North Ironbound - Newark, NJ

North Ironbound has been an ethnic melting pot since it's inception at the mid-point of the 20th century. Portuguese immigrants flocked to the district in the 1950's and remain to this day. The community is responsible for the thriving district, with the economy continuing to be strong. The city has invested into making the area a vital business hub and transportation link in the community.

The Portugal Festival every June celebrates the district's heritage, with thousands descending on the streets to indulge in culinary delights and culture. Food tents, beer gardens, art shows and live music played from an enormous sound stage liven the senses, drawing a crowd of over 300,000 people every year.

Every September brings the Brazilian Weekend Festival, another cultural extravaganza proudly displaying Brazilian arts, music and of course, food. A free open air event, families attend in droves.

When it comes to Spanish, Portugese and Central American cuisine, North Ironbound has a multitude of options to choose from, making it hard to pick clear winners for this district. Nearly 200 restaurants line the streets alongside clubs, coffee houses and a diverse variety of shops.

Adega Grill features an inviting space displaying stone fireplaces, warm candlelight and upholstered sofa seating. Walk through the wrought-iron gates to hear the melody of the live piano player and the sounds of the city soon disappear. A wine list featuring over 180 different wines and inventive daily specials keep customers as regulars. The Parilhada de Marisco, a seafood dish to be shared, comes with a flavorful mixture of king crab legs, lobster, shrimp, mussels, clams and scallops, consolidating its place as a must for the seafood lover. The beautiful combination of generous portions and savory fare make Adega a not-to-be-missed spot.

For smaller plates like sweet potato and bleu cheese empanadas or chorizo in cider, Catas provides the most affordable and flavorful plates in the district. Larger portions of Paella or Phyllo-wrapped salmon are served for dinner, carafes of sangria are shared between tables and the bar stays full of energy. Get here early as the place packs in patrons quickly, even on weeknights.

Nightlife in North Ironbound is nothing short of rowdy. In standard Ironbound fashion, quiet lounges stand beside pulsating clubs and beers are served beside flaming shots. Hell's Kitchen Lounge's funky, laid-back vibe welcomes a younger crowd of locals and out-of-towners to the offbeat, almost eccentric dive bar. The mid-week slump finds itself easily remedied with Bacon and Beer Wednesdays or the famed Thursday Burlesque shows.

Easy access to highways, short walks to train stations and buses and cabs galore make it easy to get around town.

The NJ Transit commuter station remains within walking distance, with direct service to New York City and destinations throughout the tri-state area. Buses have stops throughout the district, and taxis are easily hailed. Uber service is available for added convenience.

With congested streets and an overflow of car traffic, parking continues to be hard to find. Garages and lots stay open for a fee, but it could be worth the cash. Major thoroughfares of N.J. Route 78, The New Jersey Turnpike and The Garden State Parkway are all easily accessible from town.

Ample sidewalks make walking the neighborhood a possibility, while bike lanes and pedestrian safety measures provide a way to cycle or hoof it around the neighborhood.

In the most densely populated section of Newark, Independence Park makes provides a much-needed urban oasis in this concrete jungle. The district's only park, Independence Park features soccer fields, basketball courts, hockey rink and playground. The park can usually be found overflowing with locals, bikers and both kids and adults playing soccer, the district's unofficial sport of choice. Dogs are always welcome as well.

The cost of living in the district runs slightly higher than Newark's average. A one-bedroom apartment rental rate averages around $950 a month. Close access to public transportation, tons of options for shopping and dining and a close-knit community spirit make the mark up worth it.

A beer in a local establishment runs around $6, and a train ride to nearby New York costs $5. Gas prices cost about 10 percent less than the nation's average, easing the burden of city driving.

Ferry Street in North Ironbound continues to be one of the most famed streets in Newark, filled with shops, boutiques and coffee houses with a distinct ethnic flair. Pegasus Sporting Goods, a soccer shop filled with colorful jerseys, team gear, hats and all kinds of soccer swag has served the community for decades with its memorabilia.

Portugalia Sales stays packed to the gills with imported ceramics, bakeware and other tchotchke items hailing from Portugal. With knowledgeable owners and a friendly staff, even a stop in for a friendly chat makes for an informative few minutes.

Seabra Foods, a tiny corner lot grocery store with produce lining the sidewalk, welcomes in patrons to clean aisles of ethnic foods and diverse selection of oils, coffees and pastries.

Popular Fish Market contains a smorgasbord of sea creatures for your own culinary creations. The dried salt-cured cod has a hard time staying on the shelves, likely because it's said to have over 70 uses in Portuguese dishes. Common Greens Farmer's Market sits right down the street, with affordable prices, a wide selection of produce and friendly employees.