Is Newark worth it salary-wise?

Leo Ruiz Mar 25, 2026

OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.

Background: I'm a chef, 39, moved here 8 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in Uptown and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.

**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year

**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Summers can be brutally hot
3. The safety situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving

**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: More affordable, family-friendly.

**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.

**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Phoenix, everything felt surprisingly good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.

**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.

39 upvotes

Leah Myers Mar 14, 2026

Moved here last year, no regrets.

28 upvotes

Aiden S. Mar 17, 2026

Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.

I've been here 10 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.

That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is improving.

Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Midtown side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.

Happy to answer more specific questions..

11 upvotes