Shocked at the replies! My family's Italian and we always go to a restaurant for Christmas. Next year, check out Miele's in Verona or Pucciarello's in East Hanover. Just off the top of my head, though

Elm Street BBQ is in Newark. Personally I think that's the best BBQ place in the Ironbound and definitely not whatever's on Ferry lol

Yes there are things to do. The Raritan Valley Line (RVL train) goes straight to Newark Penn/New York Penn. Even if you don't want to go all the way to NYC, you can take that train to Newark Penn Station and then the Path train to Hoboken or Jersey City. You 1000% have options in NJ.

Edit: I feel like I should add that the RVL stops at Raritan and Somerville (among other towns, such as the one that I live in). All things considered, it's pretty efficient and runs on the weekends.

No problem. And it varies. Usually they're for rent, but a lot of owners are selling the houses these days since people are starting to buy up property in Newark

I do agree with people mentioning the Ironbound, but you don't have to live in one of the little apartments near Penn! The amount of construction near those buildings has been attracting rats like crazy recently (among other problems). However, there are several streets in the neighborhood that have 2-3 family homes that are much more livable/practical. A few are: Chestnut Street, St. Francis Street, Clifford Street. These are all sort of on the borders of the super busy areas like Ferry or Wilson Ave, so they're pretty safe but you still get some privacy.