Thinking about moving to Newark? With convenient public transportation, a lively entertainment scene, access to green space, and more, Brick City can be a great place for young adults to live. Check out these five best Newark neighborhoods for singles and young professionals!
| Neighborhood | Central Business District | Forest Hill | South Ironbound | University Heights | Upper Vailsburg |
| Safer than % of Newark | 50% | 70% | 85% | 35% | 90% |
| Median Home Price | $235,977 | $389,769 | $466,366 | $270,326 | $414,210 |
| Median Rent Price | $1,369 | $1,423 | $1,732 | $1,373 | $1,694 |
| Median Household Income | $64,550 | $49,652 | $65,464 | $53,788 | $74,638 |
| Median Age | 34.6 | 38.8 | 33 | 30.2 | 38.2 |
Central Business District
- Home Price: $235,977 median purchase price; $1,369 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 50% of Newark neighborhoods
The Central Business District (CBD) is ideal for singles and young professionals looking for a safe, affordable neighborhood in Newark to call home. As the city’s downtown hub, the CBD offers affordable apartments, vibrant nightlife, a thriving arts scene, and plenty of things to see and do. At the heart of the neighborhood is Four Corners, the historic intersection of Broad and Market Streets—once considered one of the busiest intersections in the U.S.—where you can admire hand-painted murals created through the local Four Corners Public Arts program. The neighborhood’s rich history is also on display at Harriet Tubman Square, a gathering space that honors the legacy of Harriet Tubman. For commuters, it’s easy to get around the city, with rail service available at Newark Broad Street Station. Young professionals can also find jobs in Newark with major companies like Audible, Prudential Financial, Panasonic North America, and more!
Things to Do in Central Business District
Marvel at works from artists around the world or attend annual events like Art After Dark at The Newark Museum of Art. Explore Downtown Newark’s historic gathering space, where monuments, rich history, and community events have brought people together since 1966, at Military Park. Cheer on the New Jersey Devils (NHL) or New York Sirens (PWHL) and attend a K-Pop concert at Prudential Center. See the New Jersey Symphony perform, attend the Dodge Poetry Festival, and listen to experts in The Creator’s Room at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). Get your fix of Fried Chicken, BBQ Pork Ribs, or Fried Catfish paired with Cornbread while dining at Cornbread Newark. Enjoy dinner in Newark with an order of Octopus, Lamb Chops, or Pork Chops from Sihana Bistro. Try the Fried Snapper or Legacy Curry Chicken with Mac & Cheese on the side at Legacy27 Kitchen & Cocktail. Or fill up on Spanish favorites like Paella Valenciana, Costilla De Lomo, or Carmarones En Salsa De Ajo with Homemade Red Sangrias at Don Pepe Restaurant.
Forest Hill
- Home Price: $389,769 median purchase price; $1,423 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 70% of Newark neighborhoods
If you want to live in a top Newark neighborhood for young adults, Forest Hill won’t disappoint! Located in Newark’s North Ward, Forest Hill is a beautiful area that’s earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. The neighborhood features quiet streets lined with Colonial Revival, Beaux-Arts, and Victorian-style homes, along with plenty of apartment options for renters. Residents appreciate easy access to the Branch Brook Light Rail Station and NJ Transit bus service, which make getting around the area a breeze. Additionally, Forest Hill has a strong sense of community, with annual events like Newark PorchFest and the Neighborhood Garage Sale bringing residents together and adding to the area’s close-knit atmosphere.
Things to Do in Forest Hill
Take a stroll around the lake, attend the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, or shoot hoops on the basketball court at Branch Brook Park. Play a game of tennis and take a break by the court’s namesake statue at the Althea Gibson Tennis Courts. Get your friends together to roller skate, play arcade games, and grab a bite to eat at the Branch Brook Park Roller Skating Center. Enjoy authentic Puerto Rican dishes like Rellenos de Papas Appetizer, Pollo Asado Mofongo, or Filete Encebollado Mofongo at Taino’s Kitchen. Order Puerto Rican favorites like Empanadas, Masitas De Cerdo, or Pollo Empanado from Omar’s Cafe. Devour the BBQ Beef Ribs, Pork Chops, or a Grilled Red Snapper at Justin’s BBQ. Get your Mexican food fix with entrees like the Mole Poblano, Tacos Al Pastor, or Torta Carnitas from Mexican Rooster. Or grab a hot slice of Spinach & Ricotta, Baked Ziti, or Philly Cheesesteak Pizza at Pizza Town.
South Ironbound
- Home Price: $466,366 median purchase price; $1,732 monthly median rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 85% of Newark neighborhoods
Part of Newark’s Ironbound District alongside North Ironbound, South Ironbound is a great neighborhood for singles and young professionals. Located in the East Ward and known as the “Down Neck,” South Ironbound offers a diverse community with a rich history and vibrant cultural identity. The neighborhood’s unique character is especially evident along Ferry Street, where Portuguese, Brazilian, and Latin American restaurants and bakeries create a vibrant food scene. Housing options in South Ironbound include a mix of row houses, single-family homes, and apartments. For commuters, the neighborhood provides easy access to major roads like I-78 and I-95, as well as Newark Liberty International Airport and Newark Penn Station—with convenient transit connections to nearby cities like Manhattan and Jersey City.
Things to Do in South Ironbound
Play a game of softball, bocce, or volleyball with friends at Independence Park. Check out a new read, rent a DVD, or use the computers at The Newark Public Library’s Van Buren Branch. Take a walk along the Passaic River, participate in the annual Canoemobile, or take advantage of the basketball and tennis courts at Riverbank Park. Celebrate Newark’s Portuguese heritage with a parade down Ferry Street, live music, and traditional food at the annual Portugal Day Festival. Start your morning with Pancakes, a Sausage Omelette, or Toast paired with a cappuccino at Hot Spot Diner. Chow down Espetada de Carne, Garoupa a Maitre D’Hotel, or Espetada de Marisco—and save room for the Pineapple Sorbet—at Seabra’s Marisqueira. Enjoy the Pollo con Camarones, Salmon a la Plancha, or Solomillo Con Bacon at Casa d’Paco. Or order Portuguese favorites like Lulas Fritas, Camarao Grelhado, or a Febras Sandwich at O Pipo Tavern.
University Heights
- Home Price: $270,326 median purchase price; $1,373 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 35% of Newark neighborhoods
Hoping to settle into a quieter area without losing easy access to the amenities of Downtown Newark? Consider living in University Heights! Less than a ten-minute drive from the Central Business District, this highly walkable neighborhood is especially attractive to young adults pursuing higher education, with several colleges nearby—including Rutgers University-Newark, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), and Essex County College. Beyond that, University Heights boasts an array of affordable apartments and condos near convenient NJ Transit options like the light rail and city buses. The neighborhood is also home to both University Hospital and Saint Michael’s Medical Center, offering great opportunities for those working in the medical field.
Things to Do in University Heights
Take your furry friend for a walk, have a picnic by the ornamental water fountain, or read a book under the gazebo at Veterans Memorial Park. Explore contemporary art exhibits, check out weekly drop-in drawing workshops, or listen to an Art Biz talk at the Paul Robeson Galleries—located on the Rutgers University-Newark campus. Cheer on the Rutgers-Newark Scarlet Raiders basketball and volleyball teams as they play at the Golden Dome. Admire large-scale murals, attend community events, and stop into local businesses in the vibrant NOVU District. Start your morning with a Tropical Bowl, Dolce Smoothie, or Sweet Cream Cold Brew from Playa Bowls. Try the Thanksgiving Cold Sandwich, Sweet Pig Hot Sandwich, or St. Gerard Pizza from Red Reisa Grill & Catering. Devour a Fat Knight, Fat Cat, or Fat Johnny sandwich from RU Hungry?, home of the original famous FAT sandwiches. Or choose from Irish favorites like Bangers & Mash, Shepherd’s Pie, or Fish & Chips paired with an Irish Mule at McGovern’s Tavern.
Upper Vailsburg
- Home Price: $414,210 median purchase price; $1,694 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 90% of Newark neighborhoods
Located in Newark’s West Ward, Upper Vailsburg offers singles and young professionals a peaceful, suburban feel. Bordered by three suburbs—Maplewood, South Orange, and Irvington—the neighborhood features a mix of historic Victorian and Dutch Colonial-style homes and apartments along tree-lined streets. With convenient transportation options and proximity to local parks and businesses, Upper Vailsburg gives residents plenty of ways to enjoy the area. The neighborhood is also close to Seton Hall University, making it a good option for those who want to live near campus while enjoying a quieter residential setting. It’s also a practical choice for medical professionals, with employment opportunities at the nearby East Orange VA Medical Center. Not to mention, residents can get involved in various community programs and initiatives through the Unified Vailsburg Services Organization (UVSO), helping strengthen the neighborhood’s tight-knit vibe.
Things to Do in Upper Vailsburg
Spend the day horseback riding, fishing, and visiting the wildflower sculpture park while enjoying the views of the Watchung Mountains at the South Mountain Reservation. Enjoy the green space, listen to a band concert, or challenge your friends to a game of football at Ivy Hill Park. Check out art, historical artifacts, and cultural exhibits at Seton Hall University’s Walsh Gallery, located inside Walsh Library. Take your furry friend to the dog park, shoot hoops, or jog along the half-mile path at Vailsburg Park. Lift weights, take a dip in the pool, or relax at the Boylan Street Recreation Center. Enjoy a meal of Stewed Turkey, Bouillon Soup, and Pork Chops at Jacob’s Restaurant. Craving Chinese food in Newark? Savor the Fried Chicken Gizzards, Seafood Lo Mein, or Beef Chop Suey at Panda Garden. Or indulge in a blend of Middle Eastern and Italian-American dishes like Beef Gyro, Thigh Fried Chicken, or Godfather Pizza at Nico’s Halal Pizzeria & Fried Chicken.
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The team at Extra Space Storage understands that moving to a new city can be stressful, which is why we’ve created our Best Places to Live selections to help make the process easier. We’ve done the research for you—considering factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, and education—to provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area. Check out our methodology page today to learn more about how we select the best places to live.
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
