Newark

by The Linguist

Newark is the largest city in New Jersey with a population of 311,549 as of the 2020 US census. Newark is located in Essex County and was originally founded in 1666. The city is an important transportation hub and port due to its strategic location near New York City. Newark is also an important economic center in New Jersey.

Population and Demographics

As mentioned, Newark has a population of 311,549 as of 2020. This makes it the 65th largest city in the United States. The racial makeup of Newark is approximately 50.2% African American, 34.5% Hispanic/Latino, 18% White, 10.5% Asian, and 2.5% two or more races. Around 33.8% of Newark residents are foreign born.

Newark has a relatively young population compared to other major cities. The median age is 32.7 years old. There are approximately 85,000 households in the city with an average of 2.7 persons per household. Newark has seen steady population growth since the 1990 census. It reached its population peak in 1930 with over 442,000 residents. The population declined in the 1950s through the 1990s due to suburbanization and postwar socioeconomic changes. However, Newark’s population has been rising again since 2000.

History and Culture of Newark

Newark was originally founded in 1666 by Connecticut Puritans led by Robert Treat. It was considered an important port city between New York and Philadelphia. Newark became a site of industrial development in the late 19th and early 20th century. Major insurance, chemical, leather goods, and other manufacturing companies located factories in Newark.

Various immigrant groups settled in Newark throughout its history. In the mid to late 19th century, German and Irish immigrants had a major impact on the city. In the early 20th century, Italians, Jews from Eastern Europe, and Blacks during the Great Migration became major ethnic groups in Newark.

Newark was severely affected by civil unrest, urban decay, and loss of industry in the postwar period. However, redevelopment efforts since the 2000s have revitalized parts of the city. Newark is also known for its arts and culture scene. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark Museum, and Newark Symphony Hall are major venues.

Economy and Major Employers

Despite deindustrialization and job losses in the second half of the 20th century, Newark remains an important economic hub in the New York metro area. Major industries today include transportation, logistics, healthcare, education, and retail services. Some major employers in Newark include:

These major employers indicate the importance of healthcare, financial services, technology, education, and transportation to Newark’s economy.

Real Estate and Development

Like many cities, Newark suffered from urban decay and loss of jobs and residents to the suburbs in the postwar period. However, in recent decades Newark has begun revitalizing. Real estate development projects and investments have focused on Downtown Newark in particular.

Some major development projects include:

  • Construction of luxury apartments and condominiums. These attract young professionals who work in New York.
  • Office towers for major corporations and innovation centers for tech startups.
  • Infrastructure projects like parks, a riverfront promenade, and pedestrian walkways.
  • Attractions and retail including Prudential Center arena, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and restaurants.

The influx of new residents and businesses point to increasing confidence in Newark’s future.

Crime and Public Safety

Crime rates, especially violent crime, soared in Newark in the postwar era as population declined and poverty increased. Newark gained a reputation as a dangerous city. However, like in many other cities, crime in Newark has declined substantially since the 1990s. Violent crime between 2000 and 2018 fell over 40% and property crime fell by over 36%. Crime remains higher than the national average but Newark’s trajectory has improved.

Efforts to curb crime include community policing focused on building trust between law enforcement and residents. Newark also implemented CompStat, use of surveillance cameras, and analysis-based policing strategies. While still an issue, crime is decreasing and no longer as severe a challenge to Newark’s growth.

Colleges and Universities

Newark is home to several universities and colleges. The most prominent are:

These institutions enroll thousands of students each year, employ faculty and staff, and contribute to Newark’s academic and economic output.

Sports and Entertainment

Newark has a rich sports and entertainment tradition. Venues and teams include:

Sports and entertainment help attract visitors and residents to Newark. The Prudential Center arena especially has been an anchor of downtown revitalization.

Transportation Infrastructure

Newark’s strategic location and history as a port city make it a major transportation hub. Infrastructure includes:

  • Newark Liberty International Airport – One of the New York area’s major global airports.
  • Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal – Major shipping port and part of Port of New York and New Jersey.
  • Newark Penn Station – One of the busiest rail stations in the Northeastern US. Serves Amtrak, NJ Transit, and PATH trains.
  • Interstate Highways – Newark is intersected by the New Jersey Turnpike, I-78, and I-280 among other highways.
  • Newark Light Rail – Links downtown Newark with other neighborhoods and nearby towns.

This transportation network cements Newark’s importance as a regional hub. It provides vital connections between Newark, New York City, New Jersey suburbs, and the rest of the nation.

Tourism and Attractions

Some of Newark’s major landmarks and attractions include:

Newark offers plenty of places to experience arts, culture, sports, and more for visitors and residents.

Museums and Libraries

Some of Newark’s top museums and libraries include:

Newark’s libraries and museums help make it a center of culture, art, and history in New Jersey.

Government

Newark is governed within the Faulkner Act mayor-council system. There are four wards with one council representative from each ward. The mayor is elected in a citywide vote. The current mayor of Newark is Ras Baraka. He was first elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018. The Newark Municipal Council handles legislative duties.

Some city government departments and services include:

Newark city government provides public services, law enforcement, economic development, and more for residents.

Public Schools

Public education in Newark is operated by the Newark Public Schools district. There are 64 public schools including seven magnet high schools. Some of the largest high schools are:

The district serves around 36,000 students in total. There are also various charter and private school options in Newark.

Hospitals

Newark is a regional hub for healthcare. Major hospitals include:

These major hospitals and health systems provide thousands of healthcare jobs in Newark.

Notable People

Some famous people born in Newark or with a strong connection to the city include:

  • Amiri Baraka – Leader in the Black Arts Movement and poet laureate of New Jersey.
  • Sarah Vaughan – Legendary jazz singer and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner.
  • Allen Ginsberg – Prominent poet of the Beat Generation.
  • Shaquille O’Neal – Hall of Fame NBA player who was born in Newark.
  • Stephen Colbert – Comedian and television show host who grew up in New Jersey.
  • Ray Liotta – Actor known for films like Goodfellas.

Newark has produced and been home to many artists, writers, athletes, actors and more who have had national impact.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Newark is New Jersey’s largest city and an important economic, cultural, and transportation hub. It has a diverse population and history. While Newark has faced challenges, redevelopment and revitalization offer optimism about its future.

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