AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Newark, NJ — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Newark neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$1,500/mo
Median Rent
311,549
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
Rutgers University
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Newark? What Renters Need to Know

The median rent in Newark is around $1,500 per month, which is notably affordable given its proximity to New York City — just 9 miles away. The Ironbound neighborhood commands premium rents of $1,600-$1,800, while other areas can be found for $1,100-$1,400.

Quick Facts

Population 311,549
Median Rent $1,500/mo
Top Employer Rutgers University
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$1,500 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Newark median rent matches the national median of $1,500/mo exactly.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Newark is Rutgers University, making the Forest Hill area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Newark

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Forest Hill

Score: 78/100
Safety B
Walk Score 74
Avg Rent $1,700
Schools 6/10
#2

Ironbound

Score: 80/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 83
Avg Rent $1,600
Schools 6/10
#3

University Heights

Score: 71/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 76
Avg Rent $1,400
Schools 5/10

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#4

Vailsburg

Score: 68/100
Safety C+
Walk Score 69
Avg Rent $1,200
Schools 4/10
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#5

North Ironbound

Score: 74/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 80
Avg Rent $1,500
Schools 5/10
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#6

Downtown Newark

Score: 73/100
Safety B-
Walk Score 87
Avg Rent $1,800
Schools 5/10
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#7

South Ward

Score: 61/100
Safety C
Walk Score 65
Avg Rent $1,050
Schools 3/10
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#8

Weequahic

Score: 66/100
Safety C+
Walk Score 68
Avg Rent $1,200
Schools 4/10
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See All 8 Newark Neighborhoods Ranked

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How It Works

How ListWise Scores Newark Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Newark renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Newark.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Newark properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Newark

What is the average rent in Newark?

The median rent in Newark is around $1,500 per month, which is notably affordable given its proximity to New York City — just 9 miles away. The Ironbound neighborhood commands premium rents of $1,600-$1,800, while other areas can be found for $1,100-$1,400. New luxury developments downtown are pushing prices higher in some pockets.

Is Newark safe to live in?

Newark has historically had high crime rates, but targeted neighborhoods have improved significantly. The Ironbound (East Ward) and Forest Hill areas are considered the safest and most livable. Downtown is undergoing significant revitalization. As with any major city, doing block-level research and visiting neighborhoods at different times of day before committing is strongly recommended.

What is the commute like from Newark to New York City?

Newark is one of the most transit-connected cities to Manhattan. NJ Transit trains reach Penn Station in as little as 20 minutes, and PATH trains connect to lower Manhattan. Newark Liberty International Airport is a major hub. Many NYC workers choose Newark specifically for its $600-$1,000/month rent savings combined with a short commute.

What is Newark's Ironbound neighborhood like?

The Ironbound is Newark's crown jewel — a vibrant, safe Portuguese and Brazilian immigrant community known for outstanding restaurants, lively street life, and tight community bonds. Ferry Street is lined with some of the best churrascaria and Portuguese seafood restaurants in the Northeast. The neighborhood has low crime by Newark standards and strong residential demand.

What is Newark's economic trajectory?

Newark has been experiencing significant investment and revitalization. Rutgers-Newark, NJIT, and Essex County Community College anchor an education sector. Prudential Financial, Panasonic North America, and Audible (Amazon) are major private employers. The Gateway development project and ongoing downtown investment signal growing confidence in the city's trajectory.

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Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.