Are you looking to relocate to NJ but not sure where to start your search? You’re new here and have a lot of questions about your new domicile – where to visit, where the best parks are, how to get around? You’ve come to the right place then! I have put together some important information on the most popular New Jersey areas that should help you make an educated decision based on your needs and wants! To make things easier I have decided to divide the posts into a series of 3: North Jersey, Central Jersey and South Jersey. You will be able to learn a little bit about each region and I hope this information will help you make your decision on where to move easier.
Let’s start with some interesting (and funny) facts about the State! As you may know NJ is called the Garden State and please do not judge the State by what views you encounter on your Turnpike drive! New Jersey came in second place in the United States in land dedicated to parks with Alaska being no. 1. Almost 34% of the state is preserved land! As you may know this state hosts more diners than any other U.S. state, which means you can get your favorite omelet or pancakes even at 7 p.m.! New Jersey played a huge role in the Revolutionary war, with 296 battles that took place here (and there are many parks and museums that are a proof of that). And don’t forget that you will never have to pump your own gas here!
In the paragraphs below I will try to cover some of the most important topics: local highlights, transportation, places to visit!
Let’s start with North Jersey and what it has to offer!
North Jersey
Northeast New Jersey is one of the most diverse regions of the state. With its close proximity to New York City, and many transportation options (NJ Transit trains, buses, the PATH to NYC), you will feel like you’re a part of the hustle and bustle of New York City but with more space and urban amenities. Northeast Jersey is a foodie’s paradise – from the best pizzerias (I know, I know! This is a very touchy subject!) to a plethora of cuisine from every corner of the globe! What comes with the proximity to New York City is the prices of real estate. Hudson County is particularly expensive, but if the NYC Views are your thing, that is the place to be. The region offers some charming towns like Ridgewood, Westwood or Saddle Brook.
Places to visit:
1. Hoboken waterfront: The historic Hoboken waterfront offers some of the best views of Manhattan. There are plenty of places where you can enjoy some great food, shopping, even sight-seeing or you can simply stroll around and watch the historic buildings in the area.
2. Liberty State Park: this is one of the most well-preserved parks in the state, it offers amazing views of the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty! It is home to Liberty Science Center, which is a great place to take the kids to!
3. American Dream Mall – if shopping is your thing, make sure you visit the largest mall on the East coast. There is plenty to do: from shopping to indoor skiing or enjoying a water park! You can also spend the day at Nickelodeon Universe!
Northwest Jersey offers a more rural way of living. You get to see houses with bigger plots of land, farms and forests more frequently than you see a condo or a townhouse. If your ideal home location includes farms, large forests, small town living, this is the place to be! Northwest Jersey offers several key NJ Transit stops but there are many bus stations that will bring you to New York City. The cost of living is generally lower than the one in Northeast Jersey, but there are certain areas that have gone up in price (Morris County is currently the 12th richest county in America).
Places to visit:
1. Lake Mohawk – the area around the lake is the state’s best kept secret. You will find many shops, bars and restaurants nestled around the water with picturesque views.
2. Waterloo Village – this amazing and well-preserved historic town will teach you about the state’s Native American heritage. You can experience demonstrations of 19th century life.
3. Local Farms/Pick-your-own/Farmstands – Chester is one of the best regions in NJ where it comes to farms. You will find the best pick-your-own peach or apple farms here during the season (Alstede Farms, Stony Hill Farms).
As you can see there is much to explore in Northern New Jersey! From the rich history and beautiful parks to the vibrant food scene that makes the Garden State unique. Whether you love city life or quiet countryside, New Jersey has it all.
Stay tuned, as we’ll dive into Central Jersey next!
