Newark, New Jersey

Newark, founded in 1666, is the third-oldest major city in the United States, after Boston and New York. It is New Jersey's largest city, and is the county seat of Essex County. Newark is located on Newark Bay, in the Gateway Region of the state, approximately a 14-mile (22-kilometer) drive east of Manhattan. For those who don't live in Newark, it's probably best known for its international airport, which is often used as an alternative to New York City's airports.

While you can head to New York when you live in Newark, you don't really have to, because there are plenty of things to do close to home. About 11 miles (18 kilometers) north in East Rutherford, you'll find the Meadowlands Sports Complex, which includes the Meadowlands Racetrack, Continental Airlines Arena, and Giants Stadium, and is home to the professional sports teams including the New Jersey Nets, the New Jersey Devils, and the New York Red Bulls (Major League Soccer), as well as the New York Giants and New York Jets – yes, these New York teams play in New Jersey!

If it's the arts that you're looking for, you can enjoy performances of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra or New Jersey State Opera, or take in a variety of shows at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center or Newark Symphony Hall. When you want a day to enjoy art and science, head for the Newark Museum, which also includes a mini zoo and planetarium.

When you want to learn about the city's history, you can visit the New Jersey Historical Society, and do walking tours to see some of the city's landmarks, such as the Plume House (c. 1725), Mount Pleasant Cemetery (from 1814), and the Ballantine House (1885).

When you want to get out, you can enjoy the city's 39 acres (16 hectares) of parks, or the county's 756 acres (306 hectares) of parks. And Liberty State Park, with its views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island, is only a few miles east.

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