Newark, De
Newark, Delaware is a vibrant city located in New Castle County in the northern part of the state of Delaware, United States. The city is situated at latitude 39.6837° N and longitude 75.7497° W. Newark encompasses several zip codes, with the primary ones being 19711, 19713, 19702, and 19716. The city lies within the Wilmington metropolitan area and is bordered by the communities of Brookside, Pike Creek, and Ogletown.
Newark covers a total area of approximately 9.3 square miles (24.1 km²), of which about 9.2 square miles is land and 0.1 square miles is water. The city is home to an estimated population of 31,155 as of the 2022 U.S. Census update. The racial makeup is approximately 74.5% White, 9.2% African American, 10.6% Asian, 4.3% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.4% from two or more races. Newark is notable for its youthful demographic, with a median age of around 23.5 years, largely due to the presence of the University of Delaware, which has a student population of over 24,000.
The city is divided into several neighborhoods and districts, each with its own distinct character. Major neighborhoods include:
- Downtown Newark: The commercial and cultural heart of the city, stretching along Main Street, featuring shops, restaurants, bars, and historic buildings.
- Academy Hill: A residential neighborhood known for its proximity to the University of Delaware and its historic homes.
- Fairfield/Fairfield Crest: Suburban neighborhoods east of downtown, popular with families and professionals.
- Cherry Hill Manor: An established community with tree-lined streets and a mix of single-family homes and apartments.
- Brookside: An unincorporated but locally significant area southeast of the city, containing several residential developments and shopping centers.
- Devon/Binns: Residential districts with a mix of townhouses and single-family homes, located southwest of the city center.
- University District: The area surrounding the University of Delaware campus, characterized by student housing, university facilities, and cultural venues.
Newark is an educational and research hub anchored by the University of Delaware, which is the city’s largest employer. The university grounds include the Delaware Stadium, Bob Carpenter Center, and the David M. Nelson Athletic Complex. The city is served by the Christina School District, which includes Newark High School, Downes Elementary School, and several others.
Newark is accessible via Interstate 95, Delaware Route 896, and is served by the Newark Amtrak and SEPTA train station, which connects to Philadelphia and other major cities. The city is within a 45-minute drive of Philadelphia International Airport and about an hour from Baltimore. Parks and recreation include the 650-acre White Clay Creek State Park, Rittenhouse Park, and the Newark Reservoir.
With a median household income of about $61,000 and a poverty rate of 22.5%, Newark balances college-town vibrancy with established residential communities. The city also boasts a strong tradition in sports, arts, and cultural events like the Newark Community Day, Food & Brew Festival, and Winterfest. All these features make Newark, DE a diverse and dynamic community in the Mid-Atlantic region.
