New Jersey Taxes, Politics & People
Newcomers notice New Jersey's high property-tax awareness, town-by-town civic culture, blunt but helpful local attitudes, and fierce home-rule habits.
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
New Jersey's Tradeoffs, Decoded
A plain-English look at what you'll pay, who runs things, and who you'll be living alongside.
Taxes
Progressive 1.4% to 10.75%, top rate over $1M, multiple brackets
North Jersey suburbs like Bergen and Essex pricier, South Jersey lower, Jersey City abatements
Politics
Reliably blue statewide, GOP strength in Ocean Monmouth Sussex, suburban moderates swing
People
Direct, fast talking, proudly diverse, neighborhood loyal, bagel and pizza opinions unshakeable
Largely Christian, many Catholics, notable Jewish in Lakewood and Teaneck, growing Hindu Muslim unaffiliated
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.