New Jersey never gets the attention or appreciation it deserves. We may be small, but we sure are mighty and have LOTS to offer. Some may scoff at our state, but anyone from Garden State knows exactly why new jersey is the best state in America. We all know that the cost of living here can get pretty expensive, but sometimes you pay more for quality. We have four beautiful seasons, but you can go almost anywhere for that. The following things are unique to us and will easily explain why New Jersey is the best state.

1. We've got the best schools.

Not only are we home to the prestigious Princeton University, we have top standardized test scores, and the one of the highest high school graduation rates in the country.

2. We were recently ranked the #1 state to raise a family.

Niche, a company that mines and analyzes government data, found that New Jersey had just the right mix of factors to make the number one spot. These factors included: safety, quality of education, access to daycare, access to healthy food, and access to libraries.

3. We have the best drivers.

Really! Based on statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, we're the 7th safest state overall for drivers and the 4th safest state for teen drivers.

4. The dining options are endless.

Besides being the diner capital of the world, our diversity lends itself to authentic ethnic cuisine. We've also got some of the best pizza and bagels around, the famous Pork Roll/Taylor Ham, Disco (Gravy) Fries, and numerous fine dining establishments.

5. We're home to top tourist destinations.

People from all over come to visit Atlantic City, and Asbury Park is next. The quirky shore town was recently named the 10th best place to travel in the WORLD by Travel + Leisure Magazine.

6. We're centrally located.

Our proximity to both New York City and Philadelphia affords us easy access to world class entertainment, museums, employment opportunities and more.

7. But we have everything we need right here.

We have our own cities, industries, art scenes, entertainment venues, urban areas, monuments, museums, and more!

8. Including all the open spaces we could ever want.

Though we're the only state in the country where every county is considered an urban area, we have an abundance of lakes, mountains, state parks and, of course, farmland. The Garden State is aptly named!

9. The freshest fruits and veggies!

With over 700,000 acres of farmland, New Jersey is a top producer of cranberries, bell peppers, spinach, peaches, blueberries, and numerous other fruits and veggies.

10. Our talent is unmatched.

Bruce, Bon Jovi, Sinatra, Whitney... so many stars were born here. Those who weren't born here, flocked here. New Jersey was good enough for Edison and Einstein!

11. Batman lives here.

Jersey is good enough for Batman, too. The exact location of Gotham City is unknown, but comic book experts suggest it would be somewhere near Vineland.

12. History abounds.

Every state has history, but no state has our history. From activists like Alice Paul to writers like Walt Whitman, New Jerseyans have contributed a lot to this country. We may not even be a country if not for New Jersey. Our state played a vital role in the Revolutionary War, with more battles being fought here than in any other state.

13. We've got the cleanest beaches.

We have some of the strictest water standards and more "gold star" beaches than any other state. Seven of our beaches were listed among the cleanest in the country by the Natural Resources Defense Council. Which beaches? Washington Avenue beach in Margate, 40th Street beach in Avalon, 40th Street beach in Sea Isle, 96th Street beach in Stone Harbor, Webster Avenue beach in Strathmere, Orchid Road beach in Wildwood Crest, and Broadway beach in Point Pleasant.

14. We never need to pump our own gas.

Enough said.

There is a lot of awesome in our little state! Now, do you understand why New Jersey is the best state in America?! Make sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments section.