Really, rankings? These two Jersey cities are consistently 'the worst.' We beg to differ

Newark and Jersey City are New Jersey's most populated cities, so it's no wonder that they're often the target of the various "worst places" reports on behalf of the Garden State.

This includes Newark being named the worst city for renters in the nation by Forbes and the seventh worst city for renters by WalletHub; ranking as the fourth worst city to raise a family; and the third worst city for renovating a fixer upper home.

Both Jersey City and Newark were also named in the top 10 noisiest cities; ranked among the worst cities for their average size of new apartments; ranked in the 10 worst cities for recreation; and named in the bottom half of 180 cities for their selection of fun spots.

Despite all of the flak people give these two North Jersey cities, whether it's for good reason or not, there are actually some great attractions to visit in these places.

So we'd like to use this opportunity to do what we do best here in North Jersey: Talk about how great we are so everyone else can know it too.

Here are three things that make Jersey City and Newark great:

Public parks and waterfront views in Jersey City and Newark

One of the things we love most about both Jersey City and Newark is the abundance of parks and waterfront views that each of these cities have to offer.

In Jersey City, the 1,212-acre Liberty State Park brings in millions of visitors each year and is home to nature trails, bike paths, playgrounds and picnic areas. There is also a two-mile walkway along the Hudson River, the historic site of the former Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal and the ferry that takes New Jersey visitors to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

Other parks in Jersey City include the four-acre Newport Green, which is home to an urban beach along the Hudson River, as well as Hamilton Park, J. Owen Grundy Park, Van Vorst Park, Morris Canal Park, Pershing Field Park and more.

In Newark, there is the 360-acre Branch Brook Park — the largest park in the Essex County Parks System. The park surrounds water, including Branch Brook Lake and Clark's Pond, and is home to walking paths, playgrounds, athletic fields and tons of green space. The park is also known to get a beautiful bloom of cherry blossoms in early spring, attracting people from far and wide who come to see them.

Other parks in Newark include Essex County Riverfront Park, Weequahic Park, Newark Riverfront Park, Independence Park, Riverbank Park, Military Park and more.

Downtowns in Jersey City and Newark

A downtown is considered to be the heart of a city or town, filled with different historical, commercial and cultural attractions. And in Jersey City and Newark, the downtowns are exactly that.

Jersey City's downtown leads to the city's waterfront area. And what was once full of railyards and warehouses has transformed into a popular community destination full of historic spots, restaurants, bars, entertainment venues and more. The downtown is also full of historic brownstone homes and attractive green spaces, making it a scenic experience for those who live and visit.

This downtown also includes the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza, a designated area for pedestrians to dine outdoors or walk amongst a variety of city shops.

Similarly in Newark, its downtown area is a testament to the city's, and therefore New Jersey's, history. There are old sites and repurposed buildings from the city's role in the Industrial Revolution, when Newark acted as a commercial and cultural hub in our region long ago. But in addition to this, it houses major destinations like the Prudential Center, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the Newark Museum of Art, which attracts thousands of people every year.

Restaurants and bars in Jersey City and Newark

If you're a foodie, or looking for a cool weekend drink spot? Both Newark and Jersey City are culinary and nightlife destinations with an abundance of options.

This ranges from fine dining like Fernandes Steak House in Newark and Battello in Jersey City, diners like Top's Diner in Newark and City Diner in Jersey City, as well as delicatessens like Hobby's Deli in Newark and Milano's Deli in Jersey City.

Beyond this, there are other spots like Krug's Tavern, Casa De Paco, The Yard, Dickie Dee's, Don Pepe, March B&P and Redd's Biergarten in Newark, or places like White Mana Diner, Corto, Wurstbar, Barcade, Cellar 335, O'Leary's Publik House and Hudson Hall in Jersey City.

And this doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of what's available in each of these cities. Even after you think you've found all that there is to offer, something else will inevitably surprise you.

So visit these destinations and decide for yourself whether they're really the "worst places" after all.

Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay, on X @maddiemcgayy, and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at MMcGay@gannett.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Best places to live in NJ: Rankings say two cities are worst