Pittsburgh
National publications constantly place Pittsburgh near the top of the list for most livable cities in America, and it’s easy to see why. The city has a rich history as an industrial and economic hub, which led to the construction of many grand buildings and public sculptures which still stand today. Downtown in particular is rich with beautifully preserved buildings and lush public parks dating back well over a century, giving the entire community a timeless atmosphere. Pittsburgh is split into three sections by the rivers passing through the city: Downtown (a.k.a. “The Golden Triangle), the North Side, and the South Side. Each has its fair share of attractions and landmarks: the North Side is home to Acrisure Stadium and PNC Park (making it a perfect area for sports fans), the South Side features big, beautiful greenways and refurbished steel mills, and Downtown is where you’ll find the most variety in dining, nightlife, and entertainment. The Golden triangle area is also a popular area for college students to seek apartments, with Duquesne University, Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh all within close proximity in this section of town.
Newark
Newark’s dominant landmark and cultural hub is undeniably the University of Delaware campus, where the student body nearly matches the city’s population of permanent residents. Accordingly, many of the community’s resources are tailor-made for the collegiate crowd: an eclectic mix of restaurants and nightlife venues lines Main Street on the north side of campus, and affordable apartments are easy to find anywhere in town. Despite the fact that it is primarily a college town, Newark maintains a diverse population with rental options available to suit any lifestyle. The sprawling nature preserves that border the northern end of the city provide gorgeous settings for hiking, camping, canoeing, and simply enjoying the great outdoors. Just thirty minutes from Wilmington, Newark also makes an excellent home base for commuters.
Belleville
Located in Essex County, bordering Bloomfield and Newark, Belleville is considered to be the Cherry Blossom Capital of America. Every year, Belleville hosts a festival celebrating the cherry blossom trees in Branch Brook Park, complete with live musical performances, cultural demonstrations, food, and children’s activities for thousands of visitors. Shopping options are plentiful in Belleville, with several strip malls and a commercial corridor along Washington Avenue. Belleville is also home to the Motorcycle Mall, a massive destination for everything pertaining to motorcycles and powersports. Belleville residents enjoy access to multiple golf courses, a wide variety of international cuisine, public transportation, and highways. New York City is just minutes away from this New Jersey suburb.
