1. Living In New Jersey Doesn’t Come Cheap
The cost of living index in New Jersey is 127, which is
above the national average of 100. Additionally, groceries, utilities, health insurance, and housing are also all above the national average. So you should probably save up if you’re planning on moving to the Garden State.
2. But That’s Okay Because New Jerseyans Can Actually Afford It
New Jersey is one of the wealthiest states in the U.S., with a per capita income of $35,928 and a personal per capita income of $50,781. The median household income is $71,637, which is the second highest in the country.
Basically, even though it’s not cheap to live here, the people who do live here can definitely afford it.
3. But Maneuvering The Jersey Job Market Isn’t Always A Breeze
Although the median income is much higher than average, it’s not always easy to find work in New Jersey. In fact, according to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in New Jersey is 6.5 percent, which is 1.2 percent higher than the national average. That being said, the unemployment rate has consistently declined year by year and will hopefully continue in this pattern.
4. New Jersey Is Safer Than Some People Think
With the exception of some urban centers, New Jersey is pretty safe. The crime rates, for both violent and property crimes, are lower than national average.
New Jersey has 2.88 violent crimes per 1,000 residents annually, which is lower than the national average of 3.8. Similarly, the property crimes per 1,000 people in New Jersey is only 18.83, which is less than the national average of 27.3.
That doesn’t mean you should stop locking your doors or anything. It just means that your chances of experiencing crime in NJ are lower than average.
5. You Might Transform Into A “Mega-Commuter”
New Jerseyans have the second longest average commute to work in the country, coming in at 30-34 minutes one way. The only state with a longer average commute is New York.
But at least you don’t have to pump your own gas while you do all of this driving, right?
6. The Weather In New Jersey Is Always Wonderful
New Jersey weather is great because it’s always mild, regardless of the season. The winters are never too cold, and the summers are never too hot.
You’ll get to experience a winter wonderland without having to shovel 6 feet of snow, and, come summertime, you won’t be melting from the heat or walking through soup from humidity.
7. So You Should Probably Go Down The Shore As Much As Possible
The real Jersey Shore (not the horrid MTV show) is actually one of the most beautiful places on earth. Which explains why so many New Jerseyans have a summer pastime of “going down the Shore.”
While there are many beautiful locations on the Shore, you definitely have to visit
Cape May,
Spring Lake, and Long Beach Island, all of which are stunning.
8. Farmers Markets Will Be Your New Best Friend
As mentioned earlier, New Jersey is called The Garden State for a reason. This state knows how to grow some awesome fruits and veggies, like Jersey tomatoes and Jersey corn, both of which are the freshest you’ll ever taste in your life.
Check out the markets across the state, located everywhere from
Morristown to
Hoboken to
West Windsor.
9. If You Want To See Some Real Jersey Gardens, Head To Skylands
Skylands, also known as the New Jersey Botanical Garden, is 119 acres of awesome located in
Ringwood, New Jersey. The property is home to a mansion and a 96-acre botanical garden featuring hiking and biking trails and summer concerts and events.
10. Living In Jersey Means Experiencing The Glory Of 24/7 Diners
New Jersey is known for having the best diners in the country. Whether it’s waffles for breakfast at Tops Diner in or a nice, big plate of disco fries at Tick Tock’s for your 3 a.m. munchies, New Jersey diners always come through in the clutch.
11. But The Real Bread And Butter Of Jersey Cuisine Is Taylor Ham, Egg, And Cheese
There’s nothing quite like this unique New Jersey delicacy. Sure, you could say it’s sort of like Jersey’s take on a bacon, egg, and cheese, but Taylor Ham (pork roll) is so very much its own thing that nothing else really compares. Oh, and make sure to order it with SPK (salt, pepper, ketchup).
12. And Everyone Knows Jersey Pizza Outdoes New York 10-Fold
For some strange reason, everyone in the world thinks the best pizza can be found in New York. That is a bold-faced lie. The best pizza in the world is right here in New Jersey.
The crust is always thin and crisp, with thick, melty cheese and delicious homemade sauces. Jersey prides itself on their pizza, especially since it represents the Italian culture that’s prevalent throughout the state.
13. The Only Things New Jerseyans Like About New York Are Its Sports Teams
While Jerseyans may not be fans of much of what New York has to offer, they are most definitely fans of New York sports teams, like the NY Giants or Jets. Besides, both teams are
really New Jersey’s. After all, they play at MetLife Stadium, which is in New Jersey, not New York.
14. The Jersey Devils Have A Passionate Following
If you’re a New Jerseyan, chances are you follow the Jersey Devils. This NHL team not only has ridiculously entertaining games, with awesome stadium food and perfect seating, but is a point of pride since it represents a professional sports team that New Jerseyans really can call their own.
15. South Jersey Is The Exception To The Rule
If you’re in South Jersey, pretty much all Jersey rules go out the window, including the one where you root for New York Sports teams or Jersey sports teams. In South Jersey, everyone is all about the Pennsylvania sports teams. It’s Eagles and Flyers territory down here, so you won’t see too many Giants/Jets/Devils gear around.
16. Asking “QuickChek or WaWa?” Tells You All You Need To Know About A Person
Because New Jerseyans don’t have to pump their own gas, it leaves them plenty of time to explore the awesome convenience stores at their gas stations.
If you’re a South Jerseyan, you’ll swear by Wawa. The coffee is some of the best in the state, as are their delicious hoagies. But if you’re a North Jerseyan, Quick Chek is totally where it’s at.
17. State Fair Meadowlands Makes Summers In Jersey All The More Amazing
If you want to go on thrilling rides, eat delicious funnel cake, play arcade games, or join a pie eating contest, then your best bet is to wait for the annual State Fair Meadowlands. This is something New Jerseyans look forward to all year.
Don’t forget to grab some fried Oreos!
18. Cross Something Off Your Bucket List At The Epic New Jersey Festival Of Ballooning
Ever dream of going on a hot air balloon? In New Jersey, you have a chance once a year to conquer that pesky fear of heights and just get up there and see New Jersey from above!
If you’re afraid of heights, it’s still awesome to watch the beautiful, bright-colored balloons illuminate the sky like magic.
19. Six Flags Great Adventure Is Everyone’s Favorite Amusement Park
If you’re living in New Jersey, you know you’re lucky to have an amusement park as downright spectacular as Six Flags Great Adventure. This park consistently breaks records for most thrilling, scariest, tallest, most unique roller coasters that will be sure to leave your heart pumping and your head spinning.
20. New Jerseyans Will Fight You If You Make Fun Of Their State
New Jerseyans are some of the most proud people when it comes to defending the honor of their state. The people who say that Jersey is the armpit of America, probably haven’t experienced anything Jersey except their connecting flight in Newark Airport.
In reality, New Jersey is awesome. If you’re not on board, then New Jerseyans may not have a lot of time for you.
21. Because New Jersey Really Is The Most Beautiful State In The World
The Garden State has acres upon acres of farmland, gardens as far as the eye can see, a shoreline that is so magical it could move you to tears, people so loving they could melt your heart, and pizza that outdoes anything you’ve ever tasted before. And
that’s beautiful.
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