Why when I think about New Jersey, I assume all these horrific things?

[ssd3]

Since moving from NJ a year ago I have heard everyone's perception about NJ. It is all negative! Including what they think about people who are from the Garden State (named that for a reason) I am told over and over again that I am very nice even though I am from NJ. I am asked where is your accent...I don't tawk like they think I should. I am so tired of trying to explain to people what it is like. NJ is a wonderful state with so much to see and do including some of the most beautiful farmland. I wish I had appreciated it more when I lived there. Now that I see what another state has to offer I can tell you I am more and more impressed with NJ. Your taxes are high but you get what you pay for. Just remember you don't pay taxes on clothes or food. Remember you are not paying yearly taxes on you autos and rv's. I wish everyone could see what makes NJ so great. I lived in Hunterdon County where there were veggie stands on almost every corner (pay with the honor system) Christmas Tree Farms everywhere and fun pumpkin patches. I loved the quaint river towns of Milford, Frenchtown, Stockton and Lambertville. Only 1 hour from NYC and Philly, a little over an hour to the shore and skiing. Excellent schools and low crime. It doesn't get better then that.

[tommyc_37]

NJ is easily the most misunderstood state in th US. Easily.

[South Jersey Styx]

Originally Posted by Bennie Flowers

. . .There is nothing 'natural' about that place.

I guess the 1.1 million acres of the Pineland Reservations aren't considered 'natural'? Not to mention our production of blueberries, cranberries, over 250 types of birds, vast ecosystems, farmlands, gardens, yadda yadda yadda:

NJ Pine Barrens - General Information and Maps

Where is all this plasticity? All I see around me are trees, geese, spiders, sand, and lakes.