Image courtesy of OHM.

Newark, Ohio is a Columbus suburb that is located 35 miles away. It has a population of 50,000, making it the 20th largest city in Ohio. Newark is the site of the Newark Earthworks, large earthen mounds constructed by the ancient Hopewell culture. These Native American built fixtures were once used as a cemetery, a cathedral, and an observatory. The expansion of Newark eventually destroyed many of the Earthworks, but three major segments survived due to the efforts of dedicated residents. It is considered to be a national historic landmark. It’s what Newark is most known for. Newark, Ohio is the second biggest “Newark” in the U.S, after Newark, New Jersey. It is home to many businesses, giving the residents many opportunities to find employment. You are very likely to enjoy your stay here, whether it is a temporary stay or a permanent one! 

Here’s what you should know about moving to Newark:

• History of Newark
• Facts and figures about Newark
• Local favorite things to do in Newark
• And more!
  

History of Newark

Before Moving to Newark, Get to Know the History of Your New Home

Newark was founded in 1802 by Samuel Elliott and Samuel Parr. They built the first log cabin homes in the area. William Schenck, a general, named the town after his hometown in New Jersey. Long before these settlers arrived, the area was populated by different indigenous cultures, one of which was the Hopewell culture responsible for the creation of the Newark Earthworks. They had been there for thousands of years. 

By 1804, 20 families had settled in the area. They constructed a courthouse in the area in 1808. Newark amassed a population of 1,000 in 1830, which just about tripled in the next 10 years. That is when it went from an agricultural town to a business laden town that had bookstores, steel mills, and grocery stores. The construction of the Erie and Ohio canals led the town into prosperity. In 1855, Newark became a stop along the Pittsburgh, Chicago, and St. Louis Railroad. It later got a stop on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

By 1990, the population had grown to 15,000 people. Business was booming in the area. There were iron foundries, tractor manufacturers and construction companies. Some of these companies found huge success. The American Bottle Company, a business in the area, was the largest beer manufacturer in the world at the time. Newark is also where Longaberger Company Headquarters is located. It is in a large building that resembles a picnic basket. 

Newark’s population reached 45,000 by the year 2000. Columbus residents flooded into the area hoping to enjoy life in a smaller city. Many of them commute to Columbus for work. This city is perfect for those who want to experience life in a smaller sized town, but still have big city amenities close by. Several major businesses have their headquarters right in Newark. State Farm Insurance has its regional headquarters there, and Park National Bank is located right downtown. There are plenty of reasons to stay right in town. There is a main shopping center called “Indian Mound Mall” after the Newark Earthworks. This town has a lot to offer its residents. Newark is a comfortable place for anyone who stays there. 

Newark by the Numbers

Learn About Newark’s Economy, Demographics, and What It’s Really Like to Live Here

Newark Population

Newark has a population of over 50,000 people. The median age of a Newark resident is 37, the same median age for the U.S. There is  an average of 2.6 people per household. 47% of those households consist of married couples, and 28% of those married couples have children. About 22% of homes in Newark are made up of single parent households. 

Newark’s Demographics

Newark has a population that is 92% white. Around 2.8% of the population is African American. About 3.5% of the population identifies as mixed race. The median price for a home in Newark is $133,000. It is a very affordable town that has plenty of well-priced housing options. 

Newark’s Schooling

Newark City School District is the largest school district in Licking County. It operates 20 schools, which include one high school, three middle schools and sixteen elementary schools. The high school has about 1,200 students. Newark’s school system plays division one athletics in the Ohio Division of the Ohio Capital Conference. Its high school has two main rivals. 

Things to do in Newark

Newark is a city that has a lot to offer to anyone. You’ll find plenty of things to do there. There are great shopping centers, restaurants, and lots of outdoor activities. Newark has art galleries, museums, and nature preserves. There are options for fun both indoors and outdoors. 

Get to Know Newark Like a Local

Where People Shop, Dine, and Hang Out in Newark

Newark is a town with an amazing history. You can see the remnants of the past all throughout their lands. You can enjoy a walk around the place to take in the work of the ancient indigenous tribes that used to live there, or you can enjoy your time in a nice restaurant. You can do it all or just enjoy the miles of nature available for you to roam through. And when you need to make any purchases, Newark has got you covered. There are plenty of shopping locales all throughout town. You can easily spend your day shopping at any one of these stores, including the Indian Mound Mall, named for the town’s history. This town is lots of fun, and also quite close to Columbus, where you could always travel to for some more excitement. But when you’re in Newark, there are a few places you should make sure to check out. Here are the places you should visit to enjoy Newark like a local! 

Eliott’s Wood Fired Kitchen & Tap

This restaurant has the best wood fired pizzas in town.

16 W Main St | Newark | elliotspizzarestaurantnewark.com 

This family-owned restaurant serves up the best wood-fired pizza and tacos. It is not a food combination that restaurants often specialize in, but this one does it very well! They have a full menu filled with all kinds of delicious meals and different drinks from their full bar. They have amazing appetizers like bruschetta, jumbo pretzels, and deep fried cheese ravioli. For an entrée, you can get spicy perch or chipotle shrimp. But the main attraction is their pizza and tacos! Their pizza has great flavors like chicken quesadilla, margherita, and cilantro chicken. When it comes to tacos, you have a choice between braised chicken, steak, perch, and shrimp tacos. 

The full bar has 16 special draft beers. They also mix cocktails at the bar for those who are in the mood for something more creative. Aside from the bar offerings, you can also order soft drinks and fresh coffee. They have something for everyone!

“Right in the heart of downtown, surrounded by quaint Victorian-style storefronts. This is a local place with great service and crispy, delicious pizza with lots of cool toppings to choose from! Great selection of beers on tap too!” -- Yelp Review

Bummie’s Pub & Grub

This local favorite serves stacked burgers. 

290 Ludlow Ave | Newark | bummiespubandgrub.com

This amazing restaurant is beloved by Newark locals. Their burgers are the biggest draw by far. They are all about 7 ounces, fresh, and hand-shaped. They are served on a toasted, buttery bun with toppings available upon request. You have the choice to build your own burger or to have one of the unique staff creations on the menu. Those options include a Cajun burger, a cheese steak burger, and an Italian burger. They also offer a delicious black bean burger. 

You can order the usual fries or onion rings on the side, or you can get a side of cottage cheese. There are a variety of drink options at Bummie’s. You can drink Pepsi products, lemonade, and root beer. Iced tea is also on the menu, along with Capri sun and sugar free red bull. You’re sure to see why people like it here so much!

“I've been coming here for the last several years. All their food is above average, their staff is always friendly, and I've never had an issue here. If you want their special, I recommend you come in early because they always run out. I give my highest recommendation to this place!” -- Yelp Review

Tequilaville

This restaurant is known for its awesome drinks. 

1225 W Church St | Newark | tequilavilleohio.com

Tequillaville opened up in Newark back in 2014. They offer fresh food that they prepare themselves daily. Their menu is overflowing with options. There are so many Mexican foods to choose from, you might have a tough time deciding! They offer chimichangas, enchiladas, burritos, and much much more. Just about everything sounds great! Everything also happens to be extremely well-priced. You can easily order an extra meal without worrying about your wallet emptying out. 

There are great drinks available for you to have with or without a meal. You can get margaritas, daiquiris, and plenty of others. This is the kind of place that you will really enjoy when out with a fun group of friends! 

“My family and I visit Tequilaville quite often. We love the food and the staff! They are always so friendly and accommodating. We always feel so welcomed when we stop in, and the food never disappoints.” -- Yelp Review

Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve

This is a great place to stop and enjoy what nature has to offer. 

This is such a peaceful view. Image courtesy of Explore LC. 

6608 Longshore St | Newark | ohiodnr.gov

This nature preserve contains markers of Ohio’s pre-settlement past. When you visit, you will get to see amazing geological features and endangered species. They are on a mission to preserve Ohio’s lands to keep its unique heritage intact. They regularly work to restore Ohio’s best lands so that future generations can enjoy them. You’ll find many ways to enjoy your time on these lands. You can go hiking, rock climbing, and go kayaking in the Licking River. There are even wheelchair accessible paths that are designated with a black mark. 

This park accommodates many kinds of fun physical activities. There is plenty of bike parking around, and there are kayak entrances on each side of the Licking River. The scenery is one of this nature preserve’s best features. Its beauty is unmatched! You can have a great time just walking through there. 

“Gorgeous trail! It's paved for easy hiking, not usually too busy, and full of wildlife. We've seen snakes, deer, many bird varieties, and forest rodents. The river on the edge also makes you realize how far you are (or seem to be) from civilization.” -- Yelp Review

The Works

This museum offers some really entertaining family fun! 

55 S 1st St | Newark | attheworks.org

The Works has been a fixture of Newark for about 20 years. It is a hands-on museum that teaches its visitors about art, history, and science through interactive means. Glassblowing is another subject they share knowledge on. There are activities in store for families, educators, and adults. You can create your own glass paperweight and tumbler with an experienced glassblower! The kids get involved with more child-friendly activities. People of all ages can have a good time there. 

They have various events you can attend at The Works. They even have an on site gift shop! You can purchase some hand-blown glass and then have them ship it right to your home. You will love having such a unique souvenir. 

“A jewel in the middle of a small town! The Works provides family entertainment mixed with education! My two girls ages 6 and 8 loved the hands-on science discoveries. We spent over an hour playing. We could have stayed longer and still would not have exhausted all the exhibits. We will make certain to have another day at the Works very soon!” -- Yelp Review

Newark, Ohio is a great town that is incredibly comfortable for its residents. You get to live the small town life and still be surrounded by many great places to see. Newark will never have you feeling bored!