New Jersey is a state with many attractions, such as beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and vibrant cities. However, not every place in New Jersey is a desirable destination. Some cities in the Garden State are plagued by high crime rates, low incomes, poor education, and other social problems. Based on various sources and statistics, we have identified the worst city to live in New Jersey: Newark.
Why is Newark the worst city to live in New Jersey?
Newark is the most populous city in New Jersey and the second-largest city in the New York metropolitan area. It is also the most dangerous city in the state, with a violent crime rate of 6 per 1000 people in 2019, which is 73.14% higher than the national average.
Newark also has a high poverty rate of 27.8%, which is more than double the state average of 10.4%. The median household income in Newark is $37,642, which is less than half of the state median of $81,740. The median home value in Newark is $253,700, which is lower than the state median of $342,500.
Newark’s problems are not limited to economic and social issues. The city also suffers from environmental and health challenges. Newark has been dealing with a lead contamination crisis in its drinking water since 2017, affecting tens of thousands of residents. The city also has high levels of air pollution, which contributes to respiratory diseases and premature deaths.
Newark’s public schools are among the worst-performing in the state, with low graduation rates, test scores, and funding. The city also has a low quality of life, with few cultural and recreational opportunities, and a lack of public transportation and infrastructure.
What can be done to improve Newark’s situation?
Newark is not a hopeless case. The city has some potential and assets that can be leveraged to improve its situation. For example, Newark has a diverse and resilient population, with many immigrants and ethnic groups that contribute to the city’s culture and economy.
Newark also has a strategic location, being close to New York City and other major markets, and having a major airport, port, and railway hub. Newark also has some institutions and organizations that are working to revitalize the city, such as Rutgers University, Prudential, Audible, and the Newark Museum of Art.
To make Newark a better place to live, the city needs to address its core problems and challenges, such as crime, poverty, education, and health. This requires a collaborative and comprehensive approach, involving the government, the private sector, the non-profit sector, and the community. Some of the possible solutions and initiatives that can help Newark are:
1.) Investing in public safety and law enforcement, and implementing community policing and violence prevention programs.
2.) Providing more affordable housing and social services, and creating more economic opportunities and jobs for the residents.
3.) Improving the quality and accessibility of the drinking water, and reducing the air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
4.) Reforming and funding the public school system, and expanding the access and availability of higher education and vocational training.
5.) Enhancing the quality of life and livability of the city, and promoting the arts, culture, and tourism.
Conclusion
Newark is the worst city to live in New Jersey, according to various sources and statistics. The city faces many problems and challenges, such as high crime, low income, poor education, and environmental and health issues. However, Newark also has some potential and assets that can be used to improve its situation, such as a diverse and resilient population, a strategic location, and some institutions and organizations that are working to revitalize the city. Newark needs a collaborative and comprehensive approach to address its core problems and challenges, and to make the city a better place to live for its residents and visitors.