10 Things People Miss The Most About New Jersey When They Leave
New Jersey is amazing, why would anyone ever want to leave? I guess the cost of living in NJ can be high… And sure, sometimes we just need to move for whatever reason. Still, we’ll miss our state. What’s there to miss? Plenty!
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
We have 130 miles of gorgeous coastline and our beaches are some of the cleanest in the country. The New Jersey shore is home to one of the best music towns in the country (Asbury Park), one of the most historic shore towns in the country (Cape May), and a family resort that's famous around the country (Ocean City).
Cities, small towns, beaches, parks, mountains... Everything you could ever want is just a short drive away. From anywhere in New Jersey, you can take a day trip to New York City, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. or Baltimore. we're close to everything!
A gift and a curse, you’ll never find a state where it’s easier to shop. If it isn’t at one mall, it’s at the other. Even though many of our malls are on the way out, you're still likely to find a department store to browse within a short drive. And hey, maybe one day we'll be able to shop at the American Dream Meadowlands... maybe.
Red Bank, Montclair, Clinton, Mount Holly, Haddonfield, Cape May…they’re irreplaceable. Somehow, it's easy to find that small town feel almost anywhere in the country's most densely populated state.
It isn't hard to pump your own gas, but we're spoiled here. We never need to get out of the car, which is really nice on hot summer days and cold winter nights. We also have some of the cheapest gas in the country, even though our gas taxes seem to go up every year.
Sure, other states may have a few diners, but there's nothing like 2 a.m. disco fries at a Jersey diner. You'll be hard-pressed to find the same experience anywhere beyond the Garden State.
Whatever you call it, this sandwich is not the same out of state. Good luck trying to order a pork roll, egg, and cheese with scrapple on the side if you travel too far.
Yes, the weather! It may not be wonderful all the time, but we have four gorgeous seasons, each with something to offer. We don't have brutally hot summers like the south, our winters are milder than upstate New Yorks, and fall and spring are both pleasant and gorgeous.
What do you think you’d miss most about living in NJ? If you’ve already left the state, are you still longing for home? We may not be perfect, but we’ve got spunk, diversity, arts, culture, fine cuisine, and tons of natural beauty!
New Jersey natives take their food seriously – just ask someone what they think about pork roll vs Taylor ham! We’re also picky about bagels and pizza, and will eat scrapple as long as you don’t ask us to explain exactly what it is.
What are the best small towns in New Jersey?
Haddonfield and Clinton are always at the top of the “best small towns” lists! Moorestown, Mt. Holly, Montclaire, Princeton, and Spring Lake are also worth a visit to experience charm, history, and accommodating locals all in one spot.
What are the most beautiful places in New Jersey?
Nature lovers fall for the Delaware Water Gap area and the New Jersey Highlands. If you’re a beach person, you might find the sandy stretches of Sea Isle City or Island Beach State Park to be the most beautiful. In between the mountains and the shore, rolling farmlands blend with suburbia to create scenery unique to the Garden State.
Kristen is a writer, editor, and social media maven who loves her state. Born and raised in New Jersey, sharing all it has to offer is her passion. After attending Montclair State University, she continued her education online, obtaining certifications in social media management.
Love New Jersey?
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
