Newark: Sex, Drugs, Violence—and Edgy Art?

Manhattan's art scene is epic, but the island is still too expensive for most struggling artists. Brooklyn's art collective has long emerged and is also pricing out the up-and-coming set. Newark, however, is equal parts affordable, gritty and authentic. That is if you don't mind getting inspiration from a higher crime rate and better access to drugs.

"I had to leave my midtown studio," says Danny Glix, a psychedelic artist, who also specializes in user interface design. "Newark has cheaper rent. I paid more than double [what] I pay now." Currently Glix has a 3.5 bedroom loft and pays $2K a month. It's been over a year in Newark and Glix has mixed feelings about staying much longer. "Safety is a factor," says Glix.