Newark, the largest city in New Jersey, is a mosaic of rich history, diverse communities, and dynamic neighborhoods. One of the most distinctive features of Newark’s political and community structure is its division into five wards: the Central, East, South, West, and North Wards. Each ward plays a crucial role in municipal governance and community representation. However, these wards often do not align perfectly with postal ZIP code boundaries, leading to confusion for residents and visitors alike.
This article breaks down each ward and maps it as accurately as possible to Newark’s primary ZIP codes, offering insights into demographics, landmarks, and neighborhood characteristics.
Overview of Newark's Wards
Newark is divided into five political wards:
- North Ward
- South Ward
- East Ward
- West Ward
- Central Ward
Each ward elects its own representative to the Newark Municipal Council and includes distinct neighborhoods with unique cultural identities and socio-economic conditions.
Newark ZIP Codes
Newark is primarily served by the following ZIP codes:
- 07102 – Downtown/Central Business District
- 07103 – West Side/University Heights
- 07104 – North Ward/Forest Hill
- 07105 – East Ward/Ironbound
- 07106 – West/Southwest
- 07107 – Upper North and parts of Central
- 07108 – South Ward/Clinton Hill
- 07112 – South Ward/Weequahic
- 07114 – South Ward/Dayton and Port Newark
Let's examine how each ZIP code maps to the city's wards.
Wards by ZIP Code
1. Central Ward
ZIP Codes: 07102, parts of 07103 and 07107
Neighborhoods: Downtown Newark, University Heights, Springfield-Belmont
Overview:
The Central Ward is the civic heart of Newark, encompassing City Hall, Prudential Center, and the downtown business district. This area has undergone significant revitalization, especially around Broad and Market Streets.
Key Features:
- Home to Newark Penn Station and NJPAC (New Jersey Performing Arts Center)
- Major universities: Rutgers-Newark, NJIT, Essex County College
- Mixed-income developments and gentrification debates
ZIP Code Details:
- 07102: Primarily Central Ward; contains downtown and the government center
- 07103: Western parts fall under Central Ward, especially near University Heights
- 07107: Some southern areas, especially near the border with the North Ward
2. North Ward
ZIP Codes: 07104, parts of 07107
Neighborhoods: Forest Hill, Broadway, Mount Pleasant
Overview:
Known for its historic mansions in Forest Hill and vibrant immigrant communities, the North Ward is a culturally rich and politically active area. It has a strong presence of Latino (especially Puerto Rican and Dominican) residents.
Key Features:
- Branch Brook Park: famous for its cherry blossoms
- Mount Prospect Avenue: a key commercial corridor
- Home to Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart
ZIP Code Details:
- 07104: Dominantly North Ward
- 07107: The upper portion near Bloomfield Avenue also falls within the North Ward
3. South Ward
ZIP Codes: 07108, 07112, 07114
Neighborhoods: Clinton Hill, Weequahic, Dayton, Dayton Industrial
Overview:
The South Ward has historically been home to African-American and Jewish communities. It’s a predominantly residential ward facing economic challenges, but also houses several community-led revitalization efforts.
Key Features:
- Weequahic Park: one of Newark’s largest parks
- Newark Liberty International Airport (07114)
- Beth Israel Medical Center
ZIP Code Details:
- 07108: Clinton Hill and surrounding areas
- 07112: Weequahic neighborhood
- 07114: Dayton and Port Newark, including the airport and industrial areas
4. West Ward
ZIP Codes: 07106, parts of 07103
Neighborhoods: Vailsburg, Ivy Hill, Fairmount
Overview:
Located along Newark’s western edge, the West Ward features a mix of single-family homes, apartment buildings, and commercial strips. It borders Irvington and South Orange, offering a suburban feel in parts.
Key Features:
- Ivy Hill Park and Seton Hall University (bordering)
- Strong Caribbean-American presence
- Long-standing residential stability with rising community safety initiatives
ZIP Code Details:
- 07106: Entirely within the West Ward
- 07103: Some western sections overlap into West Ward, especially near South Orange Avenue
5. East Ward
ZIP Code: 07105
Neighborhoods: Ironbound, Peterstown
Overview:
Often synonymous with the Ironbound district, the East Ward is Newark’s industrial and culinary hub. It's heavily influenced by Portuguese, Brazilian, and Spanish cultures and is one of the city’s most vibrant areas.
Key Features:
- Ferry Street: packed with restaurants, bakeries, and shops
- Riverfront Park and Passaic River views
- Proximity to Penn Station makes it highly accessible
ZIP Code Details:
- 07105: Entirely within the East Ward; the most ZIP-ward-aligned area in Newark
ZIP Code-Ward Overlap Table
| ZIP Code |
Primary Ward(s) |
Notes |
| 07102 |
Central |
Entirely Central; includes downtown |
| 07103 |
Central, West |
University Heights (Central), Fairmount area (West) |
| 07104 |
North |
Strong alignment with the North Ward |
| 07105 |
East |
Fully East Ward (Ironbound) |
| 07106 |
West |
Entirely within the West Ward |
| 07107 |
North, Central |
Mixed use; overlaps with North and parts of Central |
| 07108 |
South |
Covers Clinton Hill and some of Lincoln Park |
| 07112 |
South |
Includes Weequahic neighborhood |
| 07114 |
South |
Covers Dayton neighborhood, Port Newark, and Newark Airport |
Understanding the alignment between Newark’s wards and ZIP codes is essential for navigating civic life, accessing services, and appreciating the city's rich diversity. While ZIP codes serve a postal function, wards are political and cultural entities with unique identities. In Newark, these boundaries often intersect but rarely align perfectly.
Whether you're a resident trying to find your local council representative, a business seeking to understand neighborhood dynamics, or a newcomer looking to explore the city, this guide offers a starting point to demystify Newark’s complex but fascinating geography.
