It's hard to say that Newark, DE is a city where many Koreans live.

If you come expecting a neighborhood like LA or New Jersey, where you can hear Korean spoken everywhere in Korean markets and restaurants, you might be disappointed.

However, just because there are fewer Koreans doesn't mean it's an inconvenient place to live.

In fact, for those who want a quiet American lifestyle but still want access to a Korean community when needed, it's quite a nice location.

The biggest advantage is definitely the proximity to Philadelphia. Depending on traffic, you can reach the Philadelphia area in about 40 minutes by car, and Wilmington is even closer.

If you crave Korean food or need to visit a Korean market, you can easily head up to Philadelphia.

There are H Mart, Korean restaurants, and many professional services available in Philadelphia that speak Korean, which is a lot more than what you can find in Newark. So, you can live quietly in Newark and go out a few times a month to get what you need.

I think that's not a bad way to live. While living in the heart of Koreatown is convenient, there's no need to only meet Koreans after coming all the way to America. Some people find it more comfortable to live an American life and just go to the Korean market when they run out of kimchi.

The second point is the healthcare environment. It's reassuring to have a large medical facility like Christiana Hospital nearby. If children need specialized care, you can also use Nemours Children's Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware.

When you're young, you might not see the advantage of being close to a hospital, but once you reach your 40s or 50s and have kids, your perspective changes. When a child suddenly gets sick at night or there's an emergency with a family member, having a major hospital within a short drive provides a sense of security.

The third point is that Delaware is known for having no sales tax. There is no state sales tax when shopping. While it may not make much difference when buying a $20 t-shirt, it adds up when purchasing a refrigerator, TV, or laptop. When buying items worth thousands of dollars, not having sales tax feels significant.

For homeowners, property tax is also important, and Delaware's rates are relatively lower compared to surrounding areas like New Jersey. Of course, this doesn't mean there are no property taxes, and when buying a house, you must calculate local taxes and insurance separately.

Another aspect I find surprisingly good about Newark is the University of Delaware.

You might wonder what having a university nearby has to do with you, but college towns have a different atmosphere. Students, professors, and researchers continuously come in, and people from various countries mix together. There are university-related events like performances, sports, and lectures, and restaurants and cafes thrive thanks to student demand.

Especially for families with children, this environment can be appealing. While there aren't many Koreans, it doesn't feel like a small rural town where East Asians stand out. People from diverse backgrounds gather around the university.

Ultimately, Newark is not a city I would recommend for those looking for a Koreatown.

However, if you want to live in a quiet neighborhood, be close to a major hospital, and enjoy the benefits of tax-free shopping in Delaware while having access to Philadelphia, then it's a different story.

If you miss Korean food, you can just drive out, and otherwise, you can live your life quietly.

Even though there aren't many Koreans, Newark is a place where you might find yourself saying, "Wow, this place is surprisingly nice."