Surrounded by miles of farmland, protected nature preserves and historic sites, Newark is experiencing a boom in population and opportunities but staying true to its roots. "It's going through a growth period due to its proximity to jobs coming out of Intel," says Nathan Blaydes, an agent at Re/Max Achievers. "But the small-town vibe is what's convincing people to stay." Located 40 miles east of Columbus, Newark began as a small village in 1802 and has grown through embracing industry, including everything from glass manufacturing to new technologies. Today, as the tech industry puts down roots in the region, the city welcomes a new crop of professionals drawn to its historic homes, educational resources and public spaces.
Located 40 miles east of Columbus, Newark began as a small village in 1802.
Newark has a small-town vibe that is very appealing to people.
The sculpture of two women conversing is located nest to the Court House in Newark, Ohio.
Newark is going through a growth period due to its proximity to jobs coming out of Intel.
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A city with a history of commerce
Newark is no stranger to an eclectic mix of commerce. Companies like Tamarack Dairy, International Paper and Boeing have offices in the city. The Longaberger Company's headquarters, however, is a road trip destination. The company marked its arrival in Newark with a seven-story corporate headquarters in the shape of one of its woven baskets, making it a must-stop for a great photo of unique architecture. Most recently, the opening of data centers for Intel, Facebook and Google has attracted residents from all over the country, with census data showing it as one of the fastest-growing cities in Ohio.
Tamarack Dairy, the largest fluid dairy plant in Ohio, is located in Newark.
International Paper Company has a distribution paper facility in Newark, Ohio.
The Boeing Company is one of the largest employers in Newark, Ohio.
The Longaberger Company's headquarters in Newark, Ohio, is a road trip destination.
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More people, more homes being built
The uptick in residents has increased the demand for housing, leading to new construction across the city. Existing homes reflect the city's history, with everything from renovated centennial farmhouses to cozy Cape Cods on eighth-acre lots, and the community is staying true to its style. "We're seeing a lot of new development," says Spencer Barker, Newark's fifth ward councilman. "So there's this effort to create something new with a historical feel."
Downtown-adjacent neighborhoods like Old Towne West have historic Tudors and American Foursquares. Communities like Edgewood Park, closer to the outskirts of town, are populated with midcentury ranch-style homes. Some of the newest construction dots the northern regions with subdivisions like The Meadowlands. While some older homes are priced in the $100,000s, the newest, largest construction peaks in the high $600,000s.
The Newark City School district has around 6,000 students and receives an overall C-plus rating from Niche, which lists them as one of the best schools in Licking County for athletes, a detail that's a point of pride with many administrators. "Our basketball teams have been state champions several times in recent years," says Seth Roy, communications coordinator at Newark City Schools. "Our track team is also really competitive, with a lot of our students taking it to the college level."
Opportunities for students include pre-college work, trade and career service skills. Ohio State University's Newark branch shares a campus with Central Ohio Technical College and partners with high schools to provide dual enrollment classes and mentoring.
Many houses on Hudson Avenue in Newark, Ohio are from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Midcentury ranch homes can be found on many streets of Newark, Ohio.
Some students attend the Ohio State University Newark Campus.
Younger students attend Legend Elementary School.
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Community spirit at the T.J. Evans Fishing Derby
Local attractions include the Midland Theater in Downtown Newark, Dawes Arboretum and the Canal Market District. 1922 On The Square is an upscale restaurant was erected in the site of the now-closed Natoma—a prized local cafe that closed its doors in 2010, 88 years after its founding. As a tribute to the Newark staple, 1922 features several menu items that Natoma specialized in.
Pizza is a local specialty, with over a dozen locally owned restaurants within the city limits. Though several styles are available, most prominent is Columbus-style pizza, which features a thin crust, dense toppings and square-cut pieces.
Newark's Parks and Recreation department maintains over 20 public parks and facilities, including T.J. Evans Park, which is dotted with several fishing ponds and is the annual Youth Fishing Derby site. Everett Park is known for its skatepark, while Horns Hill is popular with mountain bikers. The Newark Earthworks is the site of three ceremonial sites of the Hopewell Culture that lived in the area in the prehistoric era. 11 miles east, the landscape is filled with protected woodlands, with Blackhand Gorge State Nature Present and Taft Reserve providing over 1,100 acres of nature and a dozen miles of bike and walking trails.
The Licking County Courthouse Christmas tree lighting is a tradition that dates back to 1928. Held the Friday after Thanksgiving, the lighting is one the city's largest annual events, often bringing as many as 6,000 people a year.
Midland Theater is located in Downtown Newark, Ohio.
The Dawes Arboretum is a nonprofit arboretum located in Newark, Ohio.
The Canal Market Plaza in Newark sells local foods, art and more.
1922 On The Square is an upscale restaurant located in Downtown Newark, Ohio.
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Transportation
The city is cut in half by Routes 16 and 13, making for a 40-mile drive west into Columbus or a 130-mile drive northeast to Cleveland. The John Glenn Columbus International Airport is 35 miles west and features a dozen airlines that offer almost 150 daily flights to cities like Los Angeles, Washington and Toronto. The Licking County Transit system offers regular weekday bus travel through the town and as far west as Granville.
Important to know
According to FBI statistics, Newark's property crime rate in 2023 was 45% higher than the Ohio average and 31% higher than the national average. Newark's violent crime rate in the same year was 1% higher than Ohio's average and 9% higher than the national average.
With hot summers and cold winters, locals consider Newark a four-season community, though many consider it milder than other areas in Central Ohio. "You don't get as much lake effect snow because we're further from Lake Erie," explains Nathan Blaydes.
Amanda is the broker and owner of Realty ONE Group Refined. Real estate is her passion, and she loves helping people. Amanda is committed to providing all clients with the service they deserve. She promises to be honest, knowledgeable, timely, responsible and, most importantly, always devoted to the client’s best interests.
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.
