By Raymond Goldfield|Updated on March 28, 2024(Originally published November 03, 2022)
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Raymond Goldfield
Author
Raymond Goldfield is a life-long New Jersey resident and an avid traveler and foodie who can be usually found on the Jersey Shore during the offseason or checking out the latest seasonal flavors at The Bent Spoon in Princeton. He has been working for Only In Your State for since early 2022, where he writes for New Jersey and Iowa and edits the Mid-Atlantic region. He can also be found writing about pop culture for GeekDad. When at home, he enjoys reading comic books and is part of The Rabbitt Stew podcast team. While New Jersey is his home base, he travels regularly and has visited Virginia, Florida, Maine, Minnesota, and Canada as well as all of NJ's border states. Ultimate travel goal? Visit all the best buffets in the United States.
Many of us in living in New Jersey are known for our strong opinions. Whether talking about culture, food, regional differences, or state rivalries, you can bet on one thing – if you have two New Jerseyans discussing one of these topics, you’ll probably find three opinions. However, these arguments in New Jersey can often unite us as much as they divide us. No matter which side you fall on these classic New Jersey stereotypes, there’s no question that they all represent things that are quintessentially New Jersey, and we guard our favorite traditions fiercely. So sit down and grab a snack, but be careful what you call it!
The salty, smoky sausage is a Jersey favorite! But what to call it is one of the biggest arguments in New Jersey. If you're from the north, you probably grew up calling it Taylor ham, while those in the south usually stick with "pork roll." Both are sort of correct - Taylor ham is the most popular and biggest producer of this uniquely Jersey breakfast meat. However, it tastes delicious no matter what you call it! Read further on about the New Jersey Taylor ham and pork roll debate.
A lot has been said about the demise of the American mall, but you wouldn't know it in the Garden State. We have the most malls per capita in the USA, as well as two of the biggest - American Dream Meadowlands and Westfield Garden State Plaza. Living in New Jersey means that you can still hang out at the mall! Get more details on American Dream Mall.
This is one of the biggest arguments in New Jersey when it comes to sports. Sure, they're called the New York Giants and the New York Jets - but where do they play? MetLife Stadium. NYC doesn't have its own football stadium, and if you ask most New Jerseyans, the only NY football team is the Buffalo Bills. And when one of our teams brings home the Super Bowl, Newark should host a parade! There is also a giant New Jersey flea market at MetLife Stadium.
The best hot dog toppings are always a hot topic on their own, but here, it's one of the greatest hills to die on in New Jersey. The Italian hot dog is served in puffy pizza bread and topped with a mix of fried potatoes, onions, and peppers. It's a hearty alternative to the typical dog that can only be found in Jersey. Try some out at any of these New Jersey hot dog restaurants.
If you live in the center of the state, you're probably used to your top and bottom neighbors debating your existence. The state legislature sort of settled this one in 2022, passing a law creating a new tourism initiative to promote Central Jersey as a unique state region. Here is some more evidence about the existence of Central Jersey.
6. We don't go to the beach around here - we go to the Shore!
Lots of towns have their own little beaches, but there's only one Jersey Shore - a massive stretch going from central Jersey all the way down to Cape May - and it's a one-of-a-kind vacation destination. Anyone living in New Jersey knows this. Learn more about what the Jersey Shore is all about.
Speaking of the shore, we're not the only state that has a boardwalk - Maryland, New York, and California all put up a fight - but you're not going to find anything like Morey's Pier in Wildwood or the Jenkinson's fun house in Point Pleasant Beach. Check out the Atlantic City boardwalk.
8. We're just fine with not pumping our own gas, thanks.
It's been illegal to pump your own gas since 1949 in New Jersey, meaning all gas stations have attendants on duty. And you know what? We like it that way. Makes it easier to keep our hands clean for our next Italian hot dog. One of the biggest New Jersey stereotypes is that we don't know how to pump gas. Truth is, we do know how, we just don't have to.
Which of these hills to die on in New Jersey do you agree with? Are there any other aspects of living in New Jersey that we are forgetting? Let us know in the comments section!
Celebrate your love (and make a fashion statement) for the Garden State with Wear Your Roots.
Think you know all there to know about living in New Jersey? How about these fun facts about New Jersey?
