Renting in Ironbound Section, Newark (fit in, apartment, rent)

[Journeyman2]

I recently visited the Ironbound section in newark and was impressed by the location (close to train station) and vitality there. I am interested in renting something there but am not sure whether I would fit in (I don't speak Portuguese). The people seem warm and casual. When I inquired about an apartment, I was told I could just rent it for a few months on a "trial" basis without any commitment. This is unheard of! Are people there just trustworthy or is the economy leaving a lot of vacancies in town? Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

[Lusitan]

I would imagine that vacancies are increasing, as unemployemnt rises and immigration from Mexico and South America slows. Also, if you have a signs of a good tenant (good credit, a job, well-spoken and polite) landlords will be more accomodating.

The Ironbound is indeed convenient to public transportation, and it's a fun experience with all of the Portuguese/Brasilian (plus assorted other latino) restaurants and cafes. If you don't speak Portuguese or Spanish, you'll always feel a bit left out (since you hear Portuguese and Spanish more frequently than English) but it's not like people will discriminate against you or anything, and most people there speak English too (including all the young people).

It's pretty safe. The biggest downside is that it's very densely populated, which increases the noise level, and there is not much in the way of parks or attractive open spaces. It wouldn't be my idea of a place to call home forever, but for a few years it's not a bad place to live.

[Journeyman2]

Thanks a lot, Lusitan. I actually like the fact that it's dense and energetic. I am more worried about the reports that the downturn is causing a lot of immigrants leaving the area. I wonder whether this will affect the businesses and services in the area.

[Lusitan]

Well, it will probably put some pressure on some of the small business owners, but I think there is enough of an established community there, and enough foot traffic, to keep a decent level of services and businesses open.

I knew the area well prior to the recent bubble, and it was just as vibrant. I woudn't expect too much to change. Probably the biggest result of the recent downturn in the economy is that the Ironbound will see less in the way of newer, more trendy developments. But I expect the old-time stuff to stick around for the most part.

[k101608]

The last I heard they were building a lot of new housing structures in the Ironbound section. Perhaps they are just trying to get them all rented...

[JerseyG]

If it's too good to be true....etc, etc.

You should walk/drive around the neighborhood in the evening. See how many shots ring out in an hour. Then make your decision.

[Lusitan]

Originally Posted by JerseyG

You should walk/drive around the neighborhood in the evening. See how many shots ring out in an hour. Then make your decision.

You won't hear many shots ringing out in the Ironbound. Then again, the noise from the car radios might have drowned out the noises I've heard down there all these years, so who know ...

[k101608]

Originally Posted by JerseyG

If it's too good to be true....etc, etc.

You should walk/drive around the neighborhood in the evening. See how many shots ring out in an hour. Then make your decision.

The Ironbound section is one of the nice parts of Newark...

[elflord1973]

Originally Posted by JerseyG

If it's too good to be true....etc, etc.

You should walk/drive around the neighborhood in the evening. See how many shots ring out in an hour. Then make your decision.

Did you walk/drive around there ? The ironbound isn't a war zone. The rough part of town is the area west of Route 21.

Here's a map of crime in Newark.

Newark Crime Map - Showing Crime in Newark, NJ - Crime Statistics - Crime Alerts - Crime Stops Here

[Journeyman2]

Thanks a lot for the crime map. It is very helpful.