Let the numbers do the talking.
Middletown, NJ vs Newark, NJ
Middletown, NJ vs Newark, NJ: What the data shows
Middletown, NJ is in Middletown, NJ while Newark, NJ is in Newark, NJ — both in the same state. On home prices, Newark, NJ is the more affordable option at $368,400 median — $155,000 less than Middletown, NJ's $523,400. WYLT rates Middletown, NJ as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Newark, NJ as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Middletown, NJ has the stronger safety profile of the two. Middletown, NJ has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Newark, NJ has High violent crime and High property crime. On environmental risk, Middletown, NJ has Low flood risk and Newark, NJ has Low flood risk.
Middletown, NJ is the more walkable neighborhood. Middletown, NJ scores 46/100 (mostly car-dependent) versus Newark, NJ's 37/100 (mostly car-dependent). For families weighing school quality, Newark, NJ has the higher school rating — Middletown, NJ rates 6.3/10 and Newark, NJ rates 7/10.
| Category | Middletown, NJ | Newark, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Think twice |
| Median Price | $523K | $368K ✓ Lower price |
| Median Rent | $2K | $1K ✓ Lower rent |
| Median Income | $141K ✓ Higher income | $36K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 46/100 ✓ More walkable | 37/100 |
| Transit Score | 10/100 | 70/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | 2/100 ✓ More bikeable | N/A |
| Commute | 75 min | N/A |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ ✓ Safer | F |
| Violent Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Property Crime | Moderate ✓ Lower risk | High |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate ✓ Cleaner air | Poor |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 6.3/10 | 7/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | FamiliesRemote workersSuburban commuters | commutersstudentslow_income_buyer |
Bottom line
Bottom line: If you’re a family, remote worker, or retiree looking for a quiet, family‑friendly suburb with decent schools, Middletown offers a solid, if car‑dependent, environment. Newark could work only for very budget‑conscious commuters or students, but its higher crime, lower walkability, and lower income levels make it a riskier choice.
Share this comparison