Living Here

Central Ward

As its name implies, the Central Ward is at the heart of Newark. It encompasses the central business district, the University Heights neighborhood and the world-class Prudential Center arena and New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Three city parks – Washington, Military and Lincoln Park – provide oases in the midst of the center city.

The Central Ward is currently the locus of much of Newark’s development activities. Redevelopment is occurring at a rapid pace around the city’s two major train stations/transit hubs. Six colleges and universities are also clustered in the University Heights neighborhood. One million square feet of high-tech laboratories, offices, incubator space, housing and a new technology-oriented high school are being developed in the new Science Park.

East Ward

The most densely populated section of Newark, the East Ward, is home of one of the largest Portuguese-speaking communities in the country. The ward’s Ironbound District is renowned for the more than 20 Portuguese and Spanish restaurants that line Ferry Street. The neighborhoods, many of which have enjoyed major streetscape projects in recent years, are walkable and offer vibrant retail environments.

The East Ward also boasts Newark’s highest concentration of industrial businesses, many of which support the neighboring seaport. A new Passaic Riverfront Development Initiative aims to create a new port in the ward to further bolster its economic vitality.

North Ward

Primarily residential with a mixture of high rises, high-density housing and detached single-family homes, the North Ward is home to the Roseville, Forest Hills, and 7th Avenue and Branch Brook neighborhoods. Branch Brook Park, one of the nation’s largest county parks, is at the heart of the ward and offers residents acres of preserved parkland, an ice rink, tennis courts and an annual cherry blossom festival.

Other landmarks include Sacred Heart Cathedral and a School Stadium. A cross-section of American society lives in the North Ward, including a large Latino community from South America and Puerto Rico as well as Irish and Italians. Bound by the Passaic River, Bloomfield and Bellevue Avenues, the ward offers easy access to suburban communities like Montclair, Bloomfield and Glen Ridge via the buses rapid transit system that runs along Bloomfield Avenue.

South Ward

Clinton Hill and Weequahic comprise the two primary neighborhoods in the South Ward. Clinton Hill is a bustling residential community with significant new residential and commercial construction underway. Weequahic is best known for its park of the same name, which lies at the southern end of the ward and boasts a large lake. With excellent access to Route 78, the ward also houses many businesses that support the nearby Newark Liberty International Airport. The city’s second largest hospital, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, not only serves residents, but also acts as a first responder to emergencies at the airport.

West Ward

Notable for its highly diverse immigrant community and fine residential neighborhoods, the West Ward is home to the Ivy Hill and Vailsburg sections of Newark. Both the West Side Park and Ivy Hill Park provide great places for adults and children to enjoy the outdoors. With easy access to the Garden State Parkway, the area borders Maplewood and South Orange. The well-known Seton Hall University is also adjacent to this ward.