Folks considering a move to the Garden State will be pleasantly surprised by the rich experience that awaits them. From the echoes of the American Revolution to the innovations of Thomas Edison, New Jersey is a story of progress, perseverance, and pride.
But before packing boxes and hiring a local moving service, prospective Jersey residents should consider:
- The climate and geography
- Transportation and commuting
- Life along the Jersey Shore
- The food culture
- The sports rivalries
- New Jersey moving companies
Whether you’re planning a long-distance move or a local move from just across state borders, let’s start with a lay of the land.
Geography and Climate
Moving to New Jersey means vivid landscapes and diverse geography.
Major Features
Here’s a quick rundown of the natural features that make up the state:
- Coastal plains: Stretching along the Atlantic, these lowlands boast sandy beaches and salt marshes.
- Pine Barrens: A vast expanse of pine forests and tea-colored streams in the south.
- Highlands: Rolling hills and lakes dominate the northwest, offering scenic vistas.
- Piedmont: Central Jersey features gently sloping terrain and fertile soil.
- Delaware Valley: The southwest borders the Delaware River, with a mix of farmland and suburbs.
This compact state packs an impressive variety of ecosystems. From the highest peaks of the Appalachian Mountains to the sunny shores of Cape May, New Jersey’s topography influences everything from local economies to recreational opportunities. Whatever your preference, there’s likely a place in NJ you’d enjoy calling home.
Enjoy Four Seasons
Each New Jersey season has a distinct personality. Winters bite with frosty temperatures and occasional snowstorms that blanket the state. Spring bursts forth with cherry blossom blooms. Summer’s sizzle sends beachgoers to the Jersey Shore for relief. Autumn paints the landscape in fiery hues, perfect for scenic drives through the countryside.
A Unique Microclimate
Coastal areas play a significant role in moderating New Jersey’s climate. The Atlantic Ocean acts as a giant heat sink, cooling summer temperatures along the shore and buffering winter extremes.
This maritime zone creates microclimates, where coastal towns experience milder conditions than their inland counterparts just a few miles away. However, this proximity also exposes the coast to the full fury of tropical systems and nor’easters, shaping the physical and cultural landscape of shore communities.
Transportation and Commuting
New Jersey’s transportation network rivals that of many small countries. The state’s public transportation system forms the backbone of this densely populated state. NJ Transit operates an extensive web of buses and trains, connecting even the most far-flung corners of the state. The PATH system links New Jersey and Manhattan, ferrying workers across the Hudson River with clockwork precision.
New Jersey’s strategic location sits within arm’s reach of two major metropolitan hubs. Manhattan’s skyscrapers are accessible by a quick train ride or drive through the Lincoln Tunnel. To the southwest, Philadelphia’s historic streets offer a taste of Revolutionary War heritage and modern urban amenities. This proximity to major cities amplifies New Jersey’s appeal, allowing residents to tap into vast job markets and cultural offerings without sacrificing the comforts of suburban or small-town living. Just don’t look into the property taxes (some of the highest property taxes in the country).
The Jersey Shore Experience
On weekends and holidays, you can head out to the Jersey Shore for year-round activities.
Famous Boardwalks and Beaches
The Atlantic Ocean provides New Jersey with miles of sandy playgrounds. Iconic boardwalks span the coast, their weathered planks bearing witness to generations of summer memories. From the neon-lit attractions of Wildwood to the genteel promenade of Ocean City, each boardwalk exudes a unique character.
Summer Tourism and “Bennies”
When temperatures soar, the Shore transforms into a bustling seaside resort. Tourists flood the beaches, temporarily swelling the population of coastal towns. Local movers bemoan the influx of “Bennies”—out-of-towners named for the towns they hail from (Bergen, Essex, and New York). This love-hate relationship between year-round residents and summer visitors adds a spicy undercurrent to shore life.
Off-Season Charm of Coastal Towns
As autumn paints the landscape in amber hues, a different side of the Shore emerges. The frenetic energy of summer fades, replaced by a tranquil atmosphere that captivates year-round residents and savvy visitors alike. Crisp ocean breezes sweep empty beaches, while local eateries offer cozy refuges from the chill.
Food Culture and Dining
Beyond natural beauty, living in New Jersey offers a diverse culinary scene with some regional flair.
The Taylor Ham/Pork Roll Debate
One fun New Jersey fact is that the state’s signature sandwich sparks fierce debate among Jersey residents: Is it Taylor Ham or Pork Roll? This seemingly innocuous meat product divides the state along geographic lines, with North Jersey favoring “Taylor Ham” and South Jersey insisting on “Pork Roll.” The debate rages on, a testament to the passion New Jersey folks bring to their local cuisine. So, make sure you get it right when you make your move.
Abundance of Diners
The state is home to an amazing diner scene. These quintessential eateries, with their expansive menus and bottomless coffee, embody the spirit of New Jersey’s culinary scene.
Some of New Jersey’s most renowned diners include:
- Tops Diner in East Newark: Often crowned the best diner in America.
- Summit Diner in Summit: One of the oldest continuously operating diners in the state.
- White Mana in Jersey City: This tiny, UFO-shaped diner claims to have introduced sliders to the East Coast at the 1939 World’s Fair.
Diverse Culinary Scene
New Jersey’s melting pot of cultures manifests in its rich tapestry of global cuisines:
- Italian: Spirito’s in Elizabeth serves old-school Italian-American fare in a no-frills setting.
- Indian: Kinara in Edgewater offers a modern twist on traditional Indian dishes.
- Portuguese: Fernandes Steak House in Newark sizzles with authentic Iberian flavors.
- Korean: Batten Ramen in Palisades Park dishes out soul-warming Korean comfort food.
- Cuban: La Pola in West New York transports diners to Havana with its vibrant flavors.
Whether you crave a cozy late-night diner meal or an exotic bowl of Raman, New Jersey has you covered.
Sports and Recreation
Enjoy fierce sports rivalries and then blow off any leftover steam with a picturesque walk.
Professional Sports Teams
The New Jersey Devils play at Newark’s Prudential Center. This NHL team has carved out a distinct New Jersey identity, winning three Stanley Cup championships and cultivating a loyal fan base.
Contrary to their name, both the New York Jets and New York Giants play their home games at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This situation stems from a long history of stadium development and land availability in the New York metropolitan area. The Giants moved to New Jersey in 1976, while the Jets followed suit in 1984. Jersey fans embrace these teams as their own, while often grappling with the New York branding.
Outdoor Activities
Nature enthusiasts find solace in New Jersey’s landscapes. The Appalachian Trail winds through the northwest corner of the state, offering challenging hikes and breathtaking vistas. Liberty State Park provides a green oasis with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. The Pine Barrens, a vast expanse of pine forests and wetlands, beckon adventurers with its otherworldly charm.
New Jersey Moving Companies
Now that you’ve been convinced to move to the Garden State, you’ll need a moving company. During a long-distance move, it’s smart to hire a moving service from your destination. Local movers in your target city will know the best route and will probably be familiar with your neighborhood.
You and find plenty of info about great NJ moving services, but my advice is to give Zip To Zip Moving Company a shot. They handled my move and did a great job doing it. They’re based out of New Jersey, so they know the state. And the best part? They provide a free online quote so you can get a feel for the pricing.
