Newark, DE is not a major city that attracts many immigrants.

However, the experiences of immigrants living in this area should be evaluated on a different level than the city's size or the number of Koreans.

Here are some honest reflections on a few realistic pros and cons.

Let's start with the advantages of living in Newark as an immigrant. First, it has a multicultural environment due to the presence of the University of Delaware.

With students and researchers from around the world coexisting, there is generally less resistance towards immigrants or foreigners. It's a city where hearing languages other than English on the street is not seen as unusual, and it is accustomed to diversity. Second, Delaware's business-friendly environment offers various job opportunities across different sectors.

Large companies like AstraZeneca, W.L. Gore, and JPMorgan Chase are nearby, providing employment opportunities for those in STEM, finance, and pharmaceuticals. Third, the tax structure has favorable aspects for immigrant families. No sales tax, low property taxes, and reasonable housing costs help reduce living expenses.

However, there are clear downsides. First, the Korean community and Asian infrastructure are limited. It is difficult to find professionals such as Korean-speaking doctors, lawyers, or real estate agents within Newark, and there are not many Korean markets or restaurants.

Many issues require traveling to Philadelphia or New Jersey for resolution. Second, immigrant support services are more limited compared to larger cities. ESL courses are offered at places like Delaware Tech, but access to legal support for immigration issues and interpretation services is lower than in major cities. Third, living without a car can be quite inconvenient. It is challenging to handle most daily tasks using only public transportation, and driving is essential.

In summary, Newark is not an easy city for immigrants. However, for those with clear reasons such as professional opportunities (UD, nearby large companies), educational reasons (university environment, children's education), or a desire to slow down their pace of life, it can be a sufficiently attractive choice.

By approaching life in Newark with the concept of utilizing both Philadelphia and Wilmington as part of your living area, you can create a much richer life than if you only focus on Newark.