An industry town finds a way to promote diverse lifestyles
Elizabeth is only about 5 miles south of Newark, the most populous city in New Jersey, but it has an identity all its own – many identities, in fact. Day-to-day life is hardly uniform: On the west side is Elmora, a suburban neighborhood. Heading east, there's downtown and then the coastal neighborhood of Elizabethport. “Elizabeth is a very diverse city, with different levels of income and associated lifestyles,” says Mario Aristizabal, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Liberty. “It’s not a regular town, like Cranford where there’s a high-end section and a downtown but then it’s pretty much the same throughout,” he adds, speaking of the locality just 5 miles west.
Still, there are some consistencies to Elizabeth that structure the experience of living here. “The heritage of Elizabeth as a whole is more industrial and utilitarian,” says Thomas Mosera, a Realtor with Premium One Realty. The Singer Sewing Machine Company was one of the city’s founding businesses. Today, the Bayway Refinery is a top employer, as is the Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal – one of the world’s busiest ports. City government, large retail centers and the public school system are also engines of the local economy. More than 140,000 people live here and the median age is 36.
North End Pizza provides fresh slices in a casual environment.
Mattano Park has playgrounds, splash pads and sports amenities.
Peterstown Cultural Festival features fresh cannolis among other yummy delicacies.
Elizabeth Avenue is one of the main shopping streets in Peterstown.
1/4
Suburban homes, historic colonials and multi-family properties
Elmora, on the west end, is one of the most popular places to live. Since much of the city’s housing is multi-family, Elmora's collection of single-owner homes just stands out. “It’s a convenient suburban neighborhood,” says Romina Scandroglio, a Realtor with Keller Williams Metropolitan. “You have Elmora Avenue which is filled with shops, businesses, a supermarket.” However, some homebuyers enjoy the historic appeal, especially because it gives the west side an eclectic look. “Remember that Elizabeth was one of the earliest New Jersey cities,” says Aristizabal. “There are 19th-century colonials, Tudors and other styles. Lawns are a point of pride for these owners, too. Very well-manicured and well kept.”
Splitting the southern and northern sides of Elizabeth is often a handy way to navigate the housing market. “There are two sections to Elizabeth: south of Route 9, closer to the port, and north of Route 9,” says Aristizabal. “If you want new construction, go south more towards Elizabethport,” says Scandroglio, speaking of the coastal neighborhood. More Realtors agree, and mention that homebuyers can continue searching along the Peterstown and Bayway neighborhoods for more new construction. “Soon as they come on the market, they tend to go under contract soon,” says Rosmena De Sa, a Realtor with RE/MAX New Millennium Group. But the north side is different. “North Elizabeth has a lot of big colonials, especially in the Westminster neighborhood,” Scandroglio says.
Others share that way of explaining Elizabeth’s layout. “Westminster is composed of huge homes, it’s a historical neighborhood,” says Sagrario Javier, a Realtor with EXP Realty. Overall, homebuyers should expect to spend at least $400,000 whether they choose the single-owner or multi-family route. “Single-family homes range from $430,000 to $800,000 or even $900,000 while multi-families range from $600,000 to $1.2 million,” says Aristizabal.
There is a large amount of single family homes available in Elmora.
An example of a new multifamily house in Peterstown, NJ.
Elizabeth blends architectural innovation with homely comfort.
The Victorian Revival style in Elizabethport is a nod to the past.
1/4
Charter options and Kean University
Niche gives an overall B-minus to Elizabeth Public Schools, where over 28,000 students attend 37 schools. “We have some of the best schools in the state, and that’s one of the reasons people choose to move here,” says Aristizabal. “Over the past 10 to 15 years, the Board of Education has been focused on raising the level of schools. We have lots of charter academies in the district and college prep programs, so students can take classes with universities.”
Kean University is another prominent educational feature of the city. It’s the state's fourth-largest university, and is known for its research in the fields of science, technology and math. Liberty Hall Museum is on the university's campus and was built in 1772 for William Livingston, who became the state's first governor. The building is on the National Historic Register and has hosted visitors such as U.S. President George Washington among other politicians of the day.
Elizabeth High School is committed to student success.
Welcome to Elizabeth High School in Elmora.
Number 14 Abraham Lincoln school serves the student's of Elmora, NJ.
No. 28 Duarte-Marti School: A cornerstone of education in Elizabethport's community.
1/4
U.S. Route 9 is a defining feature of the city
U.S. Route 9 not only divides the north and south sides of Elizabeth, it’s also a reliable way to reach Newark, roughly 5 miles north. Anybody entering Elizabeth from the north will notice Newark International Liberty Airport, which is hugged by Route 9. This is the 13th-busiest airport in the country, with United Airlines and FedEx being the busiest tenants.
Interstate 95 runs parallel and is another option for exploring the region. Commuters can get to Lower Manhattan in about an hour. Those in the Bayway neighborhood can drive over the Goethals Bridge and reach Staten Island within minutes. There’s a train station on Broad Street near downtown, and the North Elizabeth station is on North Avenue, next to Kellog Park. Buses pass along key roads, like North Avenue, which connects with Kean University.
Plenty of parks along the Elizabeth River
“Warinanco Park is a very popular hangout, especially because it’s shared with the neighboring community of Roselle,” says Aristizabal. “People go there to run, play baseball, cricket, soccer.” Mattano Park is another crowd-pleaser, because it offers views of the Elizabeth River and has diverse athletic facilities like a skate park and basketball courts. More waterfront fun can be found at Veterans Memorial Park, where the Elizabeth River empties into the bay. Activities include strolling the boardwalk, biking the throughway and watching boats dock at the marina. For a long hike, visitors can go to Elizabeth River Park on the north side near the Westminster neighborhood. Stretching up into Hillside Township, the park offers shade with plenty of trees.
The Waterfront Parks have great views and green space, making then great for kids and pets.
Elizabethport Marina: Where serene waters greet the shores of a bustling neighborhood.
Phil Rizzuto County Park in Elizabeth is a favorite spot for joggers and bikers.
The Elizabeth River Trail in Peterstown, is a 9 mile path through Essex and Union counties.
1/4
Latin American food is big here, but so is pizza
Select eateries in Elizabeth have hit the social media jackpot, going viral and drawing visitors to their small storefronts. “Santillo’s has appeared on a Barstool review because they have such great pizza,” says Aristizabal. The Bayway neighborhood, home to Santillo’s, is next to the Peterstown neighborhood – which has its own sensation. “DiCosmo’s on Second Avenue is amazing,” says Javier, about the Italian ice shop. “They have two flavors, and it’s all cash. Tiny place.” The two flavors are usually orange and lemon, although in recent years the owners have offered pineapple.
Aristizabal notes that there’s a significant Hispanic and Latin American population in Elizabeth, and this presence shows up strongly in the dining scene. “The great thing about the diverse lifestyles here is that they bring so many different types of food,” he says. “We have great Colombian food. Some of those places have been open 50 years. Peterstown is heavily influenced by Italian and Portuguese culture. The entire city comes out for Peterstown Fest.”
For shopping, people from around the region flock to Jersey Gardens, an outlet mall. The largest of its kind in the state, it features over 200 stores and restaurants. City officials have figured out a way to leverage it for Elizabeth’s economy even more. “There’s a shuttle going from the airport to the mall, that’s why it’s so successful,” says Aristizabal. “It’s not just because the locals go. If someone has a layover or a long stop, they’ll go to the mall, which is humongous.”
Sacco's Meat Market has been serving the community for more than 75 years.
Start your day with a taste of Colombia at Brisas Colombia Bakery in Downtown Elizabeth.
Las Ameriaca's Bakery Cake Display Case
Residents can enjoy tasty food at Brisas Columbian Restaurant in Elmora.
1/4
Police attempting to tamp down on high crime rates
Elizabeth is known for having humid summers, and while winter can bring snow, it’s not as drastic as in Newark. The highest snowfall happens in January, on average around 6 inches.
According to FBI crime data, there were 2,472 violent crimes reported in 2023. That's an increase of 4.25% from the year before. There were 3,986 property crimes reported for 2023, an increase of 16.3% from the year before.
As a RE/MAX® agent, I’m dedicated to helping my clients find the home of their dreams. Whether you are buying or selling a home or just curious about the local market, I would love to offer my support and services. I know the local community — both as an agent and a neighbor — and can help guide you through the nuances of our local market. With access to top listings, a worldwide network, exceptional marketing strategies and cutting-edge technology, I work hard to make your real estate experience memorable and enjoyable.
I look forward to the opportunity to work with you. Please don’t hesitate to contact me today!
Reviews:
*****5 Stars***** Paula Ceballos Wrote:
Albertina was super helpful with my home buying process. She was great with communicating and very patient throughout everything. I would definitely recommend!
*****5 Stars***** Nicholas Gaviria Wrote:
Albertina is an awesome agent who helped a family member of mine! She did a great job negotiating for them and helping my family member navigate through the deal. I will definitely be recommending her to all my family and friends!
*****5 Stars***** Jonathan Vasquez Wrote:
I had an exceptional experience working with my Albertina. Her professionalism, market knowledge, and dedication made the entire process smooth. She went above and beyond to find the perfect home for my parents and I, and I highly recommend her services to anyone in need of a reliable and skilled real estate agent.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
