1. North Jersey Sports Fans Have Everyone Else Beat
With the Giants in East Rutherford, the Jets in Florham Park, and the Devils in Newark, North Jersey is home to an amazing amount of team pride.
2. The Delis And Pizza Joints Of North Jersey Give New York A Real Run For Its Money
Yeah, yeah, New York may be more famous for its classic corned beef on rye and gooey slices, but there are places that rival Katz’s and Grimaldi’s just over the bridge, namely:
- Santillo's in Elizabeth
- Patsy's in Paterson
- Kosher Nosh in Glen Rock
- Lock, Stock, and Deli in Milltown
3. Everyone In Your Life Is Going To Want A Cake Boss Cake
When you move to North Jersey, you’ll never be able to get away with ordering a regular ice cream cake again. Local Hoboken treasure Carlo’s Bake Shop, featured on the hit TLC reality show “Cake Boss,” is the place to go.
4. Taylor Ham Is Going To Be Part Of Your Life Now
Called “pork roll” in South Jersey and Philly, Taylor Ham is a big deal in North Jersey. Similar to a mild salami or bologna, this processed pork is generally served grilled with egg and cheese on a roll.
5. The Accents Are Iconic, But You’re Probably Doing Them Wrong
Yes, many people from North Jersey say cawfee, tawk, and dawg, but nobody from the state understands why anyone thinks they say “Joisey” instead of “Jersey.” It’s not a thing. Literally nobody does it.
6. Get Used To Being Called A “Shoobie” If You Go South For The Day
One of the joys of living in North Jersey is easily visiting South Jersey's fun boardwalks and beautiful beaches, but the residents there aren't always happy about that.
Fortunately, the worst insult in their arsenal for non-locals is “Shoobie,” which sounds pleasantly like a refrain in a doo-wop melody.
7. North Jersey Has One Of The Best Craft Beer Bars In The Country
Jersey City boasts Pint, a bar that offers 50 rotating craft brews from around the United States.
8. Get Ready To Order A Ripper
There are several hot dogs and sausages that are special in New Jersey (hey there, Jimmy Buff’s Italian Hot Dogs), but the Ripper may be exclusive to the region. Deep-fried in oil until it rips, this dog is a classic at Rutt's Hut in Clifton, New Jersey.
9. When You Head To The Beach, You’re Going “Down The Shore”
Some people from Jersey may argue this, but generally people in North Jersey don’t go “to the beach” or “to the seaside." They go “down the shore.”
That said, this phrase may get you called a “benny” by people who live directly on the shore itself.
10. The Boardwalks Are The Place To Be In Summer
While you can take a trip down to South Jersey to check out their boardwalks, you certainly don’t have to: Asbury Park Boardwalk, for instance, is a classic—check out Pop’s Garage for their authentic Mexican seaside fare.
11. You’re Going To Want To Clear Your Schedule For The State Fair
Located at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, this annual event has all the rides and cotton candy you’d expect, but is also home to an impressive horse show.
12. The Statue Of Liberty Is Actually In North Jersey Waters
New York may think it’s the only one with a claim on Lady Liberty (and okay, the debate has been resolved—the statue does technically belong to the city), but the iconic monument actually falls in Jersey waters.
Just a little tidbit to keep in the back of your mind whenever a Manhattanite gets snobby regarding your zip code.
13. You Can Hang Out With Wild Parakeets In North Jersey
The old story is that a crate of monk parakeets accidentally broke open at JFK Airport, filling the sky with a cloud of these exotic Argentine birds. Since they were hardier than expected, you can still spot them in Edgewater.
14. The Largest Hot Air Balloon Flight in North America Takes Place In North Jersey’s Backyard
Solberg airport hosts the largest annual event in New Jersey: a breathtaking flight of hot air balloons. It’s the largest event in the state, and also the largest summertime balloon flight in North America. Don’t forget your camera.
15. North Jersey Is Actually Great For Hiking
North Jersey is actually great for taking a walk in the woods. The Ramapo mountains, for instance, are beautiful and easily accessible to locals. Flourishing with pheasants and white-tailed deer, these oak forests offer a large number of public parks and hiking trails.
16. The Tomatoes Are Epic
The sandy soil found along the shore in North Jersey leads to some of the best tomatoes you’ll ever have in your life. Sure, South Jersey has “tomato pie” (which is worth a trip down for), but that doesn’t mean they have a lock on the best tomatoes in America.
17. North Jersey Is A Cultural Hub
The New Jersey State Opera, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, and the New Jersey Ballet Company are all located in the northern part of the state. That take, South Jersey.
18. Living In Frank Sinatra’s Homeland Is Pretty Rad
Originally from Hoboken, you can take an Ol’ Blue Eyes walking tour throughout the town, and there’s even a Frank Sinatra Park.
19. On That Note, This Part Of The State Is Just Seriously Musical
North Jersey produces an unnatural number of amazing musicians, from Steely Dan to The Fugees, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, Karen O… the list goes on and on.
20. North Jersey Has The Best Cityscape Views In America
People across the river live in Manhattan, but unless they have super amazing penthouses, they can’t actually
see their beautiful city. However, anyone along the river in Jersey has access to some of the most breathtakingly beautiful views in the country.
21. And Some Of The Prettiest Natural Views to Boot
Seashores? Mountain peaks? Pretty meadows? North Jersey has it all going on.
Sure, there are some ugly parts, but the truth is that North Jersey is wildly underrated for its beauty. Vernon, the Wallkill River Wildlife Refuge, and the Appalachian Trail are just tastes of what you’re in for.
22. People In North Jersey Get The Best Of The City And The Suburbs
If you feel like taking a quick trip into the largest city in America, you can hop in the car on the train, see a show, take in a museum, enjoy the nightlife, and come home without hassle.
23. Trenton Is An Iconic Part Of Punk Rock History
Historic sites abound in New Jersey, but in terms of more recent history, Trenton is one of the birthplaces of punk rock in America. The now-closed, notorious City Gardens venue was the first place Danzig ever performed, and the Ramones played there 25 times.
24. There Are Plenty Of Fun Places To Go Out Without Heading Into The City
Hoboken is home to over 50 bars, all within a couple of miles of each other, and has a vibrant nightlife and music scene.
25. The Cast Of The Jersey Shore Has Nothing To Do With The People Who Live Here
If you’re at all apprehensive about moving to North Jersey, one particularly infamous MTV show probably has something to do with your concern. As New Jerseyans are quick to point out, however, the cast of that show wasn’t even
from New Jersey, and the vast majority of residents loathe it.
What do you love about living in North Jersey? Tell us in the comments below!
