New Jersey at a Glance
New York may be known as the city that never sleeps but the person who made that saying famous actually lived right next door — in New Jersey. The third state to join the union is also a place known for big ideas and strong opinions. It’s a full-service state, a pizza state, a state of fried hot dogs and saltwater taffy, of boardwalks and business life, of beaches and bays. No matter what name you use for it, the Garden State is a place with plenty to offer.
New Jersey is the birthplace of Frank Sinatra and the light bulb, and it’s the home of Princeton University as well as the New Jersey Devils. And even though you can’t pump your own gas or make traditional left turns (because of the unusual “jughandles”), these Jersey-specific rules are simply part of what makes the state an interesting place to live. From the northern highlands to the Atlantic coastal plain, there are few states in the country that are more diverse. And with easy connections to both New York and Philadelphia, New Jersey is also a powerful economic force.
While almost no one would miss dealing with a cold New Jersey winter, most people would definitely miss spending summer along the coast — especially the cotton candy, the refreshing ocean water and the unmatched people-watching. And for anyone who doesn’t live close to one of the state’s real Italian bakeries or can’t get their pepperoni fix from a brick-oven New Jersey slice, there’s always the option to stream old episodes of The Sopranos. Or, if we’re really craving it, Jersey Shore.
While almost no one would miss dealing with a cold New Jersey winter, most people would definitely miss spending summer along the coast — especially the cotton candy, the refreshing ocean water and the unmatched people-watching. And for anyone who doesn’t live close to one of the state’s real Italian bakeries or can’t get their pepperoni fix from a brick-oven New Jersey slice, there’s always the option to stream old episodes of The Sopranos. Or, if we’re really craving it, Jersey Shore.
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Living in New Jersey
Life in the Garden State offers a lot, from strong schools to great food, and plenty of culture and entertainment to enjoy. All of these advantages help explain why the cost of living in New Jersey is higher than the national average and higher than in nearby Pennsylvania and Delaware as well. Still, living in New Jersey is cheaper than living in New York, so you definitely won’t be the only NYC commuter if you choose to live here.
New Jersey’s 9.2 million residents are well aware that housing in the state is expensive — almost double the national average. In 2022, the median price for a single-family home was around $475,000, and townhouses or condos weren’t far behind, averaging about $341,000. However, the average household income is also higher than the national average, with New Jersey families earning nearly $90,000 a year.
The job market in the state continues to look strong overall. New Jersey added close to 123,000 jobs in 2022 and the unemployment rate dropped to 3.4%, which is below the national average. If you’re thinking about changing careers, the state is home to 15 Fortune 500 companies. This means that no matter what field you work in, you’ll have plenty of major employers to consider, including Johnson & Johnson, Prudential Financial, Merck, ADP, PDB Energy and Quest Diagnostics — all of which operate in New Jersey.
New Jersey is often ranked as one of the best states to live in and raise children. In 2021, U.S. News & World Report placed New Jersey in the top five for health care and it was rated the #1 state for pre-K through 12th grade education. High Technology High School in Lincroft has been named the #1 STEM high school in the country. Bergen County Academies, another top magnet school, blends advanced academic programs with professional and technical training, and its students frequently earn national honors. At the college level, there’s Princeton University, which U.S. News & World Report has listed as the #1 university for 11 straight years. Without a doubt, people in New Jersey have plenty to be proud of when it comes to education.
Besides being a great place to work and raise a family, New Jersey is filled with cultural spots that are fun, educational and rich with history. Art fans visit the Montclair Art Museum, history lovers head to Morristown National Historic Park and NHL fans go to watch the New Jersey Devils play.
If you enjoy spending time outside in all four seasons, you’ll appreciate the annual Cherry Blossom Festival and the New Jersey Botanical Gardens. There are also many state parks for hiking and biking. And of course, getting through a New Jersey summer wouldn’t feel right without a visit to the Jersey Shore. No matter where you choose to live in the Garden State, you’ll find plenty of great activities for you and your family to enjoy.
Four-Season Weather in New Jersey
New Jersey experiences four clear seasons each year and this climate variety is another advantage of living in the state. However, depending on where you live in this geographically varied area, some seasons can feel stronger than others. Cape May, the state’s southern tip, actually sits farther south than Baltimore, while the northern part lines up with Scranton. Because of this, the Atlantic coast has hot, humid summers, while the northern regions deal with colder, snowy winters.
Winters in New Jersey are cold everywhere but the highlands get the most snowfall — as much as 50 inches a year — and it can fall anytime from mid-October to mid-May. In January, average temperatures along the coast stay between 25ºF and 30ºF, while northern areas are usually about 10 degrees colder. Summers are hot and humid, especially near the shore. Most of the state reaches highs around 90ºF but places at higher elevations tend to be five to ten degrees cooler.
The Garden State gets a good amount of precipitation throughout the year, averaging between 40 and 51 inches which is great for anyone who loves gardening. New Jersey does experience some strong weather at times — including flooding, nor’easters, snowstorms and hurricanes (such as Superstorm Sandy) — but it usually avoids the most extreme events. Since the state has relatively few thunderstorms, the best times to move to New Jersey are late spring and early fall.
Best Cities to Live in New Jersey
New Jersey has gained almost half a million new residents since 2010 which is a big increase for a state that was already heavily populated. Because many people commute, most of the state’s population is concentrated near the New York City and Philadelphia regions. Resources in New Jersey are not spread evenly, though. In small cities like Hoboken, Montgomery and Princeton, average household incomes can be over $100,000 — and even reach $200,000 in some areas — with average home prices rising above $850,000. Meanwhile, other cities, including the state capital, have income levels that are only a small portion of that. These areas also deal with challenges such as education issues, crime and poverty.
Newark
Newark has seen one of the biggest increases in population. In the past 10 years, about 30,000 people have moved to this city of nearly 310,000 residents which many people mainly associate with its major airport near New York City. But Newark offers much more than that. It is one of the most diverse cities in the country, full of culture, energy and vibrant communities.
Places like the historic Newark Public Library which has been around since the mid-1800s, along with the Newark Museum of Art and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, give this busy city a strong cultural foundation. On the other side, the Prudential Center — often called “The Rock” — hosts major entertainment, including concerts, shows like Cirque du Soleil and loud crowds of New Jersey Devils fans.
Newark’s close location to ports, airports and major highways gives it excellent access to major population centers which is one reason Forbes has often listed the city as one of the best places for business and careers.
With a median home value of about $271,000 and average rent around $1,167, Newark’s housing costs are lower than in many other parts of the state. And since the city is only a 20-minute train ride from New York City, it has become increasingly popular with people who work in the city. Some of Newark’s major employers include Prudential Financial, Panasonic and PSEG, a regional energy company. The technology industry has also grown quickly in recent years, supported by local universities such as Rutgers University and the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT).
Paterson
Just 15 miles north of Newark, Paterson (population 157,794) is New Jersey’s third-largest city. It is best known for its waterfalls and Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park highlights the city’s impressive industrial history while giving visitors a stunning view of the Passaic River.
Once known as the “Silk City” Paterson was an early manufacturing leader and the nation’s first planned industrial city. It produced large machinery, including airplane engines and steam locomotives, as well as textiles like cotton and silk. The Paterson Museum is an excellent place to explore and learn about the city’s history.
Even so, Paterson faces its share of challenges — almost 25% of its residents live in poverty and the average household income is only $45,141 which is especially low for an area where the cost of living is high. The median home value in Paterson is $257,700 — higher than the national average but low compared to the rest of New Jersey — and average rent is about $1,213 per month.
Trenton
Founded by Quakers in 1679, Trenton, the capital of New Jersey, is known as the place where George Washington won his first military victory against Great Britain. Technically, the battle was against Hessian soldiers hired by the British but it still counted as an important win. The Trenton Battle Monument honors this significant moment in American history.
This mid-size city of 90,457 people has experienced only small growth since 2010, adding about 5,000 new residents. Trenton is part of the Delaware River Region which features some of the most beautiful natural scenery. However, the city has struggled with long-term economic challenges. Poverty rates are high, education levels are low and the average annual household income is under $40,000.
Housing in Trenton is relatively affordable, with a median home value of about $97,000 and average rent just under $1,100 per month.
This city is making investments in its community. Trenton now has its own symphony — the Capital Philharmonic Orchestra of New Jersey. There is also a beautiful 6.5-acre riverfront park along the Delaware. In addition, the New Jersey State Museum which holds an impressive collection of art and artifacts, is one of the area’s major highlights. And of course, there’s the Trenton Thunder, the city’s minor league baseball team that has been drawing fans since the mid-1990s.
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Unique Things to Do and Places to Visit in New Jersey
New Jersey has around 1,800 miles of coastline, with about 130 miles stretching along the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. After six seasons of Jersey Shore, it’s hard to believe anyone doesn’t have some kind of picture in their mind about beach life in New Jersey. But if you’ve never been, you might discover that not all of those ideas are completely right … or completely wrong.
The truth is, there isn’t just one kind of beach experience in New Jersey. Locals will tell you that every exit along the coast has its own personality. You can find everything from the calm, peaceful beaches of Ocean Grove to the classic boardwalk feel in Ocean City and the lively, high-energy atmosphere of Atlantic City. And if you want to enjoy nature, New Jersey also has excellent state parks all along the shoreline.
Island Beach State Park, a barrier island with beautiful sand dunes and the largest osprey colony in the state, is an excellent place to begin. Gateway National Recreation Area, managed by the National Park Service, offers something for everyone — beaches, hiking trails, a wildlife refuge, historic military sites and the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the country. The island is open all year, so while you may spend your summers kayaking or practicing archery, it will also draw you back in winter for cross-country skiing.
If you want ocean-themed fun along the shore, visit the Adventure Aquarium in Camden. Regularly ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the United States, it features an immersive 3D theater, a penguin park and a hands-on activity area where visitors who don’t mind getting a little messy can touch sea stars, snails and other slimy invertebrates. The shark tunnel is always a highlight but the stars of the aquarium are Button and Genny, the resident Nile hippos who weigh around 3,000 pounds and always seem ready for a snack.
Winters in New Jersey can sometimes feel like they last forever. When the snow and ice have finally worn out their welcome, the annual Cherry Blossom Festival arrives to brighten things up. Every April, when the pink blossoms are in full bloom (as long as the trees follow the festival’s timing), Branch Brook Park holds a multi-day event featuring Japanese cultural displays, food vendors, a craft market and live music.
One of the perks of living in New Jersey instead of New York is getting a perfect view of the Manhattan skyline — something that’s hard to enjoy from the other side of the Hudson. Liberty State Park is one of the best spots for this and it also gives you an incredible view of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The park is also home to the impressive Liberty Science Center, where you can explore exhibits about ancient archaeological sites like Pompeii, see an amazing model train display, climb through a suspended play area and look at the stars in the largest planetarium in the Western Hemisphere.
Thanks to the close-by rivalry between New York and Philadelphia, sports fans in New Jersey are passionate and deeply divided. It’s usually safest not to even bring up baseball. One thing most people can agree on, though, is supporting the New Jersey Devils. If soccer is more your thing, Harrison, New Jersey is home to the MLS team, the New York Red Bulls, as well as the NWSL’s NJ/NY Gotham FC. Red Bull Arena is a modern stadium that seats 25,000 people, with front-row seats only 21 feet from the sidelines. Arrive early if you want to enjoy a pint in the biergarten.
History lovers in New Jersey are just as passionate, though far less divided, and they have plenty of important landmarks and sites to explore. A popular choice for both states is the Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, where visitors can step onto the historic USS New Jersey (BB-62) and even sit in the admiral’s chair or try out the gun turret. Kids can also spend the night on the ship and sleep in the bunks.
New Jersey Local Eats
New Jersey isn’t the kind of place you move to if you’re trying to follow the newest fad diet. Most of the food you’ll find here doesn’t fit neatly into any strict eating rules.
New Jerseyans have given their own twist to many American favorites, including the hot dog — which they deep-fry here. A couple of American originals were also created in the state, like saltwater taffy. And just to be clear, this chewy candy has never actually been made with real saltwater — the name came about after a well-known candy shop on the Atlantic City boardwalk was flooded by seawater and the owner told a customer, “All I have left is saltwater taffy.”
One of New Jersey’s signature foods is the pork roll, also called Taylor Ham. Fans of this salty, processed meat consider it pure comfort — especially when it’s cooked on a griddle, topped with a fried egg and melted cheese and placed between slices of good bread. Others say it tastes like bologna — a thick, salami-like version of it. At Johnny’s Pork Roll, you can enjoy your bologna — or rather, your Taylor Ham — as a Reuben, in a grilled cheese, or even made into a “pulled pork” roll with slaw and BBQ sauce. A truly playful assortment of sandwiches can be found at this small shop in Red Bank.
If you’re craving another classic New Jersey sandwich — the submarine — the White House Sub Shop in Atlantic City is the place to go. Since 1946, the shop has turned the basic combination of meat, cheese and bread into an Italian American art form while still keeping its original simplicity. Treat yourself to the chicken cheesesteak submarine — it’s large enough to share but you probably won’t want to.
Pizza in New Jersey is a topic that can be just as heated between neighbors as politics, sports or money. People in New Jersey firmly believe their pizza is better than anything you’ll find in New York, so it’s usually safest to just order your slice, enjoy it and stick to talking about the weather. It’s probably raining again, anyway.
If you want classic brick-oven pizza, Patsy’s is the neighborhood spot to visit. It opened in 1931 and is so traditional that it still doesn’t accept credit cards, offers only 10 toppings and cooks every pizza in its original ovens which are nearly a century old. If you prefer something more modern, head to Razza, where the flavors are rich and thoughtfully created. Their artisanal Neapolitan pizzas are carefully made, often using local ingredients like Jersey Girl mozzarella. The Cavolini — topped with Brussels sprouts, melted anchovies, shaved onions, garlic and lemon — is both bright and indulgent.
But New Jersey isn’t only known for its savory, starchy foods. It has great pastries too!
No one has ever counted how many cannoli there are compared to people in New Jersey but the pastries might actually outnumber the residents. Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken, run by Cake Boss Buddy Valastro, has been serving top-quality treats since 1910. Palazzone 1960 in Wayne is another tribute to family tradition — pastry chef Giancarlo Palazzone named the shop after his parents’ original bakery in Clifton and its pignoli, panettone, and profiteroles show the strength of this remarkable dessert-making heritage.
Still, New Jersey offers far more than Italian food. One of the most exciting food areas is on Oak Tree Road, between the towns of Edison and Iselin. The South Asian community has opened more than 50 restaurants in this part of central New Jersey, so you can enjoy a traditional Lahori menu at Tabaq, a full vegetarian spread at Saravanaa Bhavan and Maharashtrian favorites at Mejwaani.
New Jersey has also been gaining recognition for its beer and wine. With more than 1,500 acres dedicated to wine production, the state is becoming a major producer on the East Coast. Alba Vineyard, set in the scenic hills of the Musconetcong River Valley, sustainably grows several varietals on what used to be a dairy farm, including Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and GTR white — a unique blend of Gewurztraminer, Traminette, and Riesling.
In short, if you’re planning to move to New Jersey, make sure you come with a big appetite.
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