21 Pros and Cons of Living in Newark, NJ

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If you are considering moving to a new city, a lot of questions will come up.

This is also true with Newark, NJ.

You may wonder if it will be a good fit for you or your family.

Everything from housing to work to downtime activities needs to be considered.

This pros and cons list gives you some ideas about what it is like to live in Newark, NJ.

Pros of Living in Newark, NJ

1. Fewer Crowds – Not as Crowded as New York City

For many people, this is a big plus.

They can get on with their daily routine with less stress and the congestion of people everywhere you turn around.

Newark is known as a much more relaxed place, giving you the space, you need to feel comfortable.

2. Housing

Housing, whether renting or owning, is easier to find in Newark than in New York.

Plus, you have the added benefit of still being close to NYC.

The lower demand for housing means that you can save time and money by finding the perfect place for you and your family.

More money can go into your living space while still enjoying the amenities that Manhattan offers.

Compared to other urban areas, you won’t have to spend months searching for a place to live.

Another benefit is that Newark offers a lower cost of living than many other major urban areas.

Newark still has a cost of living that is higher than the national average.

3. Transportation

One thing that you will find is that getting around Newark is easy.

The public transportation system is really good, particularly in the city center areas.

Longer distances may be a little more difficult.

If you bring your car, you’ll also be able to get around without getting stuck in long traffic jams.

Other urban areas present much more traffic congestion, so rush time is not a huge problem.

Another option is to use your bicycle.

Newark is a bike-friendly city, which makes it an attractive transportation option for short treks in the city.

You’ll be saving money but also having a smaller ecological footprint.

Newark also offers excellent commuting options if you work in Manhattan.

Again, you’ll save money living in Newark while enjoying the amenities of NYC.

4. The Newark Attitude

The city is one of the most tolerant and welcoming for other cultures.

You will meet people from all over the world.

However, people will be honest with you even if you don’t particularly like their opinion.

While this can be a new experience, it can put you on the right track to succeed in the city.

This can lead you to make great friends who are reliable and provide a great social network.

5. Friends and Culture

Given the conflux of different cultures, living in the city makes it easy to make friends from many different parts of the world.

Through meeting new people, you also hear their stories and learn about their cultures.

This can include their foods and traditions.

This can make your life richer for the experience.

6. Experience New Foods

Hand in hand with learning about new cultures and meeting new friends, you will be able to try new foods from ethnicities around the world.

Some may be new and unusual, but if you’re open, you may find new things that you absolutely love.

As you start finding new things that you could cook for yourself and your family at home.

7. Explore the Art Scene

The art scene in Newark is very active.

From galleries to exploring museums and even street art.

It’s all something to take in.

When you are looking for something more, head to NYC and explore the museums and galleries galore.

Between the openings in Newark and NYC, there is enough to let you explore and meet new people.

8. Shopping Experiences

Newark offers many shopping opportunities to keep you interested in exploring the small and larger shops that offer the boutique experience.

When you are ready, head to NYC and Manhattan for even more shopping opportunities that the city is renowned for.

On the other hand, there is a sound infrastructure in the city to provide everything needed for daily life.

This means that you won’t have to go far to get the things that you need every day.

9. Travel Opportunities

One big advantage is that Newark has an international airport.

This makes it easier for business travelers and those who frequently like to travel around the world.

Getting to the airport is also easy.

10. Enjoying the Waves

Being close to the coast, there are many opportunities to head out to the ocean where you can enjoy water sports, including surfing.

You may just decide to relax in the sun and watch the water.

For most people, this is a relaxing time that can lower stress and increase your quality of life.

11. Green Spaces in Newark

When you just need to reset for a moment, head out to one of the many parks and green spaces located around the city.

Take your lunch and kick your shoes off in the grass while you eat for a few minutes.

It will give you the energy for the rest of your day.

When you have the time, pack a picnic lunch so that everyone can enjoy time together outside.

12. Newark at Night

Newark offers a very active nightlife, so when you are ready to head out for a drink after work or meet up with friends, there are many places that you can choose from.

These include the local bars to higher-end places.

If you need a change of pace, you and your friends can head to New York for even more options.

13. Seasonality in Newark

There are so many places in the United States that don’t experience the four seasons.

This is not true in Newark.

Of course, winters are cold, but there is a true change of seasons throughout the year.

If you are coming from a place that is warm throughout the year, this can be a change.

The first thing is to make sure that everyone in your family has the appropriate clothing for the season that you are experiencing.

This can make a true difference to everyone’s comfort.

Cons of Living in Newark

1. Rental Housing

While rent costs are lower than in Manhattan, they have risen significantly in recent years.

The rate of increase is making it more difficult for people to afford rent.

If this continues, this could be unworkable for many people.

Poorer people are already being priced out of housing, so in the future, this may be something that middle-class people may struggle with.

2. Low Income and Unemployment

On average, the residents of Newark don’t earn high incomes.

This combined with the rising price of housing can make it difficult for many people.

The low median income makes it difficult for many people to earn a living for their families.

These difficulties can lead to some people deciding to leave the area in search of better situations.

This can lead to difficulties in the city itself.

Coupled with a low income, there is high unemployment in the area.

Highly desirable skills have a better chance of finding a position, but that doesn’t help many people.

3. Homelessness and the Gap Between Rich and Poor

The increasing gap between the wealthy and the poor has led to many issues in the city.

Landlords setting higher rent prices make it difficult for many people to keep up with bills.

This gap has continued to widen.

However, one of the biggest problems facing the city is homelessness.

This has become a growing problem due to increasing rents and difficulties in finding employment.

It’s not unusual to see people sleeping in their car or van.

4. Crime Rate

Given the situation in the city, Newark is not the safest city that you can find.

Crime rates are high.

If you have a family with children, it may not be the best place to take them.

5. Unsafe Neighborhoods

This goes hand in hand with other crime comments.

If you are moving your family to the city, be very careful about the neighborhood that you choose.

Some can seem okay at first, and then turn out to be unsafe places.

So do your research carefully.

6. Get Ready for the Cold

Winters can be difficult in Newark.

This means getting the appropriate clothing or deciding on a warmer climate.

7. Newark Isn’t Glamorous

For many people, the biggest con is that the city is not seen as popular.

It is also seen that the city administration has not taken steps to address the city’s social problems.

8. Others May Question Your Decision to Move

Due to Newark’s unpopularity, your family and friends may wonder and worry about your move there.

Make sure that you are making the right decision before you take the plunge.

Pros and Cons of Living in Newark, NJ – Summary Table

Newark Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Newark Safety Review

Safety Index:

56

• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
• MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
• TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
• SCAMS RISK: LOW
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM