Fairmount - Newark, NJ Area Guide

The third oldest settlement in New Jersey, Newark was founded in 1666 by Connecticut Puritans. The city saw a boom in the early 19th century when it manufactured 90 percent of the nation's leather. By the early 20th century, Newark was a cultural icon of New Jersey with skyscrapers, a quickly growing community and over 50 live theatres. Financial difficulties hit Newark after World War II, and interest in the city declined. Since then, Newark has and continues to undergo a renaissance, opening sports stadiums and a performing arts center while revitalizing many of the city’s older sections. A monument showcasing the landing of the Puritans resides in Fairmount Cemetery.

The Newark Museum in the neighboring University District hosts a plethora of events per year — not to mention featured exhibitions and work from artists around the world. Newark Museum includes Dreyfuss Planetarium, hosting shows ranging from comet collisions to mythology.

Local restaurants are plentiful in Fairmount. People's Choice Restaurant on Central Avenue's authentic West Indian dishes such as jerk chicken, oxtails and cow foot stew bring hungry patrons from all over Newark into the restaurant. The name is no mistake, and with appetizing smells inside the casual restaurant, generous portions and a quick staff serving many at a time, People's Choice Restaurant is a popular must try for anybody in the area.

Ambassador Fish and Chicken 's loyal patrons have helped expand this local restaurant to three locations. The Fairmount location serves up seasoned fried chicken, wings, jumbo shrimp and grilled chicken dishes. Though tilapia, cat fish and whiting fillet dishes are available, the crispy fried chicken in Ambassador's wins over the hardest of food pleasers with moist chicken under a crispy fried, seasoned skin. Calling in an order ahead of pickup may save some waiting time, but the popularity of Ambassador's draws lines out the front door, so you may still experience wait times of 30 minutes or more.

In nearby University Heights, traditional Irish pub McGovern's Tavern brings together locals and college students for trivia nights, daily drink specials and a great atmosphere. From the street, McGovern's resembles many nondescript corner bars in the area. Inside, Celtic artifacts, police and firefighter memorabilia and vintage photos surround a fully circular bar piled high with spirits. McGovern's features live music and entertainment and is the only bar in the area where police officers, college students, locals and men-in-kilts share a brew and conversation.

Fairmount residents find many businesses and necessities within walking distance of home. Traveling outside the Fairmount neighborhood requires public transportation. Several bus lines and light rail stations with stops in Jersey City and Penn Station are easily accessible within the neighborhood. Taxi services around Fairmount are available 24 hours a day with specialty rates for within city destinations, but Uber drivers are not available in the Fairmount neighborhood. Parking in Fairmount does not have cost, but metered parking in the Downtown area costs $1.50 per hour. Downtown parking garages have daily rates.

Drivers in Fairmount are within close distance of the Garden State Park running throughout New Jersey. Route 280 splits Fairmount and Roseville, connecting with Route 80 and the New Jersey Turnpike. Without bike lanes, Fairmount can be troublesome to navigate. Travelers to University Heights and the Downtown area will find bike lanes providing comfort and ease of access to most businesses and attractions.

The renovated West Side Park includes basketball and tennis courts, a football field and a community center gym. A running track around the football field provides exercise opportunities for the whole family. West Side Park hosts live entertainment, and past performers include Diane Warwick and Whitney Houston. Open recreation and playground make West Side Park safe for children, but dogs are not permitted.

Costs in Fairmount fall 7.3 percent lower than the New Jersey average. Houses in the community are 14 percent lower than those in neighboring University Heights. Likewise, renting a one-bedroom apartment in Fairmount costs 10 percent less per month when compared to other Newark communities. Most bars in Fairmount serve beer at $4 to 5 a pint, and gas prices throughout Newark come in at 8.7 percent cheaper than the national average.

Operating since 1878, Serratelli Hat Company lays claim to fame as Fairmount's oldest boutique. Though selling cowboy hats in Northern New Jersey doesn't sound easy, this two-story enterprise has made a success of assembling and steaming cowboy hats in house. Husband and wife duo Dean and Christina Serratelli operate the sales floor while in cowboy attire and are happy to assist with fittings and offer advice. Elmot Clervil Healthfood Store on S. Orange Avenue uses herbs and natural remedies to help clients rebuild immune systems. A personal consultation with doctors of Naturalistic Medicine ensures products made entirely with you in mind.

For a full day of shopping, Fairmount residents benefit from the many stores near Rutgers University on Market Street. Stop in V.I.M. on Broad Street for the latest in trendy urban apparel, sneakers, jeans and accessories for the whole family. While shopping in University Heights, be sure to check out Military Park just across the street and the Wars of America monument created by sculptor Gutzon Borglum of Mount Rushmore notoriety.