Elizabeth NJ

Elizabeth, NJ – A vibrant gateway to the Northeast, Elizabeth blends deep-rooted history with modern energy. As one of New Jersey’s oldest cities, it offers a unique mix of colonial charm, diverse cultures, and waterfront attractions. Whether you’re exploring its rich past, shopping tax-free at one of the region’s largest malls, or enjoying international cuisine, Elizabeth welcomes you with open arms and big city convenience just minutes from New York City.

• Population: ~137,000
• Weather: Four seasons with cold winters and warm summers (30–85°F); spring and fall offer mild, pleasant temperatures.
• Places To Visit: The Mills at Jersey Gardens, Liberty Hall Museum, Warinanco Park, Boxwood Hall, Elizabeth River Trail.
• Top Activities: Shopping tax-free, walking historic sites, enjoying international street festivals, dining in multicultural restaurants, picnicking in scenic parks.
• Famous Food: Portuguese BBQ, empanadas, Cuban sandwiches, Dominican mangu, and Italian pastries from local bakeries.

Elizabeth, New Jersey is a major transportation and logistics center located near Newark Liberty International Airport and major shipping ports. The city also has strong growth in healthcare, warehousing, and government services. Below are some of the top in-demand jobs in Elizabeth, NJ.

Top 5 Jobs in Elizabeth, NJ

Elizabeth, NJ, offers a variety of fun spots where students can unwind and enjoy their leisure time. From parks to shopping centers, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Kean University Liberty Hall Museum – History buffs will enjoy exploring this site, which provides a unique glimpse into New Jersey's past. The beautiful gardens also make a serene backdrop for a relaxing day with friends.

Warinanco Park – A perfect spot for picnics, jogging, or a game of soccer. During the winter months, the skating rink becomes a popular destination for students looking to have some fun on ice.

The Mills at Jersey Gardens – Known as the largest outlet and value retail center in New Jersey, it’s an ideal place for shopping and catching the latest movies. With a variety of dining options, it's easy to spend an entire day here with friends.

Boxwood Hall State Historic Site – Step back in time with a visit to this Georgian-style mansion. It's a great place for students interested in history and architecture, offering a peaceful environment to explore.

Elizabeth River Trail – Perfect for a casual walk or a bike ride, this scenic trail lets students enjoy the outdoors while staying close to the city. It's an ideal spot for de-stressing after a long day of classes.

Union County Performing Arts Center – Catch a live show or movie at this historic venue. It's a cultural hub for the city, offering something for every art lover, whether you're into theater, music, or film.

Exploring these spots provides a perfect break from the rigors of student life, allowing you to relax and have fun in Elizabeth, NJ.

Elizabeth, New Jersey is a vibrant city with a strategic location near major cultural and economic centers. The area is home to several respected public and private institutions, offering quality education in healthcare, business, technology, and the arts.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Elizabeth

Union College of Union County, NJ – With campuses in Elizabeth and Cranford, this public community college offers associate degrees and certificates in fields like nursing, business, criminal justice, and liberal arts. It provides affordable education and transfer opportunities to four-year universities.

Kean University – Located nearby in Union, Kean is one of New Jersey’s leading public universities known for strong programs in education, psychology, business, and design. Its commitment to research and community service makes it a top choice for students in the Elizabeth area.

Rutgers University–Newark – Just a short drive from Elizabeth, this campus of Rutgers offers top-tier programs in law, business, public administration, and the sciences. Its urban location provides students access to internships and employment opportunities in nearby New York City.

New Jersey City University (NJCU) – Located in Jersey City, NJCU serves many students from Elizabeth. The university provides accessible education with strong programs in business, education, and criminal justice, and a growing focus on STEM fields.

Essex County College – Although based in Newark, this public college draws many students from Elizabeth. The school specializes in associate degrees and transfer programs, with strong offerings in health sciences, computer technology, and liberal arts.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Elizabeth

Seton Hall University – Located in South Orange, Seton Hall is a nationally recognized private university known for its law school, business programs, nursing, and international affairs. It has a longstanding reputation for academic excellence and ethical leadership.

Drew University – Situated in nearby Madison, Drew offers a liberal arts education with strong programs in the humanities, sciences, and pre-law. Its small class sizes make it an excellent choice for students seeking close faculty support.

Saint Peter’s University – Based in Jersey City, this private Jesuit university serves many students from Elizabeth. Known for its nursing, business, and data science programs, Saint Peter’s emphasizes leadership, service, and academic excellence.

College of Saint Elizabeth (now Saint Elizabeth University) – Located in Morristown, this private Catholic university offers strong undergraduate and graduate programs in health sciences, education, and psychology. The institution promotes values-based learning and community service.

Pillar College – Headquartered in Newark with a strong presence in the region, Pillar College is a Christian college offering degrees in counseling, leadership, biblical studies, and business administration. Its focus on adult learners and spiritual development appeals to many in the Elizabeth area.

Elizabeth, NJ, offers students access to quality education through a variety of public and private high schools. These schools focus on academics, extracurricular development, and career readiness. Whether you're planning for college or a future career path, Elizabeth's schools provide a supportive learning environment to help students succeed.

Top Public High Schools In Elizabeth, NJ

• Elizabeth High School - Frank J. Cicarell Academy – Ranked among the top public high schools in New Jersey, this school offers an International Baccalaureate (IB) program and a strong focus on college prep.
• Thomas Jefferson Arts Academy – Known for blending academics with visual and performing arts education, this magnet school supports students with creative talents pursuing college degrees in the arts.
• Admiral William F. Halsey Jr. Health & Public Safety Academy – Offers career-focused programs in public safety and health, preparing students for careers in law enforcement, emergency services, and healthcare.
• Alexander Hamilton Preparatory Academy – A college-preparatory magnet school that emphasizes humanities, literature, and critical thinking, with many graduates going on to top universities.
• John E. Dwyer Technology Academy – Specializes in STEM education with programs in engineering, architecture, and technology, providing students hands-on learning experiences.

Top Private High Schools In Elizabeth, NJ

• St. Mary of the Assumption High School – A Catholic school focused on faith-based education, strong academics, and community involvement, known for its personalized approach to student learning.
• Benedictine Academy – Though recently closed in 2020, it had a legacy of excellence in women's education, and the school’s legacy still influences Catholic education in the area.
• The Wardlaw+Hartridge School (nearby in Edison, NJ) – A respected private institution close to Elizabeth that attracts families for its high academic standards, diversity, and college readiness programs.
• Our Lady of Guadalupe Academy – Serving younger grades but offering a feeder pattern into high-quality private high school options, it forms a part of the strong parochial education system supporting students in Elizabeth.
• Josephine's Place Programs (sponsored by local religious schools) – While not a high school, this community-based center supports enrichment programs for young women, complementing private education efforts in the city.

Elizabeth, New Jersey, may not have its own major professional sports teams, but it enjoys close proximity to New York City and Newark, where fans can easily access a wide range of top-tier sports events. As part of the greater New York metropolitan area, Elizabeth residents passionately support teams from New York and New Jersey across different professional leagues.

🏀 Basketball – New York Knicks & Brooklyn Nets (NBA)

• New York Knicks – Based in Manhattan’s Madison Square Garden, the Knicks are one of the NBA’s most historic teams. Though they have not won a title since the 1970s, the team has a loyal fanbase and continues to be a major presence in the league.
• Brooklyn Nets – The Nets play in the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Since moving from New Jersey in 2012, the team has gained star power with players like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and more recently, a new generation of young talent.

⚾ Baseball – New York Yankees & New York Mets (MLB)

• New York Yankees – One of the most successful franchises in all of sports, the Yankees have won 27 World Series titles, more than any other MLB team. Legends like Babe Ruth, Derek Jeter, and Aaron Judge have worn the pinstripes.
• New York Mets – Based in Queens, the Mets have won two World Series championships (1969 and 1986). Known for their loyal fan base, the Mets continue to be a strong part of the New York sports scene.

🏈 Football – New York Giants & New York Jets (NFL)

• New York Giants – Although they bear the New York name, the Giants play home games at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just minutes from Elizabeth. With four Super Bowl titles and a rich history, they are one of the NFL’s flagship franchises.
• New York Jets – Also playing at MetLife Stadium, the Jets won their only Super Bowl in 1969. The team continues to develop young talent and has a devoted fan following throughout the region.

⚽ Soccer – New York Red Bulls & New York City FC (MLS)

• New York Red Bulls – The Red Bulls play their home games at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ, just a short drive from Elizabeth. Though they have not yet claimed an MLS Cup, they have been regular playoff contenders and are known for their fast-paced, exciting style of play.
• New York City FC – Competing in the MLS Eastern Conference, NYCFC plays many of its matches in Yankee Stadium and won its first MLS Cup in 2021. The team has quickly formed a strong fanbase within the metro area.

🏒 Hockey – New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers & New York Islanders (NHL)

• New Jersey Devils – Based in nearby Newark at the Prudential Center, the Devils have won three Stanley Cup championships (1995, 2000, 2003). The team has a strong local following and features rising young stars.
• New York Rangers – Playing at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the NHL’s Original Six teams. Their passionate fanbase spans across the region, including many supporters from Elizabeth.
• New York Islanders – With four consecutive Stanley Cup titles in the early 1980s, the Islanders are another storied hockey franchise. They now play in the modern UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.

Elizabeth, New Jersey is a vibrant city with deep historical roots and a diverse cultural scene. From being one of the oldest cities in the country to hosting unique annual events, Elizabeth has its fair share of fun and interesting facts. Check out these 10 fun facts about this lively city:

1. First Capital of New Jersey – Elizabeth was once New Jersey’s first state capital, back in the colonial days!
2. Founded in 1664 – It’s one of the oldest cities in the United States, created the same year New Jersey was founded.
3. An American Revolution Hotspot – The city played a big part in the American Revolutionary War and was even attacked by British forces.
4. Birthplace of Singer Whitney Houston – Yes, the legendary diva Whitney Houston was born in Elizabeth in 1963.
5. Close to Everything – Elizabeth is just 15 miles from Manhattan, making it a great location for commuters and visitors alike.
6. Great Shopping at Jersey Gardens – The city is home to The Mills at Jersey Gardens, New Jersey’s largest outlet mall.
7. Invention of Ice Cream Soda – Legend says the ice cream soda was invented in Elizabeth back in the 1800s!
8. Home of IKEA’s First U.S. Store – The first American IKEA opened in Elizabeth in 1985 and still draws huge crowds.
9. One of the Most Diverse Cities – With people from over 50 countries, Elizabeth is known for its rich blend of languages, food, and culture.
10. Annual Puerto Rican Parade – The city proudly hosts the Puerto Rican Day Parade every summer, celebrating heritage with music, dance, and food!