Driving in New Jersey is often a headache. For a small state, it has an unusually high number of drivers—about 6.46 million registered motorists, putting it 11th in the country. With so many cars packed into a limited space, it’s no wonder that the roads can feel more like parking lots, and tempers run high.
But which city in New Jersey ranks as the absolute worst for drivers? According to a new WalletHub survey, the dubious honor goes to Newark. The analysis looked at 100 major U.S. cities and rated them on factors like traffic, infrastructure, vehicle maintenance costs, and overall safety. Newark came in at 83rd, meaning only 17 cities in the entire country fared worse when it came to driving.
Newark’s low ranking is not a new issue. The city, one of the oldest in the nation (founded in 1666), has long been a key transportation hub, especially because of its proximity to New York City. However, this also means that its aging infrastructure, combined with modern traffic levels, has made navigating the streets a challenge for anyone who drives there regularly. The constant flow of vehicles, particularly on key routes like the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway, leads to frequent congestion and delays. High vehicle ownership costs and safety concerns also contribute to its unfavorable ranking.
While Newark is the worst in New Jersey, other local cities didn’t fare much better. Jersey City was ranked 70th, and New York City found itself in 94th place. Nearby Philadelphia was ranked even lower at 99th. At the very bottom of the list was Oakland, California, which took the 100th spot as the toughest place to drive in America.
For anyone who’s been stuck in traffic in Newark, this ranking likely confirms what they’ve known all along. With traffic jams, outdated roadways, and too many cars for too little space, driving in Newark is a daily struggle that shows no signs of letting up anytime soon.