The Gentrification Mosaic: Jersey City, Newark, and Paterson

Lakshmi Garg

May 13, 2025

Introduction

As an Indian-American who grew up in Jersey City, I’ve always felt like a thread in a larger tapestry—part of a community that’s both deeply rooted in tradition and constantly evolving. But lately, the city’s transformation has felt like a dance of contradictions. On one hand, the skyline is rising with glass towers and trendy cafes; on the other, long-time residents are being pushed out by rising rents and the quiet erosion of neighborhood identity. The recent Rutgers-Newark report on gentrification in Jersey City, Newark, and Paterson has forced me to confront how much of this change is shaping my own life—and the lives of those around me.

The Bedroom City: Jersey City’s Gentrification Paradox

Jersey City, often dubbed the “Bedroom City” for its proximity to NYC jobs, has become a microcosm of gentrification’s complexities. The report highlights that while the city is fully gentrified, its growth is driven not just by local opportunities but by international migration. Forty-one percent of residents are foreign-born, with significant populations from India, China, the Philippines, Latin America, and the Caribbean. This diversity is both a strength and a source of tension.

I’ve seen it firsthand: my neighborhood, once a mix of South Asian, Caribbean, and Latino families, now has more Starbucks locations than street vendors. The influx of affluent newcomers has brought new restaurants and cultural hubs, but it’s also made housing unaffordable for long-time residents. My cousin, who moved here from Mumbai in the 90s, recently had to relocate because her rent doubled.

The Migrant Metro: Paterson’s Hidden Struggles

Paterson, meanwhile, stands as a “Migrant Metro”—a city where immigration drives growth, but not necessarily gentrification. With a population that’s at least two-thirds Latino and growing Arab American communities, the city’s real estate prices have surged without the trendy commercial spots typical of gentrified areas.

This mirrors my own experiences. While I’ve never lived in Paterson, I’ve visited its historic neighborhoods, where immigrants from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Nigeria share stories over arepas and samosas. Yet, the same forces pushing out Black residents in Jersey City are also displacing Latino families in Paterson.

The Jobless Gentrification: Newark’s Dilemma

Newark’s story is the most enigmatic. It’s caught between “jobless gentrification”—a term the report uses to describe how new housing developments have raised prices without creating jobs. While Newark has seen a surge in market-rate units, affordability remains a crisis.

The report’s mention of “a shortage of affordable housing” resonates with my friends who’ve had to move to cheaper towns like Elizabeth or Parsippany, despite the promise of better schools and jobs.

The Cultural Mosaic: A Double-Edged Sword

The Cove Collective article on New Jersey’s cultural mosaic underscores how immigration has redefined the state’s identity. From the Indian-owned grocery stores in Jersey City to the Dominican bakeries in Paterson, these communities are both a source of pride and a target of scrutiny.

The report’s observation that “people may not come for work but to be with others like them” feels like a rallying cry for those navigating the tension between tradition and transformation.

The Road Ahead: Balancing Growth and Belonging

The report’s call to action is clear: mid-sized cities like Jersey City, Newark, and Paterson are bellwethers for urban change across the U.S. Their stories are a warning that gentrification isn’t just a NYC problem. For me, it’s a call to action to advocate for affordable housing, support local businesses, and amplify the voices of those most affected.

As I sip on chai at my favorite café—now a trendy spot for Brooklynites— I can’t help but wonder: What does it mean to belong in a city that’s constantly changing? The answer, I think, lies in finding balance between progress and preservation, and in remembering that our cultural mosaic is only as strong as the communities that sustain it.

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Let’s keep the conversation going—what does gentrification mean for your community?