NEWARK-Despite many peoples’ perception of Newark as an industrial town, it’s hard to argue with the city’s transformation ever since Mayor Cory Booker first took office in 2006; he was then elected for a second term in 2010. Recently, Newark has nabbed a number of major lease deals--in the retail, industrial and multifamily sectors--further solidifying its place as a viable live/work destination.

But New Jersey’s largest city is making a name for itself as a less expensive--but equally as hip--alternative to Manhattan, so said Newark deputy mayor for economic development Stefan Pryor at ICREW NJ’s monthly luncheon, held on Thursday at the Newark Club here.

“The city is truly establishing itself as a first-class destination,” Pryor told a diverse crowd that consisted of brokers, city planners and investors. In fact, the most recent Census report showed that Newark actually grew in population--“the first time the city has showed positive growth in the past 50 years,” noted Pryor, who overseeing the city offices responsible for economic development, city planning and housing, among other areas. “Although the growth, according to the Census, was only 1%, it proves for the first time half a century that people are opting into Newark.”