Firstly why Newark, Delaware?
I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:
- City: Newark
- State: Delaware
- Population: 31,400 people
- Newark’s quick summary would be home to the University of Delaware this vibrant college town is filled with culture entertainment and a lively arts scene.
Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:
- How many people move-in: 2,500 annually
- While this many move-out: 587 annually
- Net Migration: 1913 more people in (net) annual change
- Non-Citizen Move-in: 940
- Number of Homeless people: 235
You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it home to the University of Delaware attracts students and young professionals
Perk #1: Newark Demographic Mix & Lifestyle
- The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
- Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 62%
- Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
- The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Black
- The median income is (and growing) $70,545
- Income Required to Live Comfortably in Newark is $88,000
- Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $17455 in positive cash flow
This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?
Perk #2: Housing & Newark’s Cost of Living
- Cost of Living Index: 118 (100 is the US average)
- Annual Property Tax Per House: $2,200
- Property Tax %: 1.04%
- Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,900
- Rent for an average house: $2,300
- Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Newark
- Top 5 Growing Areas: Newark, University of Delaware, Southside, Bear, and probably could include Christiana
- Avg. Age of Homes in Newark: 43 years
- The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.4%
If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.
Perk #3: Job Market & Newark’s Economy
- 3 Industries gaining traction in Newark are Education, Healthcare, and Technology
- Newark Job Scene: strong job market in education and healthcare
- The General Tech Scene: developing tech landscape supported by the University of Delaware and local startups , ,
- Newark Resident’s pay $1,800 in City Tax alone!
- Local Sales Tax in Newark: 0%
- No. of Independent Businesses: 220 (excluding chains and corporates)
- Number of Local Branch Banks: 7
Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.
Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Newark
- Monthly Transportation Costs: $115 on average per person
- Freeway Access: I-95 runs near Newark connecting it to Philadelphia and beyond
- Commute Time: 28 minutes (public & private)
- Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic slowing on S College Avenue
- Transportation Score: 56 out of 100 described as Good Transit
- No. of Vehicles Registered in Newark: 52,000
- Cars registered per Person: 1.7
- No. of Car Washes: 5 in and around the city
- DMV Website for Newark: dmv.de.gov
- The Bike-Friendly Score: 63 of 100
- Local Airport: Newark
Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.
Perk #5: Newark’s Weather & Natural Factors
- The Most Common Natural Disaster is Flood
- General Weather in Newark is best described as experiences cold winters with occasional snow and mild summers with temperatures in the 70s
- Winter Weather in Newark i’d describe as mild with wet weather
- Spring Weather in Newark can be described as mild and rainy
- Summer’s in Newark are mostly warm and humid
- Fall ( the nicest time) in Newark is usually mild and sunny
- How many days in a row over 90°F: 20 days in summer
- Days in a row in Newark below Freezing: 14
- Average Annual Rainfall: 43 inches
- Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality with some urban influences
- Newark Winter Air average air quality minor urban pollution impacts
Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.
Perk #6: Newark Education & Schools
- The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
- Number of Colleges and Universities in Newark 12
- While the number of trade schools inside Newarks’s city limits are 3
- Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Newark Free Library
If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.
Perk #7: Healthcare & Newark Stats
- Typical EMS Response Time: 8 minutes
- Registered Full-Time Newark only Doctors is about 175
- Local Hospitals here is 2
- Full-time Newark only Police Officers is about 73
- Crime Rate Index: 52/100
Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.
Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality
- Newark’s Monthly utility bill average is $215
- Newark’s Monthly Gym Membership: $36
- Newark’s Water Quality Score: 78
Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.
Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Newark
- Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 6 annually
- The General Local City Vibe: home to a university with lively activities and community engagement
- You might enjoy local theater productions
- Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Newark offers a vibrant college-town atmosphere with bars and dining options suited for socializing
If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.
Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Newark
- The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes fast food chains and local family-friendly restaurants
- The Number of Independent Restaurants are 85 scattered around Newark
- The Popular Sports Team is Newark High School
- Top Level Political Climate in Newark can be described as liberal college town with a focus on education and social issues
- Newark’s Longer standing religious establishment is Newark United Church of Christ
Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.
Perk #11: Newark Parks & Green Spaces
- Did you know Newark has 2 Parks?
- Christina Park is Newark’s Green Space Center
- The local favorite Farmers Market is Newark Farmers Market normally open Wednesday 3pm-5pm
- Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, picnicking, and cycling
Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.
Perk #12: Newark Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity
- The Pace of Life in Newark can be described as balanced college town life with amenities and a youthful vibe
- 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Newark picnicking in parks attending college events exploring nature
- The Cities people commute to from Newark are Elkton 12 miles away Bear 11 miles away Wilmington 11 miles away
Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.
8 Drawbacks about Newark or are they?
No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.
- Traffic/Commute Issues
Maybe you read: traffic slowing on S College Avenue. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts. - Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
Newark’s Flood risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up. - Pricey Neighborhoods
If Newark is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Newark are Elkton 12 miles away Bear 11 miles away Wilmington 11 miles away. - Crime Rate Concerns
With a 52 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this. - Harsh Climate Contrasts
Newark has 14 days in a row below freezing and 20 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it. - Limited Extra Funds
After general costs of living here in Newark people have an average (positive or negative) $17455 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here. - Homelessness or Social Challenges
235 homeless people living in Newark. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions. - Cultural/Political Mismatch
The general liberal college town with a focus on education and social issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Newark.
Retiree & Senior Life in Newark
- Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can can access property tax exemptions providing significant savings
- The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Summit
- Newark Senior Center provides educational programs fitness classes and social events for seniors
If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.
Moving to Newark, Delaware?
If Newark, Delaware ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help
As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.
A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Newark, Delaware, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!