What would you say the lifestyle in NJ is like?

[tahiti]

Originally Posted by Badfish740

Silly Tahiti-we live in "North" Jersey where there's traffic 24hrs a day, everybody is named Vinnie, Tony, or Rocco, the air smells like the inside of a refinery smokestack, and when people want to know how to get to your house they say "What exit?"

Or maybe not...

Long Valley Brew Pub-an 18th century German stone barn converted to a brewery and restaurant:


Ken Lockwood Gorge-the best trout stream in New Jersey:


Teetertown Ravine-took some nice deer out of here last year:


Schooley's Mountain General Store:

awesome. props to you! love the General Store.

[jknic]

I think it's fascinating when people try and categorize NJ. The state is so varied that there are almost no two parts that are the same.

[tahiti]

Originally Posted by jknic

I think it's fascinating when people try and categorize NJ. The state is so varied that there are almost no two parts that are the same.

and it's mostly residents who do this....

[MJD27]

An interesting and complex question and I have to say that I agree with most people here in that New Jersey is so varied depending on your location within the state that it makes the question almost impossible to answer. I've never lived in South Jersey, but I have lived in NorthEastern NJ and NorthWestern NJ so I can at least give my perspective on those areas.

Northeastern NJ is busy busy busy. Lots of traffic, lots of people condensed into small areas. On the flipside, there is tons of shopping, tons of activities, excellent proximity to NYC. This area of NJ is extremely expensive in terms of home prices or rent and property taxes. To live in this area of NJ you really have to be doing well financially- but then again, to live in most places in NJ you have to be doing well financially. One of the great things about this part of NJ, though, is the diversity. There are people from all different walks of life, and all different colors and backgrounds and faiths and that's something that for me personally always makes me proud as a native. Most of the people from this area, in my experience, are open, boisterous and open-minded. I would say on the whole it's progressive and liberal.

Northwestern NJ is a whole different scene. There is a lot of land in general, mainly farmland, hardly any traffic unless you're on the major highways, and much less people. There is little shopping or activities, and home prices, rent, and property taxes are slightly lower (but not by much, after all, it's still NJ). The diversity factor here is WAAAAAAAAY less. Everyone in Northwestern NJ is white. I moved from the northeastern part of NJ to the northwestern part and actually experienced culture shock. People are much more "to themselves" in NW NJ, more reserved and quiet- much different way of life. There are a lot of hunters in NW NJ as well and a very small town kind of feel. Most shops, other than bars and gas stations, close at 5 or 6pm. It is a very conservative area politically and lifestyle-wise.

That's my perspective on the lifestyle. There are a few things about NJ that are universal no matter what area you live in, and that is 1)Winters are unbelievably cold and terrible, 2)It is really, REALLY expensive to live here (especially when compared to other parts of the country), and 3)We are unique and in many ways defy description.

I'm very proud to be a NJ native, but I must say, save your money and stay in AZ!