What's the difference between North, Central and South Jersey? (Elizabeth: 2015, crime)

[christophermuniz1993]

Five months ago I posted a question on this website regards to Tinton Falls and many members said that it's not in South Jersey, it's in Central Jersey. However, someone else told me that it's in South Jersey because that person thought that any town that's in the Jersey Shore area would be considered South Jersey. Anyways I just want to know what would be considered North, Central and South Jersey.

[vinodelotus]

This question gets asked nearly every day. There is no definitive answer. Many people say: North of 78 is North Jersey. Between 195 and 78 is Central Jersey. Below 195 is South Jersey. Jersey Shore is a region on its own.

[j0nx]

This is a fun article with map

Here are the North, Central and South Jersey borders as determined by you (INTERACTIVE) | NJ.com

[qrysdonnell]

The complicating factor here is that 'Central Jersey' is really the bottom half of North Jersey. North and South Jersey definitely exist. Central Jersey is up for debate. From what I can tell is that Central Jersey came to exist because people that weren't in the immediate NYC area didn't want to be associated with what the idea of North Jersey conjures - crime ridden cities and industrial swamp wastelands, I guess.

Most of Central Jersey is still fairly within the NYC sphere of influence. As someone who recently moved to South Orange in Essex County, I have a hard time swallowing that towns like Union, Elizabeth, Edison, Red Bank and Asbury Park are in a whole different 'region' of my state.

Places like Cherry Hill, Atlantic City and Cape May definitely are in a different region. Some of the towns that people think are in 'Central Jersey' have bridges to New York City in them. Granted it's Staten Island, but it's NYC. Proximity to large cities (NY or Philly) is what helps define the regions in question. So thinking of Central Jersey as a part of North Jersey can help square some of the questions about it.

That said, Tinton Falls is definitely NOT South Jersey. To me it makes sense to consider Monmouth County North ('Central' whatevs) and Ocean County South. Obviously anywhere where you have a large region things get fuzzy at borders, but you have to make the call somewhere.

Expect a lot of different opinions and no two people's opinion to be the same though!

[bookspage]

I agree, there is no Central Jersey IMO

The old 201/609 map is what sets North apart from South

[jaymoney]

What's the difference? None. It's a local region that people want to adopt to create an Us and a Them. What's the difference between Connecticut and Rhode Island when it comes down to it? Nothing really.

[Gerania]

Some people from Bergen County think that Tinton Falls is in South Jersey. Everything below Hudson County is South Jersey. Fifty years ago, Monmouth and Ocean counties used to belong to Southern NJ, but they apparently don't any more because people commute North for work and follow NY sports teams. As if that changes geography.

To me, Central NJ is the waistband of the state. It's the skinny part from Trenton to the coast. I've been called wrong, because there is no Central NJ. It may be centrally located, but don't call it Central NJ.

I didn't grow up there, so it's not my war. It doesn't matter what you say, someone will always tell you that you're wrong.

[retired58]

If you look at Weather reports (channel 12) they do break up the state. My opinion is Tinton Falls is central

[Kracer]

Glaciers came down to the Watchung mountains, the sea came up from the south to the Raritan river.


Glaciers = north jersey


Sea = south jersey


land in between is central NJ


NE nj is densely populated and all that goes with that..... population defined by people who "want to be within an hour" of NYC...... rts 1, 9 parkway and turnpike connect jersey north to the rest on NJ


An improving newark has been the car jacking capital of the country.


NW and vertical central north J is divided from central NJ by rt 78 which serves as a demarcation of weather events to further sharpen the central/north j divide.


NW jersey, especially Sussex county is the target of NYC and NE J politicians to install light rail and destroy the rural character of that section of the state.


Central NJ, east less people on top of other people. within an hour of NYC but a well kept secret. 287, rt 22 are the main arteries


Central Nj is the republican stronghold. after an election where the repub candidate lost, people cannot find anyone who voted for the winning democrat.


Central NJ west, less dense population, more hunting territory,


South jersey, north...... Sayreville to forked River....growing at a cosmic rate


South J north east has two murder capitals in camden and trenton, trenton the taxpayer provided home of well kept legislators with incredible retirement benefits and health coverage, compliments of the taxpayers. Located for a quick escape to the west should the Nj electorate ever recover from a democrat induced coma and reality escape choice republicans.


South jersey, the real SJ, Forked river to cape May.... larest aquifer in the east saves SJ from development except along the shore.


New Gretna considers Forked River to be north jersey.


South J pols always feel left out.

[ansky]

Originally Posted by jaymoney

What's the difference? None. It's a local region that people want to adopt to create an Us and a Them. What's the difference between Connecticut and Rhode Island when it comes down to it? Nothing really.

There are HUGE difference between the different regions of NJ.

North Jersey is very diverse in terms of demographics. South Jersey is predominantly white aside from the urban centers of Camden, Vineland, and AC.

North Jersey is very densely populated (with the exception of Sussex county). South Jersey is predominantly rural, particularly along the route 206 corridor between Bordentown and Hammonton. Driving along this stretch of road makes you feel like you are in Indiana or some rural midwestern area.

North Jersey is generally much more wealthy and has a better economy than South Jersey (much more unemployment South).

North Jersey has more to offer in terms of culture and entertainment, nightlife, etc.

Those are just a few things that come to mind. Central NJ is where the 2 kind of blend together. Central NJ is where you'll find the "cookie cutter" neighborhoods, strip malls, etc. Typical suburbia, equivalent to what you find outside of most major cities.