Accessible by land, air and sea, the city of Elizabeth is New
Jersey’s fourth-largest city. With a population of more than
124,969 (2010 Census), Elizabeth serves as the Union County
seat. This bedroom community is located 20 miles southwest of
New York City, situated on Newark Bay, connected to Staten
Island by the Goethals Bridge. More than 50 countries and 37
language groups are represented within Elizabeth’s diverse
community. The city is a regional center given its easy access
to Newark Liberty International Airport, the New Jersey
Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway, Routes 1, 9, 22, and
Manhattan. In addition, Elizabeth boasts two New Jersey transit
train stations that travel to New York City and the rest of the
state. Currently, plans are under way for a light rail link and
a ferry service to New York. The city of Elizabeth is considered
the first English-speaking settlement in what is now New Jersey.
In 1664, the Native Americans of Staten Island sold a large
parcel of land cradled between the Raritan