Newark, New Jersey is the city with the largest population in the state, with more than 277,000 people calling it their home. It’s one of the largest shipping, rail, and air hubs in the United States, and also home to many large corporations, universities, cultural groups, and community centers. Although Newark is located less than ten miles from Manhattan and is considered a part of the NYC Metro Area, this doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have plenty to offer in its own right too. It’s a vibrant city with a thriving and welcoming LGBTQ community, and it’s truly a great place to call home.
A Look at Newark’s History
Newark is the largest city in New Jersey and has been for some time. It was originally founded in 1666 by Connecticut Puritans from the New Haven Colony, led by Robert Treat. Following its founding, the city expanded significantly during the Industrial Revolution, eventually becoming a commercial and cultural hub of the region. Its population continues to grow as a result of various waves of migration in the mid-20th century, eventually peaking around 1950. Most recently it has benefited from a new wave of population growth, and today in addition to remaining a center of industry and home to many corporations, it is also a city with a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, plenty of diversity, and more than enough to see and do for all tastes and preferences.
Newark– A Few Fun Facts
Read more fun facts about Newark here.
Newark’s LGBTQ Community
Newark values and celebrates its LGBTQ community and all that it adds to the city. Some of the LGBTQ community resources in Newark include:
The Newark LGBTQ Community Center is a local center dedicated to its mission of creating a safe space for everyone in the community. Through events, meetings, networking opportunities, and providing resources and other support systems, the center is a pillar of the LGBTQ community in Newark, and a wonderful and helpful resource for all.
PFLAG North Jersey is the city’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical and important role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
What’s the Weather Like in Newark?
Newark residents can expect to experience all four seasons of the year. Spring and fall are typically the mildest and pleasant seasons in Newark, while summers can become quite hot and winters quite cold. The average high in July reaches around 86°F, while the average low and January drops down to about 23°F. Newark receives an average of 48 inches of rain per year and an average of 26 inches of snow.
Can’t Miss Newark Events
Newark Pride is the city's annual celebration of its LGTBQ community, and all that it adds to the greater Newark area. With parades, parties, family-friendly activities and more, it's one celebration that you'll want to put on your calendar!
The annual Cherry Blossom Festival is a can’t-miss event in Newark. Held in the city’s Brook Branch Park, it is a celebration that includes plenty of natural beauty and family fun including live performances, cultural demonstrations, fun activities, and more. Don’t miss your chance to experience this unique Newark event for yourself!
Newark’s Best Neighborhoods
If you’re thinking of making a move to Newark, there are a wide variety of home styles and price ranges available. You may be able to settle into a small condo for under $100,000 or find a luxury condo for more than a million. Likewise, single-family homes can range anywhere from the $100,000 range up to several million, depending upon style and location. A couple of the most popular neighborhoods in Newark include:
North Ironbound is part of the larger Ironbound neighborhood. It is a very diverse neighborhood both culturally and ethnically and is known for having one of the largest Portuguese communities in the United States. Housing in North Ironbound is somewhat costlier than other Newark neighborhoods, but it is known for being walkable and offering plenty to see and do, including many excellent restaurants, bars, and nightspots. The median sale price of homes in North Ironbound last year was approximately $364,000.
The Forest Hill neighborhood is located north of Newark city and to the west of the Passaic River. The Branch Brook Park runs through Forest Hill from north to south, and Forest Hill is home to the Newark Cherry Blossom Festival held every April. Forest Hill is slightly more expensive than other Newark neighborhoods with a median home price of around $250,000.
Arts and Entertainment
Newark is an artsy city, full of a thriving community of creative minds. It is home to numerous art museums and galleries including The Newark Art Museum, Aljira, a Center for Contemporary Art, City Without Walls, Gallery Aferro, and the Paul Robeson Galleries, among others.
Parks and Recreation
Branch Brook Park is by far the most cherished community park in the city – and the oldest. It is also home to the nation's largest collection of cherry blossom trees, and the site of the city’s yearly Cherry Blossom Festival. It’s also the site of the Essex County Free Summer Music Concert Series performed by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.
Eagle Rock Reservation is a beautiful green space in the city that offers plenty of hiking, biking, and running trails with beautiful views of the New York City skyline, as well as other amenities for visitors to enjoy.
Newark Nightlife
Twister Lounge is a popular LGBTQ Newark nightspot known for its good music, friendly crowds, strong drinks, and welcoming atmosphere. It's a great place to enjoy a night out with old friends and make some new ones too.
Allure Lounge has a great atmosphere, friendly crowds, and excellent food and drink options. If you stop here on a night out in Newark, chances are, you won’t be disappointed.
Contact a Newark Gay Realtor Today
If you’re ready to make a move to Newark, at www.gayrealestate.com, we’re here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the city, and who can help you find a home you’ll love in a neighborhood that’s the perfect fit for you. We’re proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Newark, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a Newark gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
