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Upper Vailsburg, Newark,NJ

Neighborhood Data
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If you're considering a move to the northwestern part of Newark, NJ, Upper Vailsburg offers a welcoming community with a rich blend of urban charm and green spaces. This neighborhood is known for its tree-lined streets and a diverse population that brings a vibrant cultural mix to the area. Residents often enjoy the neighborhood’s relaxed atmosphere, which provides a nice balance between city living and a close-knit community feel. Whether you're a young professional, a family, or someone looking for an affordable place to settle, Upper Vailsburg presents a friendly environment with access to essential amenities.

One of the standout attractions in Upper Vailsburg is the expansive West Side Park, a beautiful green oasis perfect for weekend picnics, jogging, or just unwinding outdoors. The park features playgrounds, sports fields, and walking trails, making it a magnet for families and fitness enthusiasts alike. Additionally, the neighborhood hosts a variety of local businesses, restaurants, and community centers that contribute to a lively and supportive atmosphere. For those who appreciate cultural events, Upper Vailsburg often has neighborhood gatherings and seasonal festivals that strengthen the community bond and offer a chance to meet your neighbors.

Getting to Downtown Newark from Upper Vailsburg is quite convenient, typically just a short drive or bus ride away, which means you can easily access the city’s job centers, entertainment venues, and transportation hubs. The proximity to Downtown allows residents to enjoy the best of both worlds: a quieter residential neighborhood with quick access to urban excitement. For people relocating to Newark, Upper Vailsburg provides an inviting, well-rounded neighborhood that combines community spirit, green space, and city accessibility, making it a great place to call home.

Upper Vailsburg Demographics

Population 16,768
Density (People/sqml.) 21,364
Median Age 36.4
Married Couples
33%
33% of the population of Upper Vailsburg aged 16 years and older are married.
Have Kids
27%
27% of the population aged 16 years or older have children.

About 33% of the Upper Vailsburg population aged 16 and older are married, which is notably lower than average. This could suggest a community with a younger, more transient population—perhaps made up of students, professionals, or renters. It may also reflect a neighborhood that attracts singles or couples without children, contributing to a more independent, urban lifestyle.

With only 27% of people over 16 having children, you can expect an easygoing environment that tends to attract residents seeking a quieter lifestyle. The atmosphere here leans more toward adult-oriented living. Without the constant rhythm of school schedules or kid-centered events, the community maintains a slower, more relaxed pace. This makes it especially appealing to singles, couples, and empty nesters who appreciate tranquil streets, and recreation on their own terms.

Age Breakdown

Upper Vailsburg neighborhood age breakdown chart

Exploring Upper Vailsburg demographics can reveal a lot about its character, pace, and overall lifestyle. Upper Vailsburg has a population of 16,768, which is larger than many other Newark neighborhoods, creating a lively and dynamic atmosphere. Its size brings an abundance of amenities, entertainment options, and community activities, while still offering spaces to unwind and enjoy the neighborhood’s unique character.

Boasting a population density of 21,364, Upper Vailsburg is more densely populated than many other Newark neighborhoods, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. The higher concentration of residents contributes to a lively street scene, a strong sense of community, and convenient access to shops, restaurants, and urban amenities just steps from home.

With an average age of 36, you're likely to find a well-balanced community where multiple generations live side by side. This mix of age groups contributes to a neighborhood atmosphere that’s both active and welcoming, offering a blend of fresh perspectives and long-standing community values.

Crime in Upper Vailsburg

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Total Crime Incidents
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Types of Crime

Upper Vailsburg neighborhood crime breakdown chart

Upper Vailsburg Crime Map

The Upper Vailsburg crime map offers a clear, data-driven look at how crime is distributed throughout the neighborhood, using block group data to highlight both safer areas and potential hot spots. The color-coded map makes it easy to see where crime is more concentrated and where it occurs less frequently, helping residents and prospective buyers better understand local safety patterns. It’s important to note that darker or red zones on the map don’t necessarily mean those areas are unsafe — locations near busy transit hubs, shopping districts, or popular attractions often show higher activity simply due to larger crowds and increased foot traffic.

Housing

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Home Price $277,378
Median Rent $1,396
People/Household 2.9

Home Price Breakdown

Upper Vailsburg neighborhood home price breakdown chart

Rent vs Own

Rent 55% Own 45%

Year Moved In

Before 2010 57% After 2010 43%

Types of Homes in the Area

Market Trends

Year-over-Year Home Prices YoY data

 

Housing prices can reveal a lot about the balance and overall appeal of a neighborhood. In Upper Vailsburg, the median home price is about $277,378, which is on par with many comparable areas. This average pricing reflects a stable, affordable housing market and makes the neighborhood an appealing choice for a wide range of buyers seeking both value and long-term potential. Examining how home prices and appreciation rates in Upper Vailsburg have shifted over time can reveal important clues about the neighborhood’s future value. These trends help potential buyers and investors understand market momentum and determine whether the area is likely to deliver strong returns over the long term.

The median rent is around $1,396, which is on par with many comparable neighborhoods. This balanced pricing offers a mix of affordability and value, making it a practical choice for a wide range of renters.

Walkability & Lifestyle

Coffee Shops

Daisy's Cafe
Coffee Shop
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Dunkin' Donuts
Coffee Shop
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Entertainment

Arts Center - Carriage House
Theatre Arts
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Theatre-in-the-Round
Theatre Arts
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Food & Drink

Jade Garden
Restaurant
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Masah Restaurant
Restaurant
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Groceries

C-Town
Grocery Store
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3 Sisters Grocery & Supermarket
Grocery Store
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Parks

Park
Park
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Playground
Playground
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Shops

Oscar Supermarket LLC
Convenience Store
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Professional Cuts Barber Shop
Hairdresser
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Getting Around

Transit Stops

South Orange Ave at Alexander St
Bus Stop
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South Orange Ave at Boylan St
Bus Stop
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Transit Stations

Dover Street Loop
Bus Station
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Health & Safety

Medical Facilities

VA New Jersey Health Care System
Hospital
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Health Services
Clinic
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Health Care

Doctor
Doctor
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Grove Dental Centre
Dentist
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Safety

Fire Station
Fire Station
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Engine 26 Ladder 12 BC6
Fire Station
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Top Rated Schools

Name Category Grades Rating
Irvington High School
1253 Clinton Ave, Irvington, NJ
High School 9 - 12 School Score
Independence High School
15 Smalley Place, Irvington, NJ
Elementary School M - M School Score
Universiy Middle School
255 Myrtle Ave, Irvington, NJ
Elementary School 6 - 8 School Score
Peoples Preparatory Charter School
321 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ
High School 9 - 12 School Score
John F Kennedy School
311 S Tenth St, Newark, NJ
High School PK - 12 School Score
St Joseph Elementary School
115 Telford St, East Orange, NJ
Elementary School PK - 8 School Score
Growing Garden Preschool & Kindergarten
962 S Orange Ave, Newark, NJ
Elementary School PK - KG School Score

Education Level Achieved

School quality plays an important role in shaping the overall appeal of a neighborhood like Upper Vailsburg. Ratings based on student achievement, graduation rates, and standardized tests — supported by national benchmarks like the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) — help paint a clearer picture of how local schools perform. Additionally, understanding the education levels of residents in Upper Vailsburg offers valuable context about the community’s emphasis on learning and opportunity, helping families make confident decisions about where to settle and invest in their children’s future.