Newark, CA

Newark began to form in the mid-19th century as a landing site for ships entering the bay with cargo. A number of warehouses sprang up to store and ship goods, and extensive farmlands existed around them. Harvesting salt from the many salt ponds surrounding the town was also an important part of the economy. The construction of a railroad resulted in increased traffic and settlement in the area. Newark fought efforts to join the city with several nearby communities into one town and was incorporated as its own city in 1955.

Many restaurants in the area specialize in Mexican cuisine. At Mexico Tortilla Factory and Delicatessen, you can grab a pork tamale, one of the restaurant's signature dishes, along with a side of refried beans and rice. Don't forget to pick up tortilla chips ground from corn in the restaurant daily. Many guests also pick up a few grocery items for cooking their next Mexican meal while in the small market also located in the building.

Asian restaurants also have a noticeable impact on the local cuisine. Sia Fusion Eatery merges Korean and comfort food for a unique selection of menu options. The Seoul burger, topped with bulgogi and a runny fried egg satisfies any burger craving. This burger pairs well with Andy's fries, also topped with bulgogi and served with Korean chili. With many fried food options and hours of operation that last until 2 a.m., the restaurant remains popular with people during a night out.

For fine dining or a date night, Sinodino's Steakhouse makes the perfect spot. Locals choose this restaurant to indulge in a juicy steak paired with a lobster tail and typically finish off with the crème brûlée. An extensive selection at the bar also draws in customers looking to socialize over a drink.

Nightlife in Newark consists mainly of a few dive bars. For something a little classier, check out O'Sullivan's Sports Bar. You can choose from the large selection of beers on tap and grab a basket of hot crispy onion rings to go with it. With huge flat screen televisions covering the walls, this makes a great spot to grab a pint while watching an Oakland A's or Raiders game.

The extensive bus system operated by AC Transit makes getting around Newark easy. Walking and biking are popular modes of transportation as well, since pedestrian walkways and crosswalks exist throughout Newark. Most businesses have free parking in nearby lots or garages. Only a few cab companies operate in the area, and you have to call for a ride. Uber does not service the area.

Interstate 880 runs through Newark, providing access to surrounding areas. State Route 84 carries passengers across the bay on a short trip to Palo Alto. Many people use Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) as well to get to nearby cities including San Francisco and Oakland.

Residents enjoy recreational opportunities at several parks throughout Newark. Birch Grove Park, adjacent to the NewPark Mall, draws in people looking to play sports on the tennis courts, basketball courts and softball fields. Children enjoy playing on the extensive playgrounds, and the picnic facilities make the park ideal for family outings. Families also enjoy listening to bands play at the annual Summer Concert Series in Birch Grove Park.

You can find even more recreational opportunities at Silliman Activity Center. People stop by to use exercise equipment in the extensive fitness center and for games of pick-up basketball or volleyball in the gymnasium. A portion of the complex functions as an aquatic center that features several large swimming pools and water slides. Using the facilities requires a fee of $9.

Those looking to immerse themselves in nature visit Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses thousands of acres of marshes and wetlands. The many species of birds that stopover in the marshes make the refuge popular among bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts. People also enjoy hiking on the many miles of trails, most of which permit dogs. Admission does not cost and the refuge provides free and ample parking.

The cost of living in Newark runs well above the California average, but ends up 3 percent lower than the overall Oakland cost of living. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment runs around $1814, and gas prices remain 9 percent higher than the national average. A pint of beer at a local bar costs between $4 and $5. Getting from Newark to Oakland taking AC Transit and BART costs $6.

Locals run errands along Thornton Avenue, one of the main thoroughfares of the neighborhood where you can find everyday essentials, including pharmacies, hardware stores and discount shops. The NewPark Mall, anchored by Macy's, Sears and JCPenney, hosts more than 140 stores and features a few high-end stores such as Coach.

Visitors looking for unique threads can try on traditional saris at Maya's Fashion, which specializes in Indian clothing. The shop sells attire for both men and women, as well as shoes and jewelry, and the store owner makes alterations for custom fitting. To resize a ring or get that old watch ticking again, residents recommend the Newark Jewelry Center. The friendly owner offers expert advice and possesses the skills to repair your most valuable items. Customers report fair prices, and the storefront sells a small selection of choice jewelry.

Platinum Vapes sells all of your vaping needs, including vaporizers and juices. The store offers an extensive selection of juices, including rare and hard-to-find brands. The knowledgeable staff can repair your vaporizers and perform maintenance to keep them producing heady clouds of vapor.

Locals buy fresh produce at the farmers market held every Sunday morning in the parking lot of the mall. For groceries, residents shop at numerous small discount markets and ethnic grocery supermarkets that operate in the area, including Asian, Indian and Latin cuisines, or head to the Safeway on the other side of route 84 for a larger selection.