Moving to New Jersey? Get Ready to Learn About Jughandles, Taylor Ham and Going "Down the Shore"
Are you tired of reading New Jersey moving guides that feel more like geography textbooks, stuffed with census stats and no personality? Life in New Jersey can't be summed up with average weather charts (hint: humid summers, slushy winters) or simple demographic stats (since they'd obviously miss the nuance of: pork roll vs Taylor ham). If you love boardwalk pizza, late night diners, or quick trips to NYC and Philly, the Garden State might just be calling you home. Our playful and witty moving guide will prepare you for the good (Like road-tripping to the beach, farm, and city in one Saturday) and the bad (traffic that crawls and taxes that terrify) so you'll actually know what it's REALLY like to live, work, and play in New Jersey.
Snappy Summary: New Jersey delivers top schools, diverse food, the Shore, and fast access to NYC and Philly. But expect very high property taxes, expensive housing, crazy traffic, and weather that can swing from humid summers to snowy winters. People still move for the location, career options, and tight knit communities that make the tradeoffs worth it
The Inside Scoop on New Jersey Cities
Major Cities In A Nutshell
Atlantic City
Atlantic City is perfect for: reinventors chasing coastal grit and cheap rent
Well known for: casinos, boardwalk lore, reinvention energy
Atlantic City in human form is: scrappy cousin with sand in wallet
Locals live here because: ocean breeze offsets utility bills
Locals swear by: White House subs and sunrise beach walks
Your housing options here are: rowhouses, midrise condos, quirky duplexes
The downside to Atlantic City is: winter winds slap sideways
What you'll wear most often: windbreaker and casino hoodie
Newark
Newark, perfect for: commuters craving grit and global eats
Widely recognized as the place for: airport hustle and arts rebirth
If Newark were a person, it'd be: hustling poet with sauce stained blazer
Move here for: easy trains, big jobs, real neighborhoods
Locals know best: Portuguese bakeries in the Ironbound and Sunday soccer at Branch Brook
Home sweet home in Newark is like: brick flats, brownstones, new towers
Don't be surprised. We warned you that: parking tickets appear magically
Local fashion forecast: puffer jacket over office casual
Jersey City-Hoboken
Jersey City-Hoboken is perfect for: skyline views and PATH powered lives
Best known for: brownstone blocks and commute times flexing
City as a personality: espresso fueled neighbor with stroller and spreadsheet
Locals live here because: Manhattan sparkle, Jersey rent, waterfront jogs
Nothing's more Jersey City-Hoboken than: pier picnics and stoop hangouts
Housing vibe: polished condos, creaky walkups, startling HOA fees
The downsides are: broker fees and neighbors with subwoofers
What you'll wear most often: athleisure with rain shell
Princeton
Princeton is perfect for: brainy suburb life with trees
Well known for: Ivy aura and bikeable calm
If Princeton were a person, it'd be: tweed professor crushing Peloton climbs
Move here if you want: schools, libraries, quiet money vibes
Locals swear by: Small World Coffee and Saturday farmers market
Your housing options here are: stone colonials, tidy townhomes, pricey charm
Don't say we didn't warn you about: fierce planning board meetings
The dress code here is: fleece over button downs and sneakers
Trenton
Trenton, perfect for: capital grit with commuter affordability
Widely recognized as the place for: state jobs and scrappy pride
Trenton in human form is: union steward with jazz collection
Move here for: central location and mortgages that behave
Locals know best: Pork roll debates and Rossi's burgers
Home sweet home in Trenton is like: rowhomes, duplexes, river breezes
Be prepared for: headlines louder than daily reality
Local fashion forecast: union tees, Carhartt, practical sneakers
Camden
Camden is perfect for: Philly access and waterfront sunsets
Best known for: grit, murals, and river campus buzz
City as a personality: tough neighbor with a big heart
Move here if you want: quick trains and cheaper rent
Nothing's more Camden than: summer concerts at the waterfront
Your housing options here are: rowhouses, new apartments, resilient porches
Don't be surprised. We warned you that: potholes multiply after winter
What you'll wear most often: hoodies and dependable sneakers
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is perfect for: Rutgers energy and downtown bites
Well known for: hospitals, classes, and late night diners
If New Brunswick were a person, it'd be: extroverted grad student with planner
Locals live here because: transit triangle and rotating roommates
Locals swear by: greasy spoon breakfast after exam weeks
Housing vibe: student houses, midrise apartments, quirky landlords
The downsides are: parking wars and semesterly move out chaos
The dress code here is: backpack, hoodie, campus sneakers
Eat Like a Local
Every diner has something they're famous for. Order that. Don't order something too fancy. Avoid the red sauce unless you have inside information that it doesn't come from a can. Splurge on those amazing looking cakes or pies. And we judge diners by their fries. If their fries aren't good, we might not be back.
Fun Facts
Fun Facts You Might Not Have Known About New Jersey
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.
- 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.
Most Likely Personalities to Love (or Hate) New Jersey
Is New Jersey right for me? If you're a foodie, beach bum, or shopping champion, you'll collect boardwalk sunsets, pizza bragging rights, and endless mall victories. If you're a cowboy, homesteader, or surfer dude, you'll find stables, acreage, and waves.
Personality Fit Guide
| Personality | % | Recommended Cities | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foodie | 96% | Jersey City, Montclair, Hoboken | Razza pies, Ani Ramen slurps, Fiore's mozz hero worship |
| Beach Bum | 93% | Cape May, Asbury Park, Beach Haven, Wildwood, Stone Harbor | Boardwalks, roller coasters, saltwater taffy, Stone Pony after-sun encores |
| Shopping expert | 91% | Paramus, Short Hills, East Rutherford, Elizabeth | Garden State Plaza sprees, Short Hills for designer shopping, tax-free clothes, American Dream, Jersey Gardens Outlet Mall |
| PTA President | 88% | Ridgewood, Summit, Cherry Hill | Friday lights, School pride, NJEA bake sale legends |
| College Student | 86% | New Brunswick, Princeton, Montclair | Rutgers tailgates, Princeton libraries, Grease Trucks nostalgia |
| Tech Bro | 84% | Jersey City, Hoboken, Princeton | PATH to Manhattan, Princeton startups, Bell Labs Holmdel echoes |
| Coffee Snob | 83% | Montclair, Jersey City, Asbury Park | Bluestone Lane, modcup roasts, Asbury Roastery beach sips |
| Craft Beer Fan | 82% | Ocean, Atlantic Highlands, Cape May, Wildwood | Kane waves, Carton cans, Mudhen Brew, Cape May Brewing, boardwalk buzz |
| Dog Momma | 80% | Hoboken, Morristown, Collingswood, Sandy Hook | Pier A dog runs, South Mountain trails, dog-friendly patios and beaches |
| Hipster | 79% | Asbury Park, Jersey City, Montclair | Stone Pony, White Eagle Hall, vintage on Bloomfield Ave |
| Stay at Home Mom | 78% | Westfield, Millburn, Madison, Haddonfield | Mindowaskin Park playdates, Paper Mill shows, Whole Foods and Trader Joes runs |
| Gamer | 76% | Newark, Red Bank, Jersey City | Prudential Center esports nights, Yestercades nostalgia, fast gigabit lofts |
| CrossFit Regular | 74% | Jersey City, Morristown, Red Bank | Boxes everywhere, Seaside boardwalk runs, Asbury Park battle ropes beachside |
| Farmer's Market Regular | 73% | Montclair, Collingswood, Princeton | Jersey Fresh tomatoes, corn, blueberries, and cranberries, Collingswood Saturdays, Witherspoon Street bustle |
| Vintage Thrifter | 71% | Lambertville, Red Bank, Montclair | Golden Nugget treasures, Red Bank Antique Center, Montclair goodies |
| Garden Club Lifetime Member | 70% | Short Hills, Princeton, Montclair, Summit, Hillsborough | Presby Iris strolls, Reeves-Reed blooms, Grounds For Sculpture teas, Duke Gardens |
| Yoga Instructor | 68% | Hoboken, Princeton, Asbury Park | Pier A sunrise flows, Gratitude Yoga calm, beach classes |
| DIYer | 66% | Maplewood, Bloomfield, Somerville | Habitat ReStore hauls, Home Depot runs, Millburn Lumber fixes |
| Wall Street Exec | 62% | Short Hills, Summit, Millburn | NJ Transit Midtown Direct, Summit clubs, financial district across Hudson |
| Adventure Junkie | 61% | Vernon, Hardwick, Hammonton | Appalachian Trail miles, Pine Barrens paddles, High Point views |
| Retired Military | 59% | Burlington Township, Toms River, Brick | Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst nearby, beach calm, VA resources |
| Retired Snowbird | 48% | Ocean City, Toms River, Cape May | Locals say the "Cape May bubble" keeps that area calm, but winters are colder than Boca Raton |
| Minimalist | 44% | Jersey City, Hoboken | Sleek condos with NYC skyline views, but NJ Turnpike clutter follows unless you rely on PATH or light rail |
| Surfer Dude | 37% | Belmar, Manasquan, Long Branch | Belmar breaks happen, but wetsuits rule and hurricane swells tease |
| Homesteader | 30% | Montague, Pilesgrove, Chatsworth | Pine Barrens acres exist, but taxes tame off grid dreams |
| Cowboy | 18% | Pilesgrove, Augusta | Cowtown Rodeo thrills, but spurs feel lonely off Turnpike |
What Makes New Jersey Feel Like Home
The smell of the ocean. The sound of the seagulls down the shore. The train whistles from the local commuter lines.
Things To Do
Fun Things to Do Around New Jersey
Curious about what you'll do when you live in New Jersey? If you like the idea of sipping wine in Cape May, kayaking through the Pine Barrens, and walking the oceanfront boardwalks, New Jersey is calling you home! This list of fun things to do will take you from lighthouse climbs to diner neon and give you a sampling of New Jersey's rich history and coastal culture.
- Go Outside & Hike: Climb Mount Tammany in Delaware Water Gap, via Red Dot Trail
- Spend Time on the Water cooling off: Paddle Barnegat Bay by Island Beach State Park
- This is what locals do on the weekends: Hit Asbury Park boardwalk, live music at The Stone Pony
- This is the Iconic Road Trip to take: Cape May is pastel Victorian, Sunset Beach, then fine dining
- This is the scenic ride for you: Palisades Interstate Parkway, sweeping Hudson River overlooks and cliff pullouts
- Maybe you should go chasing waterfalls: Gawk at Paterson Great Falls thundering through the city
- For the Sports Fans: Catch New Jersey Devils hockey at Prudential Center in Newark or the Jets or Giants at Giants Stadium
- Underground Adventure: Rain or shine? Tour Sterling Hill Mine's fluorescent wonders in Ogdensburg
- When You’re tired of crowds and need to get away: Paddle Wading River through Pine Barrens, Wharton State Forest
- Pick your own farm to table fare: Fill baskets with apples at Alstede Farms in Chester
Hidden Gem Spotlight
The Delaware & Raritan Canal, which connects the Delaware and Raritan Rivers (no surprise there) is a great place to canoe or kayak and the towpath is nice place to walk and ride bikes. Great for all fitness levels because it's flat.
And in the spring, visit the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. Absolutely gorgeous cathedral and there are more cherry blossoms in nearby Branch Brook Park than in Japan.
Taxes, Politics & People
The Essential New Jersey Trifecta
State Income Tax: Progressive 1.4% to 10.75%, top rate over $1M, multiple brackets
Property Taxes: North Jersey suburbs like Bergen and Essex pricier, South Jersey lower, Jersey City abatements
New Jersey politics are: Reliably blue statewide, GOP strength in Ocean Monmouth Sussex, suburban moderates swing
New Jerseyans are: Direct, fast talking, proudly diverse, neighborhood loyal, bagel and pizza opinions unshakeable
The religious breakdown is: Largely Christian, many Catholics, notable Jewish in Lakewood and Teaneck, growing Hindu Muslim unaffiliated
Weather
New Jersey Weather: All the Facts, None of the Stats
Is it going to drizzle, thunderstorm, or maybe something worse? The summers are like a boardwalk pizza oven and the winters nor'easter roulette with black ice. Here's what else is going on around New Jersey that will impact the time you spend outside.
- Summer temps be like: boardwalk waffle iron (sticky 90s inland, ocean breeze tempers the Shore)
- Winter lows are: puffer coat roulette (High Point bites, Cape May shrugs)
- The humidity makes me: frizz into a colonial wig
- Unique weather patterns: Nor'easters, king tide flooding, sea breeze fronts, Pine Barrens wildfire smoke, sudden Turnpike snowlines
- Local weather fashion tip: flip flops with an emergency parka
- Bugs be like: greenhead dive bombers at the Shore, lanternflies practicing parkour, Meadowlands mosquitoes with ambition, ticks taking numbers in the woods
- You're stuck indoors again today because: a nor'easter turned the rain fully sideways
- Green thumb enthusiasts love: Jersey tomatoes that taste like July, Hammonton blueberries, hydrangeas exploding near salty air, fig trees wrapped in burlap all winter
- Your friend with allergies is always saying: ragweed and oak have unionized against my sinuses
My Favorite Thing About Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall in New Jersey
The first day warm enough to hang out on the beach, the leaves changing in the fall - and the taste of my first Curley fries in Wildwood. The best!