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Posted in New Jersey May 03, 2016 by Kristen Koennemann

10 Times You Wanted To Leave New Jersey… But Realized There Were Reasons to Stay

Sure, the other 49 don’t always have nice things to say about us, but no one complains about New Jersey more than New Jerseyans. I get it. As a born and bred Jersey girl, I see the pitfalls, but I also see the perks. For every reason to leave New Jersey, there’s a better reason to stay.

1. When you were stuck in traffic, but realized the destination was worth it.

2. When summer ended and it seemed like there was nothing to look forward to, except the amazing fall foliage.

3. When you hated the cold, but remembered that winter sets the stage for scenes like this.

4. When you were complaining about Camden, but remembered Collingswood (and the rest of our charming towns.)

5. When you wanted to escape suburbia for the city life, but discovered all New Jersey has to offer.

6. When you wanted to flee from the chaos and live a simple farm life, but realized why they call this the Garden State.

7. When you’re stuck in line at an overcrowded shopping mall, but are grateful for the incredible variety of goods.

8. When you live in the shadow of a massive city and don’t see many stars, but get to see this instead.

9. When you forgot that New Jersey isn’t all highways and airports, but saw something that reminded you.

10. When the cost of living was phenomenal, but so was the quality of life.

I can’t imagine loving any state more. If you do leave, it’s almost impossible not to miss it. There are so many reasons why my heart will always be in New Jersey, what are yours?

Kristen Koennemann

Kristen is a freelance writer, editor and social-media manager who really loves her state. She's here to share all that New Jersey has to offer with residents and the rest of the world.