Newark sometimes gets overshadowed by its larger neighbor, Fremont, but for many buyers, that is part of the appeal.
At just under 15 square miles, Newark is a relatively small city, but there is more variety between its neighborhoods than you might expect. You have established neighborhoods with larger lots and homes dating back to the 1960s and 1970s, newer communities near the Bay and condo and townhome developments that offer a lower-maintenance way to own.
We have talked before about why Newark can be a compelling option for buyers comparing Fremont, Newark and Union City. But once you narrow your search to Newark, the next question becomes: Which neighborhood makes the most sense for you?
Here is a closer look at some of Newark's most popular neighborhoods and what makes each one different.
The Lake: Established, Walkable and Full of Character
The Lake is one of Newark's most established and recognizable neighborhoods. Centered around The Lake and Lakeshore Park, the area has mature landscaping, tree-lined streets and the kind of neighborhood feel that can be difficult to recreate in newer developments.
Most of the homes are single-family properties built during the 1960s and 1970s, with a mix of single-story and two-story floor plans. Lots also tend to be generous compared with many newer developments.
One of the biggest draws is the location. Depending on where you are in the neighborhood, residents can walk to The Lake and Lakeshore Park while still being close to Ardenwood Historic Farm, Coyote Hills Regional Park and the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
For commuters, the neighborhood also offers convenient access to the Dumbarton Bridge, I-880, I-680, BART and Silicon Valley shuttle routes.
We recently saw the demand for this neighborhood firsthand with a fixer we sold on Cornwall Place. The home needed significant updating, but after completing inspections upfront and positioning the property correctly, we received 13 offers and sold it $140,000 over the asking price in just seven days.
The Lake can be a great fit for buyers who value an established neighborhood and are willing to update a home over time to get the location they want.
Sanctuary Village: One of Newark's Newest Communities
On the other end of the spectrum is Sanctuary Village, one of Newark's newer residential developments.
Located in the southwest corner of Newark near Cherry Street and Stevenson Boulevard, the community includes just under 400 residences built by three separate builders beginning in 2018. The neighborhood is primarily made up of single-family homes with modern floor plans, energy-efficient features and many of the conveniences buyers expect from newer construction.
The overall feel is very different from neighborhoods like The Lake. Instead of mature landscaping and homes that have evolved over several decades, buyers get newer streets, contemporary architecture and homes designed around today's lifestyles.
There are also parks and playgrounds within the development, while shopping, restaurants and major commute routes are only a short drive away.
For buyers who want newer construction without leaving Newark, Sanctuary is one of the first areas worth exploring.
Birch Grove: Quiet and Established
Birch Grove is another established Newark neighborhood, with much of the area developed during the 1970s.
The neighborhood is centered around Birch Grove Park and has a traditional residential feel, with mostly single-family homes, established landscaping and lots that generally provide more outdoor space than you will find in many of Newark's newer communities.
Another draw is proximity to Birch Grove Primary and Birch Grove Intermediate schools, with both schools and the park within walking distance of many homes in the neighborhood.
For buyers comparing Newark neighborhoods, Birch Grove can offer a nice middle ground. You get an established neighborhood and single-family homes without being far from shopping, restaurants or the rest of the city.
Bayshores: Newer Homes Near the Bay
Bayshores offers another side of Newark.
Located along the city's western edge near the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Bayshores is one of Newark's newer master-planned communities, with much of the development built from around 2017 onward.
Housing includes a mix of newer single-family homes and townhomes, many with open-concept layouts, solar and other modern features.
The community itself is also a major part of the appeal. Depending on the development, residents have access to amenities such as pools, clubhouses, playgrounds and outdoor gathering areas.
You are also close to trails and open space near the Bay while still being just minutes from NewPark Mall, Costco and everyday shopping.
For commuters, Highway 84 and the Dumbarton Bridge are nearby, making Bayshores particularly interesting for buyers commuting toward the Peninsula or other parts of Silicon Valley.
If you like the idea of newer construction but also want community amenities and proximity to the Bay, Bayshores is worth a closer look.
NewPark Village & The Waterford: Convenience and Lower-Maintenance Living
Not every Newark buyer is looking for a traditional single-family home.
For first-time buyers, downsizers or anyone who prefers a lower-maintenance lifestyle, communities around NewPark Mall such as NewPark Village and Waterford offer another option.
Both are established condo and townhome communities dating back to the 1980s. Compared with many of Newark's single-family neighborhoods, they can provide a different entry point into the city while putting residents close to shopping, restaurants and everyday conveniences.
HOA-maintained amenities vary by community. The Waterford, for example, includes amenities such as a clubhouse, gym, pool and tennis courts.
Location is a big part of the appeal. NewPark Mall, grocery stores, restaurants and other shopping are nearby, while I-880 and the Dumbarton Bridge are easily accessible.
For buyers who would rather have community amenities and less exterior maintenance than a larger yard, these communities can make a lot of sense.
What Is It Like Living in Newark?
One of Newark's biggest advantages is its size.
Because the city is relatively compact, you are rarely that far from shopping, parks, the Bay or major commute routes. Newark also sits in a convenient location between Fremont, the Peninsula and Silicon Valley, with access to I-880, Highway 84 and the Dumbarton Bridge.
At the same time, the housing options can feel very different depending on where you look.
A buyer considering a 1970s single-family home in The Lake or Birch Grove is looking at a very different property than someone considering a newer home in Bayshores or Sanctuary.
That variety is one of the things we like about Newark.
Which Newark Neighborhood Is Right for You?
There really isn't one Newark neighborhood that works for everyone.
If you want an established neighborhood, mature landscaping and are comfortable with a home that may need some updating, The Lake or Birch Grove may be worth exploring.
If newer construction, modern layouts and community amenities are higher on your list, Sanctuary or Bayshores may make more sense.
And if you are looking for a condo or townhome with less exterior maintenance and convenient access to shopping, NewPark Village or Waterford can be good places to start.
The important thing is understanding what you are getting for your budget and how each neighborhood fits the way you actually want to live.
A Local Perspective on Buying in Newark
We spend a lot of time helping buyers compare Newark with Fremont and Union City, but we also help them understand the differences within Newark itself.
Sometimes the decision comes down to a larger lot versus a newer home. For another buyer, it might be HOA amenities versus no HOA, proximity to the Dumbarton Bridge or simply how much updating they are willing to take on.
Those are the kinds of details that don't always show up when you are scrolling through listings online.
If you're just starting your search, take a look at our Buyer's Guide for a breakdown of what to expect throughout the process.
And if you're thinking about selling a home in Newark, our Seller's Guide explains how we approach preparing, pricing and marketing a property to help it stand out.
We're here to help. Reach out anytime or give us a call at (510) 676-7903.
