Pros and Cons of Living in New Jersey
New Jersey may be on the smaller side as far as states go, but it doesn’t stop it from being an incredibly varied place to live.
North Jersey is home to what many see as an East Coast stereotype, people who live at a faster pace and commute to places like Manhattan. South Jersey has smaller towns and more green space, inviting a less frantic way of living.
Whether you are looking at Hoboken, NJ apartments or places in Vineland, there is much to consider in the way of positives and negatives for the Garden State.
A Full Four-Season Experience
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The entire state is privy to four distinct seasons, allowing for activities and hobbies to vary throughout the year, keeping the arts, culture, and outdoor activity scene interesting.
Residents will enjoy warm days at the beach in the summer, picturesque foliage in the fall, picnicking places in parks laden with spring blooms, and even adrenaline-fueled activities on the slopes in the chilly days of winter.
Commuting Is a Pain
North Jersey’s traffic is impacted by commuters eschewing public transport to get into the city areas, causing slower trips at peak hours.
Overall, the state average for travel is around 30 minutes per trip, with some of the bigger cities taking longer to get around.
Crime Rates Are Low
New Jersey’s property and violent crime rates sit below the national average, and according to a SafeWise report, the violent crime rate barely moved compared to last year while property crimes were down.
Though the metro areas along the northern border have higher crime rates, most of New Jersey is dotted with small towns in rural areas and medium-sized cities that rank high in terms of safety.
Tax Burdens Are High
New Jersey has one of the highest overall tax burdens in the nation according to the Tax Foundation. Personal income tax rates range from 1.4% to 8.97% as of 2021, and sales tax is 6.625%.
Property taxes are estimated to be higher than in any other US state at over 2% of the property value due each year.
Vibrant Scene of Things to Do
Whether you are north, south, or in between, there is a lot to do in the Garden State.
The Camden Aquarium is a big draw, as is MetLife Stadium. You can stroll along the streets of charming small towns like Morristown and Princeton, and or visit one of the many huge shopping malls like Westfield Garden State Plaza.
There is also much to do for outdoor enthusiasts, from hiking, fishing, and beach life during the warm months to skiing and snowmobiling during the colder times of the year.
Cost of Living Leaves Something to Be Desired
Much like most of the East Coast, the cost of living in New Jersey is much higher than the national average. In particular, housing is 69 percent more expensive than elsewhere in the country.
It is notable that the cost of living varies dependent on where you are in the state. Typically North Jersey is more expensive, while South Jersey is often estimated to be roughly 30 percent cheaper.
