New Jersey Has Some Explaining to Do
Think you really know New Jersey? It's a state where we turn right to go left (jughandles), disco fries are the addiction you didn't know you craved, and diners where you can order anything from a cup of coffee to a three-course meal at midnight. Let's run through the facts, stats, and fun stuff that showcase what makes New Jersey's exit by exit legend irresistible.
Diane, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Diane has been rooted in New Jersey since day one and has lived everywhere from Hillside to Elizabeth to Springfield before landing in Fanwood. When she and her family moved into their current place, she was very pregnant and still refused to stop lifting boxes or scrubbing things because she wanted it done right. She is the kind of New Jerseyan who can talk about Revolutionary War history, walk you through Duke Gardens, or recommend the best apple picking without checking a map. Her food loyalties are fierce, especially when it comes to pork roll on a hard roll with melted cheese, though she will happily join any naming debate. She is a lifelong reader who once tried to leave the library with more books than her card allowed. She even crossed paths with Sinatra during an honorary degree event at Stevens. At Snappy Scout she brings sharp local insight with a Jersey wink.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Makes New Jersey New Jersey?
The weird, useful, and surprisingly relevant facts that shape everyday life here.
Common nicknames for New Jersey
The Garden State, Crossroads of the Revolution
Local Reality Check
Not just Turnpike refineries. Beaches, farms, Pine Barrens, dense towns.
You're most likely moving from
New York City, Brooklyn, Queens, and Philadelphia.
Strangely large concentration of
24 hour diners, jughandles, bagel shops, and Wawa loyalists.
Music scene
Asbury Park rock, Newark jazz, Hoboken indie. Springsteen, Bon Jovi and Sinatra legends. And a growing country fanbase.
You'll have to see it to believe it
Lucy the Elephant roadside giant in Margate.
Unique Geography
Pine Barrens, barrier islands, Meadowlands marshes, Highlands, Delaware Water Gap.
New Jersey is home to
Princeton University, Rutgers University, Thomas Edison National Historical Park, Atlantic City Boardwalk, Six Flags Great Adventure, the Statue of Liberty.
Well known for its
Pizza, bagels, pork roll vs. Taylor ham debate, diners, shore traffic, tech legacy.
Fun history facts
First state to ratify the U.S. Bill of Rights in 1789. One of the original thirteen colonies. Ben Franklin's (illegitimate!) son was once Royal Governor.
Celebrity sightings
Bruce at the Stone Pony, Bon Jovi in Red Bank, Kevin Smith's Secret Stash.
Noteworthy Census stat
Most densely populated U.S. state.
Most interesting sub-culture within New Jersey
Car meet tuners on Route 1, boardwalk arcade competitors, shore surf clubs.
Population
11th by population, 47th by land size
New Jersey is roughly the same geographic size as
Belize
Locals Know Best
If you're heading down the shore in the summer leave early. Like super early. Earlier than you think you need to. Why sit in traffic when you can hang on the beach or boardwalk while you wait for check-in or your dinner reservation? Oh, and don't get out of your car at the gas station. We don't pump our own gas in Jersey.
— Diane Briante
New Jersey Local Expert
Ready to See If New Jersey Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full New Jersey guide for the bigger picture.