Jersey pride trivia: Fun Facts About Newark
Think you really know Newark? It's a city with Branch Brook blossoms that could outpink Tokyo in April, Ironbound churrasco that you'll have to devour to appreciate, and NJPAC acoustics that are crisp enough to embarrass Broadway. Let's run through the facts, stats, and turnpike swagger that showcase what makes Newark's reputation more than a layover.
Diane, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Diane has been rooted in New Jersey since day one and has lived everywhere from Hillside to Elizabeth to Springfield before landing in Fanwood. When she and her family moved into their current place, she was very pregnant and still refused to stop lifting boxes or scrubbing things because she wanted it done right. She is the kind of New Jerseyan who can talk about Revolutionary War history, walk you through Duke Gardens, or recommend the best apple picking without checking a map. Her food loyalties are fierce, especially when it comes to pork roll on a hard roll with melted cheese, though she will happily join any naming debate. She is a lifelong reader who once tried to leave the library with more books than her card allowed. She even crossed paths with Sinatra during an honorary degree event at Stevens. At Snappy Scout she brings sharp local insight with a Jersey wink.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Makes Newark Newark?
The weird, useful, and surprisingly relevant facts that shape everyday life here.
Common nicknames for Newark
Brick City, The Gateway City, 973
Local Reality Check
Think just airport and smokestacks vs. vibrant Ironbound eats, arts scene, history, architecture -- and cherry blossoms.
You're most likely moving from
Brooklyn, Jersey City, Hoboken, and Upper Manhattan.
Strangely large concentration of
Portuguese and Brazilian restaurants and bakeries on Ferry Street.
Music scene
Jazz lineage of Sarah Vaughan, Redman hip hop, NJPAC and Prudential Center stadium shows of all genres.
You'll have to see it to believe it
Branch Brook Park’s 5,200 trees & their cherry blossoms... which outnumber D.C. The adjacent Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart is longer and taller than St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City.
Unique Geography
Passaic River and Newark Bay shoreline with deepwater Port Newark near downtown.
Newark is home to
Audible’s Innovation Cathedral on James Street.
Well known for its
Ironbound Brazilian and Portuguese cuisine and late night rodizio feasts.
Fun history facts
Newark Airport opened 1928 as America’s first major commercial airport. Used to be known to its beer manufacturers.
Celebrity sightings
Shaquille O’Neal at CityPlex 12, Redman on Halsey Street.
Noteworthy Census stat
2020 Census counted 311,549 residents.
Most interesting sub-culture within Newark
Jersey Club dance crews and DJs shaking basements citywide.
Population
Largest city in NJ, top 75 largest nationwide
Newark is roughly the same geographic size as
Boulder, Colorado.
A Local Event Worth Experiencing Once
I love the Ballantine House at Christmas. It's a jewel-box pretty Victorian home decorated for the holidays. Or go to a holiday mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
— Diane Briante
New Jersey Local Expert
Ready to See If Newark Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full Newark guide for the bigger picture.