Andrew Davila relocated for work but stayed for culture
Seven years later, after planning to stay for just a year, native New Yorker Andrew Davila, 39, says he decided to make Newark his longtime home after experiencing its culture, diversity and sprawling social scene. Davila moved from Brooklyn for a job opportunity at a local bank in downtown Newark. He was planning to stay for just a year, or until he found something better. “Work was the sales pitch but the culture was the customer service that made me stay,” says the branch manager speaking in corporate terms.
Davila recalls at first traveling back and forth to New York for entertainment but once he got more involved in Newark, he found himself “falling in love with Newark,” particularly the Ironbound section and downtown Newark.
Events like the annual block parties on Halsey Street, powered by the Newark Alliance to celebrate the anniversary of high-end clothier BrownMill Company, which draws hundreds of spectators and live music, lured Davila to make Newark his new go-to hangout.
“Shops like BrownMill make Newark so unique. They embroider clothing in the shop right in front of their customers,” explains Davila. “That adds to the experience of shopping.”
The diversity, various festivals and friendly neighbors in the mostly Portuguese section of town are also a draw. “There are such friendly people in the Ironbound. They treat you like family,” says Davila who is Colombian, Cuban and Puerto Rican. “Here in Newark, people may ask ‘how are you doing?’ Or, greet you. You don’t usually get that where I’m from,” he said. “Even when you go into one of the shops, you are greeted with so much passion.”
Davila says through his work as a branch manager he gets to pour back into the Newark community. “My goal is to invest back into Newark the way Newark has invested in me,” says Davila who prides himself on helping small businesses open and grow their accounts, as well as educating residents about financial literacy.
“Newark is for new work” he says referring to the vast opportunities to network and begin new businesses. Newark gives you New York opportunities but in a smaller community. “Newark has definitely won me over!” says Davila.
—Lachelle Parrish
Here are some of Andrew Davila’s favorite places and things to do in Newark
A. Newark Public Library – Andrew enjoys going to the Newark Public Library Downtown Newark to kick back and relax with a good book.
B. Riverside Park – Whether he’s riding one of the scooters or taking a casual walk, Andrew lloves to take in the views at Ironbound’s Riverside Park.
C. Gentleman’s Quarters – Being a professional, it is essential for Andrew to look good at all times. Located on Branford Place in downtown Newark, Gentleman’s Quarter provides a large catalog of men’s clothing. Along with that, Andrew shares that the owners and workers know exactly what they’re doing. “With just one look, they were able to tell my measurements and size.”
D. Scooters – Between traveling to work and his favorite places, Andrew uses the city scooters to get from place to place. “Riding the scooters allows me to explore Newark in a different way versus taking a cab, Uber or Lyft. On a scooter, I can go; stop to look at beautiful views; explore random places, and then go again”, he said.
E. Community Bottom Farm – To involve himself in the community, Andrew volunteers at the Bottom Farms on Ferry Street in the Ironbound section.
F. BrownMill Company – BrownMill Company is another one of Andrew’s favorite clothing stores/brands. “Justis does a lot of phenomenal things. From working the sewing machine right in front of you to organizing community-based events that bring people together’.”
