8 Strong Beliefs New Jersey Natives Stand By

Many of us New Jerseyans are known for our strong opinions. Between our food, state rivalries, and cultural and regional differences, you can bet we'll all have something to say about them. These arguments don't divide us—we're united in our love of debating these beliefs.

No matter what side of the argument we fall on, there are certain things about life in New Jersey that can't be questioned. The following are eight strong beliefs, traditions, etc., that we protect fiercely—simply because we love our Garden State.

1. Is It Pork Roll...or Taylor Ham?

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. But it tastes delicious no matter what it's called.

2. The Mall Is Still King

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 U.S., as well as two of the biggest: American Dream Meadowlands and Westfield Garden State Plaza. In other words, living in New Jersey means that you can still hang out at the mall.

3. The Giants and Jets Are New Jersey Teams

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. New York City doesn't have its own football stadium, and if you ask most New Jerseyans, the only New York football team is the Buffalo Bills. So, 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.

4. The Best Hot Dog Is an Italian Hot Dog

The best hot dog toppings are always a hot topic on their own, but here, it's one of the strongest beliefs 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.

5. Central Jersey: Real or Not?

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.

6. We Don't Go to the Beach: 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.

7. No One Does Boardwalks Like Us

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.

Do you agree with these opinions about New Jersey life? Discover more fun facts, sights, and traditions on a trip to the Garden State. Plan your personalized trip with the Only In Your State itinerary planner.