the lesser-known gems in Newark. Here, Irish-inspired whiskey, gin, and vodka are made by hand using environmentally sustainable methods. Book a tour, learn about the distilling process, and round off with a crafted cocktail (or two) at the Tasting Room Bar.

To conclude, Newark remarkably encapsulates all the ingredients for an unforgettable city experience - lush parks, enriching cultural hubs, tantalizing cuisine, and even some quirkier pursuits you won't find anywhere else. So, bring your free spirit, adventurous palate, and heart full of curiosity to Newark, NJ - there are sensational experiences here waiting for you!

Things to do in Newark, NJ?

Find Movers for Your Newark Relocation

As you make plans to commence your exciting new chapter in Newark, keep in mind that a successful move leans heavily on the moving company you engage. Ditch the stress and guesswork by letting Great Guys Moving bridge the gap for you. With a vast network of reputable moving companies boasting quality service and affordable rates, your move is simplified in an instance. By providing a few details about your move, you'll be linked with licensed and insured movers ready to handle your specific requirements. Ready to make your next move your best one yet? Request your free moving quote from Great Guys Moving today.

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