Newark, located just a 20-minute train ride to New York City, is in the middle of all the action. With ample access to transit lines, a plethora of restaurants, and plenty of other amenities, Newark is a city of character and culture.
While Newark has so much to offer, buying a home or renting an apartment here won’t be for everyone. Thankfully, there are plenty of amazing places to live near Newark that don’t have the same heavy traffic, high cost of living, and hustle and bustle. To help you find the right place to buy or rent in, Redfin has gathered a list of 8 great cities near Newark to consider instead.
#1: Elizabeth, NJ
Miles from Newark: 6
Population: 128,500
Median home sale price: $470,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,879
Walk Score: 80
Bike Score: 47
Transit Score: 54
Elizabeth is the largest city in Union County, New Jersey. Elizabeth was built on shipping and industry, but it has modernized into a picturesque residential community with urban amenities. This city has a rich history that can be seen through the city’s grand architecture, such as the Elizabeth Public Library and the Union County Courthouse.
There is a lot to do in Elizabeth, NJ. The city has many parks, including Warinanco Park and Elizabeth River Park. There are also several museums and historic sites, including the Liberty Hall Museum, the Museum of Russian Icons, and the site of the Battle of Springfield.
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#2: Hoboken, NJ
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Miles from Newark: 10
Population: 53,500
Median home sale price: $855,000
Average 1-bed rent: $3,599
Walk Score: 97
Bike Score: 74
Transit Score: 78
Hoboken is a small New Jersey city west of the Hudson River. It is only 1.28 square miles and is referred to as “the mile square city.”
There are plenty of things to do in this vibrant city. Some of the many museums you can visit in Hoboken are the Hoboken Historical Museum, which is popular with locals and tourists, and the Hoboken Fire Department Museum. There is also a unique arts and culture scene, with performing arts venues such as the Hudson Theatre Ensemble and Mile Square Theatre. Make sure you grab a bite to eat at La Isla Restaurant and Zack’s Oak Bar & Restaurant for a small taste of what this city offers. There’s something for everyone living in Hoboken.
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#3: Union City, NJ
Miles from Newark: 11
Population: 68,000
Median home sale price: $490,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,950
Walk Score: 94
Bike Score: 80
Transit Score: 54
Union City is a historic city located just off the Hudson River. It has a rich cultural heritage and a tight-knit community.
Union City, New Jersey, is full of exciting things to do. There are several parks, including Liberty State Park, which offers a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking. There are also several museums, such as the Liberty Science Center, which offers a variety of interactive exhibits. Additionally, Union City is home to many restaurants, bars, and shops.
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#4: Jersey City, NJ
Miles from Newark: 12
Population: 263,000
Median home sale price: $605,000
Average 1-bed rent: $4,085
Walk Score: 87
Bike Score: 70
Transit Score: 64
Jersey City is a city with a rich history, situated between the Hudson and Hackensack Rivers. Once a city driven by the shipping and manufacturing industries, Jersey City has now transformed into a modern urban community. Old factories have been repurposed into office buildings and housing units, and abandoned rail yards are now landscaped parks.
There are several things to do while living in Jersey City. Some popular attractions include Liberty State Park, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. There are also many museums and historical sites located in the city.
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#5: Clifton, NJ
Miles from Newark: 12
Population: 85,500
Median home sale price: $480,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,721
Walk Score: 62
Bike Score: 45
Transit Score: 44
Clifton, NJ, is famous for Montclair State University, its agricultural roots, and its strong economy. Something fascinating about the city is that many scenes from numerous TV shows and movies were filmed throughout Clifton, including The Sopranos.
There are plenty of things to do while living in Clifton. Residents can go to the Clifton Arts Center, the Clifton Nature Center, or the Clifton Community Pool. They can also visit the Clifton Performing Arts Center, the Clifton Public Library, or the Clifton Recreation Department. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops to explore in Clifton.
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#6: Edison, NJ
Miles from Newark: 26
Population: 101,000
Median home sale price: $540,500
Average 1-bed rent: $1,940
The city of Edison, New Jersey, is named after the famous inventor Thomas Edison. The town is very proud of its most famous citizen and has many tributes to Edison, including a museum, park, and memorial tower.
There are plenty of things to do if you decide to move to Edison. For one, you can check out the Thomas Edison National Historical Park, which is dedicated to preserving the site of the famous inventor’s laboratory. If you’re looking for some shopping and dining options, you can head to Menlo Park Mall or one of the many other shopping centers in the area. And if you’re looking for a place to have some fun with the kids, you can visit the Liberty Science Center or the Bronx Zoo.
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#7: Yonkers, NY
Miles from Newark: 29
Population: 200,000
Median home sale price: $512,500
Average 1-bed rent: $2,279
Walk Score: 69
Bike Score: 53
Transit Score: 37
Yonkers is New York’s fourth largest city, located along the Hudson River, and is the largest city in Westchester County. Yonkers is a diverse city and is home to many businesses and industries, as well as several colleges and universities.
There are plenty of things to do while living in Yonkers. For starters, you can check out the Yonkers Raceway, which is a harness racing track that also features electronic gambling. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also go whitewater rafting on the Hudson River. And, of course, no trip to Yonkers would be complete without visiting the Saw Mill River, which is a popular spot for fishing. Yonkers is also a cultural hub, with the Hudson River Museum, Sarah Lawrence College, shopping centers, and arts and entertainment venues.
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#8: New Rochelle, NY
Miles from Newark: 34
Population: 79,500
Median home sale price: $841,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,822
Walk Score: 64
Bike Score: 42
Transit Score: 47
New Rochelle, NY, is known for its stone mansions, manicured lawns, and beautiful views of the Long Island Sound. Rochelle Park was one of the first planned communities in the nation. The city also has 9.3 miles of shoreline, 231 acres of public parks, and a municipal marina.
New Rochelle is a great city to live in with a wide variety of activities to keep you busy. From dining at local restaurants to visiting one of the many parks, you’ll never find yourself bored in New Rochelle. Some of the well-known museums include the Thomas Paine Cottage and the Museum of Arts and Culture. There are also many performing arts venues, such as Fleetwood Stage and New Rochelle Opera, that contribute to the city’s unique arts and culture scene. Parks are abundant in New Rochelle, where you can find green spaces like Glen Island Park & Beach, Five Islands Park, and Hudson Park. There’s also a variety of unique eateries and restaurants that appeal to every palette in the city.
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Methodology: All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 and be less than 50 miles away from Newark. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during August 2022. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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