<p>I’m with garland here–but commuting by train won’t be great either unless there is good transportation to the station and if there are night classes or actvitites a car would be a better option. Newark has two major stations. Broad Street Station connects with the Essex/Morris/Somerset County suburbs and has Midtown Direct service, but it can be pretty grim (will probabyl offend someone if I say scary). Newark Penn is bigger and better lit and cleaner (better neighborhood, near Gateway office complexes); it connects with the through trains to DC and Philadelphia as well as Union County suburbs. Not sure about parking or public transit within the city near Rutgers/Newark but have driven past campus many times and it is certainly bustling enough during the day–have the impression it is mostly a cmmuter school though. </p>
<p>Note: There has been gang violence inNewark and occasionally it spreads to the outlying areas and inner affluent suburbs (recent gun murder in South Orange near Seton Hall); Booker is not a miracle worker however much one wants to think he will make a difference, so I’d say caution is an overwhelming issue here.</p>
<p>Booker was just sworn in on Saturday, so it’s a little early to say if he can or cannot make a difference. He’s also got a new council, which will help him.</p>
<p>Just wanted to shine a little ray of hope for the OP.</p>
<p>I want to thank everyone for all of the support and caution that made me want to check out the crime rates compared to houston, TX which is where we are. At Newark campus freshman are guarenteed housing this year and they opened up a new apartment like dorm and they are refurbishing the old law building to be campus housing which should open up in 08. She is not taking her car to college so the whole theft of vehicle will not be an issue. the campus security is better this year and if she needs an escort they will provide one. DD is not a big partier and therefor we are not worried about the nightlife yet. she is not a silly girl that would walk at dark by herself (thank goodness). we have talked alot about going into the city after dark and really there is no reason for her to do this. luckily all of her suitemates are from NJ and they will only show her the good areas. I wish that all parents are treated with the same concern that I have been shown on CC. Here is hoping that DD has a good head on her shoulder and uses it. Below is a chart comparing Newark to Houston. again thank you for all of your support and cautions. </p>
<pre><code> Newark, NJ Houston, TX National
</code></pre>
<p>I think it’s important to realize that Houston is a much larger city than Newark and that as such it probably has a more diverse set of neighborhoods. If you go by percentage of the population affected by crime and poverty, I supect that Newark will come off much worse. I do hope Newark finally achieves it renaissance, which so far is mostly noticeable in newspaper articles. It would be better for the entire region if Newark were finally to come back, but it hasn’t happened yet. </p>
<p>As someone who has gone to wonderful exhibits at the Newark Museum and the New Jersey Historical society and been almost the only person in the galleries other than school groups, I can say with some assurance that Newark does not offer a vibrant cultural life to visitors, and that most suburbanites do not venture into Newark, New Jersey Performing Center aside. I do recommend a trip to the Ironbound, hwoever, for a very lively urban street life and wonderul Portuguese/Brazilian food.</p>
<p>I would second the idea of a trip to the ironbound for Spanish or Portugese food. Both the Newark Museum and the NJ Historical Society are unrecognized gems that do a fantastic job with their exhibits. The Newark Museum is widely known and respected in the museum community for the strength of it’s educational programs. We live in a NJ suburb and travel often to both of these museums (and are members) but the vast majority of our neighbors have no clue they even exist, let alone would consider visiting, which is a shame.
But, FF, everyone is telling the truth about the safety issues, they are not to be taken lightly, even after your daughter has some familiarity with the area (which may cause her to relax her guard). DD currently is working at one of the above mentioned institutions a couple of days a week. Rather than driving (parking/safety issues), she takes the train to Broad St. and walks about 6 blocks–during normal commute hours the streets are filled with people and it is not a great concern (though she has to use the normal street-wise precautions).This same walk would be unacceptable after dark. We are making plans for her to take Amtrak to DC to meet us on a trip, and while she can walk the same distance to Penn Station (Newark) to catch the train, she will be returning in the evening, and it will be far safer for her to go all the way to Penn Station (NY) to catch a train. She is in and out of NY at all hours of the day and night and we do not worry too much–the city is really safe (again using street smarts).
One great thing to be unveiled soon in Newark is a light rail system that will deliver people between the train stations and to entertainment venues like NJPAC and the museums. It was due to open this summer, but who knows–currently NJ services are closed for business!</p>
<p>FF, I really hope you take the warnings about Newark seriously. I’m a streetwise, athletic, normally fearless person who took many stupid chances while attending Rutgers Newark. It is a very, very dangerous neighborhood. My 6’5" weight-lifter brother was mugged. I’ve been propositioned from moving vehicles that screech to a halt in broad daylight. I’ve had thugs attempt to steal my purse. I know many people who had cars stolen and/or were mugged. Kids from Central High (across the street) make harassing/threatenting the Rutgers/NJIT kids their full-time jobs. Please have your daughter be smart! I’m talking broad daylight crime. </p>
<p>I worked in downtown Newark as a teen. I attend the PAC quite often. I went to grad school in Newark (evenings.) As an Essex County resident, I have to do jury duty & such in Newark. So I know of what I speak. I also know several healthcare personnel & firemen who work in Newark, so I’ve heard stories that seem unreal. But they are. I’ve also spent some tome in Houston, and the two cities are not comparable in any way.</p>
<p>If by the old law school you mean the old Fireman’s Fund building, I say that that’s a good dorm area. Right down the street from the Newark Museum (it’s great!) and the renovated brownstone area where many residents hire private security guards. So at least you have that going for you. I’d encourage your daughter to take cabs anywhere at night. Ironbound has wonderful restaurants, but it’s not crime-free either. The Branchbrook Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring is a must see. Great Italian food on Bloomfield Ave, but you’ll need to be alert.</p>
<p>NYC will be the best choice for social/culture. I feel quite safe there in most neighborhoods night or day. (I worked here for many years.) Unfortunately, Newark can be a ghost town because the criminal element was allowed to flourish and the James administration was too busy lining their pockets to care about the citizens in their charge. A city with great potential that has never been reached. (And I’m old enought to remember the riots.) Montclair, too, has much to do. A great suburb to live in, but pricey. </p>
<p>I really don’t want to scare you needlessly. Just hope your daughter is on a heightened state of alert. Good luck!</p>
<p>wow! Is it really THAT bad?? I have only been in that area a couple of times, visiting St Benedicts, which is only a couple of blocks away from the Rutgers campus, and had no problems - but that is only 2 daytime visits. Parked on the street once, and my car was waiting for me untouched when I left! Looking at a map, there is Rutgers, Essex Co college, and NJIT all together, 1 block away is St Michaels med center and a couple blocks away is University Hospital. I also see Riverfront Stadium only a couple of blocks away. Is that where the Newark Bears play? (minor league baseball) Been meaning ot check that out.</p>
<p>i live about 10 miles from newark (right down R21). I don’t mean to beat the bush here, but being in newark means she most likely not be going into manhattan a lot. It will be an all day affair - which means saturday and sunday - which means she likely won’t be going often. Also - newark isn’t nice. forget the stuff garland said about the performing arts center and such. all that stuff is good and fine when your parents are paying - but most college kids arn’t going to njpac. just let your daughter know that newark isn’t a college town - and she won’t be in a situation where she’ll be around a lot of college aged kids (or more accurately college aged kids in college). rutgers main campus is in new brunswick - an hour car ride away - so if she ever plans on going to rutgers games or anything - she should be prepared to find a way to get there. also know that - while i’ll get flamed for this i don’t care - rutgers newark is a minority haven - something to think about.</p>
<p>i would suggest that your daughter take the posts of the people here very seriously… newark is a crap hole</p>
<p>a friend of mine who attends rutgers-newark was held at gun point a couple months ago…</p>
<p>make sure you tell her to stay on the campus…</p>
<p>i got lost driving in newark one time a year ago and saw a street sign that read “warning: drug dealers will be videotaped and prosecuted”…not a very appealing sign</p>
<p>being the white guy that i am… i stuck out like a sore thumb…and being lost in such an area is definitely not a comfortable feeling…as a white person, you WILL attract alot of attention… believe me…</p>
<p>NYC is a whole different story… manhattan is very safe…(much safer than it was in the early 90’s)</p>
<p>Yes, the Bears play at Riverfront Stadium. It’s a nice facility. We love to attend the minor league baseball games, but usually go to Yogi Berra Stadium on the campus of nearby Montclai State U and watch the Jackals.</p>
<p>I’m not exaggerating the dangers of Newark. As a teen, I used to walk everywhere (the Bears stadium was built right on one of my shortcut streets.) I must have had God looking out for me…you know that saying about drunks & fools. I think teens and young college kids often feel invincible, and it can lead to disaster. The problem is largely due to the fact that all the campuses are commuter in nature. The daytime hours are busy, but the area is a ghost town at night. And I do want FF to know that plenty of crime happens in the daylight hours.</p>
<p>LOL! How’s that for brutal honesty? I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Booker to be as good as he seems. Newark has amazing potential. So much unfulfilled promise that it is downright shameful.</p>
<p>Just thought I’d add that I live a few miles north of Newark. My daughter has several friends on the crew team of our town high school. They discovered several bodies in the Passaic River this spring. It’s just an accepted part of being on the team…Rowing, training, boat maintenance, avoiding the bodies floating downstream from Newark.</p>
<p>Actually, Sticker, if you’re north of Newark, the bodies aren’t coming from there–you’re upstream. Paterson, or, very possibly, mob hits (yes, it’s Sopranos territory, folks!)</p>
<p>I’m guessing Nutley, or Clifton? Anyhoo, can’t blame Newark for those bodies.</p>
<p>Garland, you’re right! The Passaic empties into Newark Bay. And we certainly have our share of mob types in these parts. Never saw the Sopranos, but I see plenty of wiseguys straight out of central casting every day.</p>
<p>This thread has really piqued my curiosity about Rutgers Newark. I will go down and check it out some day soon and I will report back. </p>
<p>Here is the student body:</p>
<pre><code>* 94% In-state students
6% Out-of-state students
0% Part-time students
54% Women
46% Men
<1% American Indian/Alaskan Native
30% Asian/Pacific Islander
13% Black/Non-Hispanic
20% Hispanic
29% White/Non-Hispanic
2% Non-Resident Alien
6% Race/ethnicity unreported
</code></pre>
<p>Quite an interesting and diverse student body! The OP’s daughter is from Texas and you see there are very few out of state students. Unless I missed it, OP didn’t mention race, but whatever race she is I don’t think she will be “the only one.”</p>
<p>I have had teenage boys taking public transportation into Newark for the past ten years (3 different sons) to attend St Benedict’s Prep (which is on King Blvd just down the street from Rutgers). They started in the 7th grade…they have had NO problems either on the public bus or in Newark. We pick them up if they are there after dark for after school activities. Yes, there is a significant amount of crime in Newark so your child needs to be street-smart…we live in Montclair…the #34 bus goes from Bloomfield Ave Montclair to Newark by the courthouse (very near to Rutgers). There is very good security around the campus areas (Rutgers, NJIT and Essex Co. College). Nightlife is in NYC which is easily accessible by public transportation, and in neighboring more suburban communities like Montclair. A large proportion of your child’s classmates will be from NJ and will be able to advise her of what’s out there. As you have read here, there is a good deal of prejudice and fear related to Newark, much of it dating back to the riots 30 years ago. I have neighbors in Montclair only a few miles away who have never been there, except to access the airport. They are the same people who say I am crazy to pay money to send my children to Newark when we have such a “good” high school in town. I wish your daughter the best at Rutgers…she has a great opportunity open to her there…</p>
<p>mtcbear–while sending kids in during the day is not the same as living there, you do make a good point. I wasn’t going by the riots (I didn’t live in the area then and don’t know much about them) but about current experience (as I said, my H was an ER doc there). But i have had good experiences going in to Newark for baseball games, concerts, etc.</p>
<p>And, after I recommended Montclair as a good alternate place to hang out, my son was just mugged there. So, I guess you never know!</p>