Newark
Located in New Castle County, Newark combines college-town energy with suburban living. As home to the University of Delaware, the city's Main Street features local restaurants and shops that serve both students and long-term residents. The rental market accommodates various needs, from apartments near campus to residential communities throughout the city. Current average rents range from $1,226 for studios to $2,879 for four-bedroom homes. One-bedroom units average $1,459, reflecting a 2.2% annual increase, positioning Newark as an accessible option within the Delaware Valley region. Founded in 1694 by Scots-Irish and Welsh settlers, Newark maintains strong connections to its past while embracing modern life. The city encompasses over 12,000 acres of parkland, including White Clay Creek State Park and Iron Hill Park, offering extensive trail systems for outdoor recreation. The University of Delaware enhances the community through performing arts events and NCAA Division I athletics. The historic Curtis Paper Mill site represents an important piece of Newark's manufacturing heritage. Notable areas include the historic district surrounding Main Street, the Devon area, and the Paper Mill Road neighborhood, each with its own established character.
Silver Spring
Silver Spring combines city accessibility with neighborhood appeal just minutes from Washington, D.C. Home to more than 81,000 residents, the downtown area features an established arts and entertainment scene. Notable landmarks include the AFI Silver Theatre and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration headquarters. Current rental data shows one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,813 per month, while two-bedroom units average $2,068 monthly. The area offers extensive outdoor recreation through Rock Creek Park, Sligo Creek, and the Northwest Branch Trail system, with connected paths for hiking and biking. Silver Spring's story began in 1840 when Francis Preston Blair discovered the spring that inspired the community's name. Downtown hosts several annual events, including the Silver Spring Jazz Festival. The neighborhood features an array of international restaurants and convenient transportation access through the Red Line Metro station and Paul Sarbanes Transit Center. Housing choices include established neighborhoods like Woodside Park and downtown apartment communities, each offering distinct living experiences.
Belleville
Located in Essex County, bordering Bloomfield and Newark, Belleville is considered to be the Cherry Blossom Capital of America. Every year, Belleville hosts a festival celebrating the cherry blossom trees in Branch Brook Park, complete with live musical performances, cultural demonstrations, food, and children’s activities for thousands of visitors. Shopping options are plentiful in Belleville, with several strip malls and a commercial corridor along Washington Avenue. Belleville is also home to the Motorcycle Mall, a massive destination for everything pertaining to motorcycles and powersports. Belleville residents enjoy access to multiple golf courses, a wide variety of international cuisine, public transportation, and highways. New York City is just minutes away from this New Jersey suburb.
