Elizabeth Apartments and Rentals

Elizabeth, N.J., is a classic American city with roots that reach back well before the birth of the nation. Founded in 1665 as Elizabethtown, it was the first English-speaking community in New Jersey. The city has since become the home of the first submarine, the first assembly line auto manufacturer and the first ice cream soda - accomplishments that illustrate the diversity of Elizabeth's development over the years.

Those who look for Elizabeth apartments for rent today will find a thriving city that has undergone revitalization and development efforts over the past few years, creating a fantastic place to live and work.

Many might assume that Elizabeth was named after Queen Elizabeth I. In fact, it was named to honor the wife of Sir George Carteret, a British politician from Jersey, England, who was one of the original proprietors of the area of Carolina, as granted by King Charles II. He later got property rights to half of New Jersey, which was named in his honor. He founded what was then called Elizabethtown on the banks of the Elizabeth River in 1665. The town thrived from the outset, and became the first capital of New Jersey.

Although the capital has since moved and the name has changed slightly, Elizabeth is still the Union County seat and the fourth largest city in New Jersey. Close to Newark and New York City, many people get apartments in Elizabeth and commute to the larger cities, although this metropolis is thriving in and of itself. Residents can live in one of eight distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. Whether looking for a village feel, high-rise luxury complexes or quaint community of colonial-style homes, those seeking rentals in Elizabeth will find something to suit their fancy.

Those who move to apartments in Elizabeth will join a labor force of more than 66,871 people, many of who work in the city's transportation, shipping, industrial and retail industries. Thanks to the Elizabeth Development Company (EDC), a nonprofit economic development corporation established in 1977, the city has put thousands more residents to work and generated more than $2 billion in new economic investments. Doing business in Elizabeth - whether as a small entrepreneurial company or a large corporation - is now easier than ever. The city's Urban Enterprise Zone program also offers tax break incentives to businesses, developers and consumers. Additionally, Elizabeth is home to the nation's top performing IKEA store and the Jersey Gardens Mall, the largest mall on the East Coast.

Elizabeth may also be attractive to families because of its school system, which boasts more than 30 schools. Elizabeth Public Schools have been ranked among America's Best High Schools by U.S. News and World Report in 2012. Meanwhile, Elizabeth High School was ranked no. 6 in New Jersey and no. 139 in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report. It was also ranked the no. 2 high school in the state and no. 77 in the nation by The Washington Post.

Those looking for apartments for rent in Elizabeth, N.J., can expect to pay about $1,000 per month. In 2010, the median gross rent for the city was $1,013, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The cost of living in this city is about 20.8 percent higher than the U.S. average.

Although the economy in Elizabeth is thriving, there is plenty to do outside of work hours, too. Families can enjoy the amenities of the city's park system, which has more than 40 parks throughout the city. Warinanco Park, designed by famous landscape architect Frederick Olmstead, is the most extensive, offering an ice skating rink, sports fields and courts, winding trails and flower gardens.

Each year, the city hosts the "Tour de Elizabeth," a bicycle tour of the city started in 2003. A number of festivals and events are held throughout the year to celebrate this city's diversity, notably the Elizabeth Latin Carnival, which is held each September.

Walking through Midtown, history buffs can enjoy seeing more than a dozen historical sites, marking the many important people and places that played a role in the birth of America.

To find an Elizabeth, NJ apartment or rental, check out our apartment listings. Rent.com® is happy to help you find your next home.