Which areas should visitors avoid in Newark?

Question

Planning a visit to Newark and hoping to get some local insight. Are there any particular neighborhoods or areas that visitors unfamiliar with the city should generally avoid, especially during evening hours, for safety reasons?

Category: Food & Lifestyle

Answer 1

Springfield-Belmont / West Side – One of the neighborhoods with consistently higher violent crime and robberies.

South Ward and Clinton Hill – Parts of this neighborhood, especially away from main streets, have elevated incidents of theft and drug-related activity.

West Ward (including Vailsburg and parts of Ivy Hill) – Some sections report more shootings, robberies, and gang-related issues, particularly after dark.

Central Ward (near Springfield Avenue and certain public housing areas) – Crime rates here can be higher, especially in less developed or poorly lit blocks

Answer 2

While many parts of Newark are welcoming, visitors should use caution in residential areas far from the city center, especially after dark. The South and West Wards have neighborhoods that can be challenging, and it's best to be aware of your surroundings if your travels take you there. Crime patterns can be very specific, sometimes changing from one block to another.

For a more predictable experience, most visitors focus on the Ironbound district, known for its fantastic Portuguese and Spanish restaurants, and the downtown area around the Prudential Center and NJPAC. These spots are accustomed to foot traffic. Sticking to well-lit, populated main streets is a smart practice in any unfamiliar city.