In 1975, Harper's Magazine ranked Newark as the "worst city in America." Since then, Newark has gone far to surpass the expectations of both officials and residents. Recent recognition of Newark's transformation has led some to dub Newark as the "Little SoHo," given the sprawl of its art galleries, culture, esteemed restaurants, and new commercial buildings.
The largest city in New Jersey, Newark is located fives miles west of Manhattan. Port Newark is a major container shipping port. Newark Liberty International Airport, the nation's fifth busiest international air gateway, is an international airport operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Newark is also the third largest insurance center in United States. There are seven hospitals located in Newark; UMDNJ, New Jersey Medical School, operates The University Hospital.
Newark's recent transformation and convenient geographical location (a 20 minute ride from NY on the NJ Transit), has enticed many people to move to Newark for career and life opportunities.
History:
Newark was founded in 1666 by Connecticut Puritans. Its growth began in the early 1800s, namely due to Seth Boyden, a manufacturer of leather. The building of the Morris Canal in 1831 connected Newark with the New Jersey hinterland. From then until the mid 19th century, Newark became a major industrial center; famous figures such as John Wesley Hyatt and Thomas Edison resided here.
In the mid 20th century, Newark was a major city. Following WWII, Newark was affected by the Federal Housing Administration (making it impossible for many to get housing mortgages), and the construction of Interstate 280 and 78, and the New Jersey Turnpike. These highways further divided the city economically, separating the commuters from the residents.
Consequently, from 1950 to 1960, Newark's population dropped from 438,000 to 408,000. Despite new ethnic groups moving into Newark and the largely non-white population of the city, socio-economic power still fell largely in the hands of a small, white population. Tensions escalated during the 1967 Newark riots; after an African American was brutally beaten by police, a series of riots occurred.
Such tension existed into the 1970s and 1980s; during the 1990s, Newark opened a string of cultural centers. By the mid-200s, the crime rate fell by 58%, and the murder rate faced a similar dramatic decline.
Tourism:
Since being ranked "The Most Dangerous City in the Nation" by MONEY Magazine in 1996, Newark has worked to revamp its image as a city with the highest number of homicides into a city boasting considerable cultural attractions. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center opened on features the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and various visiting artists.
Other attractions include the New Jersey Historical Society, the Newark Public Library, the Jewish Museum of New Jersey, and the Museum of African American Music. The Newark Museum houses a world renowned Tibetan collection. City Without Walls, Gallery Aferro, and Aljira are the major art galleries located in Newark.
Riverfront Stadium, a 6,200 seat baseball stadium built for the Newark Bears, opened in July 1999.
New restaurants and shops are also attracting tourists from near and far.