For those of you, like me, from New Jersey
 

I don't feel that way at all. There is only one misconception that I have to clear up with the folks I meet from New Jersey.


OHIO has the best tomatoes and sweet corn.

Reynoldsburg Ohio is the tomato capital of the world. And Millersport has their annual sweetcorn festival.

We all have our own reality. I believe articles like this as much as I do the best 10 states to live, retire, vacation etc. Its all in the eye of the beholder.

Having said all of that it will be interesting to see how the Jersey candidate plays in Nebraska because that will be one test for the strength of this article

garden state all the way , we got the best pizza and the shore.

I'm so glad I'm in the sixty percent that truly likes New Jersey and its residents. Like any state, it has a dismal side (yes, even my beloved California...LA Basin is seriously yucky IMO), but there is a reason it is called the Garden State. And I've found most of the inhabitants to be more like you and Mary than the hard-charging, driven Jerseyites described in the article. So, I'd say YouGov is full of it. Besides, their grammar is atrocious.

Opinion told to me.
 

I have been told many times that the rural farming Areas of the state are beautiful. My only experience has been the turnpikes to and from the Cape.

Most people only know New Jersey from driving down the turnpike or 95. The other thing people hear all the time is jokes by New Yorkers about New Jersey. The western part of the state is beautiful. The people are great, but they talk funny.

And those of us from Jersey who have debated that point with graciegirl have been gracious enough to allow her to believe as she wants because we are kind and smart enough to know when and why to end such debate! ;)

Why else would NJ - and not Ohio - be known as The Garden State ;)

I was born in Newark, NJ. I spent all my school years in Newark, Caldwell, South Orange, and Bloomfield. I couldn't wait to get out. As soon as I turned 18 shortly after High School I went down and volunteered to join the Armed Forces. This was during Viet Nam and I went anyway. My parents and sister's family lived there all their lives and the only reason I ever went back was to see them. I still get nervous any time I have to go back. Sorry to all you NJ fans but I just can't stand to be there any longer than a week during the holidays and then it's out of there again.

CT voted the worst state to be retired in, and they don't even have tomatos. :D

They tax you to death. I thought the taxes in NY was bad until I had moved to CT, and they have all the taxes of NY, plus they have a property tax for your car.

AAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGGG!!!!!

I knew there was a reason I moved to TV. :smiley:

Wow to think they retire some where else where taxation is lower after they voted their elected officials in that couldn't balance rock on the ground. I feel sorry for the ones that get stuck in the glorified states that are on the verge of bankruptcy.

This is for the 40%.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMhcBOrvovE

Nice video. Lots of great places in the state to see and things to do. Surprised no one mentioned pork roll. My mouth's watering just thinking of it!

I loved NJ. North west Jersey was one of the most beautiful places.

Many people have a negative view of New Jersey, but once you get away from the Turnpike, there are some beautiful areas. I grew up in Princeton, New Jersey, where Princeton University is located...an absolutely beautiful and historic town you that could ever wish for. It is filled with gorgeous historic homes and buildings, lots of trees, and surrounded by beautiful countryside, rolling hills, and other historic towns. Located only 45 minutes to either New York City or Philadelphia for jobs and major shopping. I would move back in a minute if it were possible (from California, but we would still keep our place in the Villages!)

Also, there are many NJ/NY accents or no accents, depending are where you live in New Jersey. I did not develop a NJ/NY accent growing up in Princeton, nor did I hear any NJ/NY accents until I was old enough to travel towards NY or Philadelphia. Nothing wrong with NJ/NY accents but depending on what part of New Jersey you come from determines your accent.

A friend of mine move to this area (Ocala) from CT and said he got an immediate $8,000 raise from not having to pay their taxes.

There is, of course, a flip side to this point. Connecticut and New Jersey rank numbers 1 and 2 in per capita income in the U.S. as reported in census bureau data.

State Rankings--Statistical Abstract of the United States--Personal Income Per Capita

Or "Taylor Ham".....depending which side of I-195 you happened to be from!! :)

Let's remember Jersey has the boss ,bonjovi the four seasons and many more who have imprinted american music.We have the best tomatoes,great beaches and take my word for it nothing better then a
"Jersey Girl" I know because I am one.

Taxes on a 920 sq ft condo, was $4400 a year.

Taxes on a 1192 sq ft home in TV, is $1100 with homestead exemption.

No state and property tax, on one's vehicle. Works for me!!!! :smiley:

BTW - The winters are much nicer too!!!! :D

I just sold my home in Jersey after living there my entire life. I was very sad to say goodbye. I have nothing but wonderful memories of growing up in north Jersy and spending every summer at the Jersey shore. Those who don't see the beauty of the state have never been off the turnpike. It is a great state with a very diverse and interesting population. The people are wonderful and the state has many many beautiful areas to explore and enjoy.
We have fresh water and ocean water. We enjoy blue claw crabs dumped on newspaper and deep sea fishing off the party boats. The roller coaster in the ocean after hurricane Sandy was symbolic and deeply meaningful to each and every Jersey born native who can proudly say they have been to the Seaside boardwalk, rode that roller coaster and eaten pizza at the Sawmill. The boardwalk during the summer is mandatory. The WaWa is the best. We eat pork roll, cheese and egg sandwiches on a hard roll for breakfast. "What Exit" is not a joke and we still don't pump our own gas. It is a great state. I will always be a "Jersey Girl" I will soon be buying my golf cart and I can't wait to place on the back my yellow and black "Jersey Girl" license plate.

Visiting the Jersey shore has great memories for me. Always love the ocean and salt water.

Trips to Asbury Park and Wildwood. Loved the boardwalk, in Asbury Park.

Many great seaside locations, to visit.

Spent about six years in Jersey (exit 120 on the parkway) and loved it. Thought the folks were very friendly and they are the garden state with the best tomatoes and corn and this coming from a girl born in Ohio. Sorry Gracie!

We lived in the Pine Barrens of NJ, in between Philly and AC. There were many farm stands and u-pick-it farms where we lived. But when the tomatoes and zucchini were in season the best tasting and best prices were on the card tables at the end of many driveways. It really didn't pay to grow your own. People were happy to practically give it away in season.

Here's a pick-your-own list: click here

We absolutely love NJ! We've lived in South Jersey for over 25 years. Really sad to leave our home and wonderful neighbors. We have a beautiful, perfect home on .25 acre. 18 miles from Philadelphia. 50 miles from the shore. Our property taxes are almost $11,000 per year. We will feel like millionaires when we move. Please don't blame our Governor. We love him. He's trying to fix the problem! 27 days until we join you!

AMEN, sista! ;)

PS - Ya missed the most awesome fireworx displays in J Palaia Park on Fri and @ Long Branch Oceanfest last nite! The good news - you also missed all of the traffic! LOL Fireworx in Seaside were cancelled last nite because a wave swamped everything dug in on the beach; and cancelled again tonite by State Fire Marshall because of anticipated winds!

We lived most of our lives in Audubon, South Jersey. Loved it when we were there but happy to be out due to the high taxes and cold winters.

Do you live in Medford?

We live in a perfect town... Pitman

Almost outta her
 

Other than the sky high property taxs. Red lite cameras. Political Soprano Hood. It is just wonderful. We witnessed the 2nd building being hit on 9/11 then had the smoke from it and 20,000 people who couldn't get home living in the streets of Elizabeth N.J. for over a day with no help from anyone except volunteer resident's. Everyone was paralyzed. We pulled together and helped one another. On the other hand the damage that was done by the Sandy Storm has still not been repaired. The Seaside area of the N.J. boardwalk is fine but the neighborhoods close to the action are still a disgrace. I pay $8000 a year $667 a month for property taxs for what. Florida...The Villages here we come...We will be grateful to live amongst the 55+ gang. Lets see my Florida taxs should be around $67 a month. I can use the difference to live it up or help my children or a stranger if I choose. I can't wait. We have been held hostage here long enough. Can't wait to call home to N.J. & play Shoveling Sunshine during the first blizzard.

Oh, did I forget to mention Carli Lloyd?

Home | Carli Lloyd - 2x Olympic Gold Medalist - The Official Website

I went to Glassboro. I always loved Pitman too.

I moved to The Villages seven years ago and have no regrets. I was born and raised in Paterson, NJ (city) moved to Ringwood in my 20's. It was beautiful up there; the mountains, lakes, wild life were unforgettable. It was a wonderful place to raise a family and get in touch with nature.

From there, I moved "down the shore" to Manahawkin (exit 63) on a lagoon. I loved the LBI beach and swimming and crabbing in the lagoon.

I have many, many great memories of living in NJ. But, the taxes drove us away. When I do go up, I can't wait to come back to this beautiful place I call home.

Thanks for letting me share.

PS: I still don't know why people say I "tawk" funny.

Go about an hour and 1/2 east from here and find the same Atlantic ocean, salt water and all but much warmer.

Ah, yes. BUT, hardly the same ambiance! And no taffy, candy apples, cotton candy, sausage sandwiches, pizza, hot dogs/burgers, fudge, peanuts in their shells, frozen custard, fresh squeezed lemonade/orangeade - all within a short 1,000 feet - and the happy sight of watching families create memories of a lifetime vacation! ;)

The Jersey shore isn't all about just sand and ocean. With all of the above, fresh picked Jersey corn and tomatoes - I wouldn't be anywhere else in the Summer! :)