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Real Estate & Homes in Newark - New Jersey - Newark, New Jersey homes and communities
Newark
 
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Newark Background Newark – America’s “Destination City” – is located in the heart of the Northeast on the Passaic River. One of the oldest cities in the nation, Newark’s history is woven into the very fabric of life. A true melting pot, this city has been home to immigrants of virtually every ethnicity, creating a cultural diversity that enlivens every aspect of city living, from music and theater to the markets, boutiques and selection of specialty foods.
For the past two decades, great efforts have been made to reinvent the city, grow its economy and strengthen its social structure. With five major colleges and universities, Newark’s student population exceeds that of Cambridge, Mass., bringing new ideas and fresh faces every year. And the Newark Liberty International Airport is one of the busiest in the Northeast, linking Newark to every corner of the world.
Now is the time to experience the hidden beauty and bounty of New Jersey. Economic incentives combined with the newest technology and the resources of nearby New York City and Boston make Newark a terrific place to live and work. One of the most “wired” cities in the nation, giants like MBNA, Blue Cross/Blue Shield and IDT are headquartered here.
Numerous festivals liven things up year-round, including the Newark Festival of People, the Cherry Blossom Festival at Branch Brook Park and the Sarah Vaughan Jazz Festival. Discover New Jersey the way you never thought it could be: a cultural center with a growing artistic collaborative, extensive economic resources, terrific public transportation, and a celebrated history and sense of community.
Fun fact: Did you know that many of the country’s most famous faces have called Newark home? Whitney Houston, Jerry Lewis, Gloria Gaynor, Joe Pesci, Paul Simon, Brooke Shields and Queen Latifah are among Newark’s most celebrated residents.
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Newark History Newark celebrates its anniversary based on its founding in 1665. The Puritans were the first settlers, creating a church-state based on Calvinism. It was the leather industry that first prospered here, leading the way for the city to continue through the centuries as an epicenter of industry and commercial ventures.
As the population increased, industry blossomed. The 1804 creation of the Newark Banking Company set the stage for commercial success with banking and insurance that continues today. In the 1830s, the Morris Canal was completed, and train tracks were laid linking Newark to the surrounding cities, further facilitating business and trade. In 1836, a charter was signed giving the prior township of Newark official city status.
Due in part to its early commercial success, Newark has been the site of numerous inventions. Seth Boyden developed patent leather, malleable iron and the nail-making machine, along with hundreds of other patents and inventions. Thomas Edison, credited with many of the world’s most famous developments in light and sound, lived and worked in Newark, where he created the ticker tape. And the Rev. Hannibal Goodwin invented celluloid film in his laboratory in the Plume House, making the motion picture industry possible. The area quickly became an industrial giant, manufacturing goods that were distributed throughout the country.
In the 20th century, Newark faced new economic challenges as the country plunged into the Depression, wars and recession, but by 1950, the “New Newark Movement” had already begun to rebuild the city. This trend has gained speed in recent years with a citywide renaissance. The cultural and commercial life of Newark is once again vibrant. Real estate markets are growing; upscale private townhouses and condos are springing to life around the splendid historic architecture; and the area is once again bound by a strong sense of community responsibility and pride.
Newark Fast Facts Location: Newark is located in Essex County
Area: 24.14 square miles
*Population (metro area): 1,933,657
*Median age: 30.8
*Median income: $26,913
Housing units: 100,141
Average temperatures: January, 31ºF; April, 52ºF; June, 71ºF; August, 75ºF
Mean rainfall: 42.38 inches
Mean snowfall: 21.5 inches
*Information obtained from the 2000 Census Report
 
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Attractions The cultural life of Newark is blossoming year-round. With numerous museums, music venues and enticing restaurants, this city’s to-do list is always full.
The NJ Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) opened in 1997 and serves as the home of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. This magnificent structure includes Prudential Hall, the Victoria Theatre and two restaurants.
The New Jersey Historical Society, founded in 1845, is the oldest cultural institution in the state. It houses five galleries and a library of more than 50,000 volumes. To continue reading, visit the Newark Public Library, which was founded in 1889 and opened in 1903.
The Newark Museum was founded in 1909 and opened in 1926. This educational mega-center includes the Junior Museum, the Fire Museum, a Planetarium, a Mini-Zoo, a sculpture garden, a research library, the Ballantine House (built in1885) and the Lyons Farms Schoolhouse (built in 1784). The main museum building was designed by Michael Graves, recipient of the American Institute of Architects’ Honor Award.
For the artistically inclined, Aljira, Inc. is a multicultural visual-arts organization offering exhibition space, poetry readings, film screening, jazz, seminars and lectures. The City Without Walls, established in 1975, is a not-for-profit gallery that displays the artwork of young and emerging New Jersey artists. Newark Symphony Hall, built in 1925, is a major cultural center for music, theater and opera.
Business and Economy
With more than 300 different types of businesses, Newark’s economy is on a steady climb. The third-largest insurance center in the United States, both Prudential Insurance (the largest insurance company in the world) and Mutual Benefit are headquartered here. A booming retail market and the newest technological advances make this city a hot spot for businesses both big and small.
Newark also offers numerous resources and incentives, such as RBP, the Regional Business Partnership, whose goal is “to strengthen the business infrastructure and assist those businesses in advancement.” Through networking events, programs and workshops, the distribution of mailing lists, and advocacy, this organization is at the forefront of the revitalization efforts.
An informed and progressive healthcare network and tremendous educational opportunities also make Newark a wonderful place to raise a family.
Education Newark is home to several of the nation’s finest educational institutions for both primary and secondary schooling. The city also houses several first-rate institutions of higher education, including:
- The Newark Community School of the Arts.
- Essex County College, which opened in 1968.
- The New Jersey Institute of Technology, which began in 1880 as the Newark College of Engineering and includes the New Jersey School of Architecture.
- Newark Symphony Hall, offering musical instruction.
- The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, which moved to Newark in 1966.
- Rutgers-Newark, which formed in 1946 through the merger of several schools.
- Seton Hall Law School, which relocated to Newark in 1971.
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Neighborhoods & Communities
North Ward: A strong multicultural community made up of two neighborhoods: Forest Hills, with its massive, beautiful Victorian homes; and suburban Roseville. Branch Brook Park is located here in the North Ward and is famous for its Annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
East Ward: A very culturally diverse community with strong Portuguese and Spanish ties in addition to German, Irish, Polish, Italian, Jewish, Slavic and Lithuanian roots. The area is comprised of three neighborhoods. Ironbound is still encircled by the original rails that date back to the time when the train was the most popular mode of transportation. Dayton and the Downtown districts are also part of this ward. The Ironbound section is best known for its fine Portuguese and Spanish restaurants.
Central Ward: Familiarly known as “Science Park,” this ward is predominately African-American in ethnicity. It is the location of many historical sites, including the Krueger Mansion, the Metropolitan Baptist Church and Eberhardt Hall. The Central Ward is also home to the University of Medicine and Dentistry.
West Ward: Predominately Irish in decent, this ward has seen an increase in the African-American population in recent years. The posh Vailsburg neighborhood is very attractive. Ivy Hill Park and Seton Hall University are also located here.
South Ward: Predominantly Jewish during past centuries, the area is now home to many African-American and Hispanic families. Comprised of two neighborhoods, Weequahic and Clinton Hill, this is also the location of the Newark Beth Israel Medical Center Hospital.
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Newark Landmarks Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 375 Broadway: The oldest cemetery in Newark, opened in 1814.
The Plume House, 407 Broad St.: Dutch-Colonial farmhouse built around 1710. The building has served as the rectory for the House of Prayer since 1850. The Rev. Hannibal Goodwin created a laboratory on the top floor where he invented flexible film in 1887.
The Newark Public Library, 5 Washington St.: One of the city’s architectural gems, this Italian-Renaissance building, constructed in 1903, houses more than 1.3 million volumes.
The New Jersey Bell Telephone Company, 540 Broad St.: Built from 1927-1929 in the “American Perpendicular” style, it rises 275 feet with 20 stories. The façade is adorned by massive Egyptian-style bas-reliefs.
Washington Park: Founded in 1666, this city oasis comprises 3.4 acres and includes beautiful statues that pay tribute to the area’s history.
The James Street Commons: A 20-block section of historic townhouses.
Where is Newark?
Written by Erin Johncox exclusively for HomesParadise.com.
(1) Photo courtesy of Rushton Young, www.viewsof.com.
(2) Photo courtesy of the City of Newark.
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