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Very interesting thread and peoples opinions on life and coming and going to NJ!
I'm curious to know first is there a difference between N.Jersey and S.Jersey and is one place better than the other as far as quality of life?
Many posters here are from N.Jersey or have lived there.
The reference is always to NYC specifically Manhattan and how much they miss it or like it. Lets face it NYC is a place to its own with a strong identity throughout the world. I grew up 30 min from Philly. Ok...yeah it has great sports team, food, culture, history but it is no NYC. NYC has "Broadway" and PHL has "Broad Street". Having traveled to more than 50 countries and 40 US states, people long to hear about NYC not Philly..just the way it is.
I left S.Jersey to attend college in Arizona in the early 80's and have lived in California pretty much since graduation with a 3yr stint back in S.Jersey from 87-90. I've lived in San Francisco for 14yrs and now LA for a little over 2yrs.
I realize now that 14yrs in SF in my early adult yrs has framed my like and dislikes and comparisons against other places. NJ are my memories from youth. I think I have the Jersey sense of humor and expressions and sometimes the no "BS" attitude but I do it with a smile and easy going laid back attitude, ala "West Coast" influence. Last week on a visit to SF a good friend looked at me and said, "you might have been raised in NJ, but your really a Bay Area kind of guy". I think she is right.
I have friends on many income levels. Most middle class but some very wealthy as well. The wealthy ones are never comparing against other places, they are were they are because they want to be and can afford to be. So is it cost of living (taxes, home prices in N.Jersey) that drive people away from NJ, seems like it mostly, or ya just don't like Jersey?
I often think about moving back East (NJ, Washington DC,Jersey, Boston) because I miss the everyday folk one encounters, the seasons, etc), probably better need to just get out of LA! Then again I would probably miss the life style that I have so well adjusted too on the West Coast and I visit "Joysey" about 3 times a yr.
There is a famous line, can't remember the author, "Comparing is the heart of all discontent". I always remember that.
Last edited by friendlyflyer; 05-19-2007 at 05:20 PM..
I grew up in Northern NJ - Ridgewood. (I now live in CT) Anyways..my parents always took us to southern NJ for vacations. So to me southern NJ makes me think of the shore and casinos (casinos/Atlantic City). I think northern always had more of a wealthly image to it and lots of shopping malls. Although....some places near the shore are awesome too. Just my memories from a Jersey girl!
I live in South Jersey. Not Marlton or Cherry Hill, SOUTH Jersey. All the way down in Cape May County. Life down here is great. Traffic gets a little snarled during the summer tourist season, but for the most part there is very little traffic. I wouldn't want to deal with the daily traffic the northerner have to put up with. Houses are more affordable. For $400k, you get a lot of house. Taxes are lower too. I wouldn't trade with anyone above exit 25 GSP.
South Jersey is a slow pace kind of towns.......less traffic, homes are affordable, low taxes, and the schools are better (in my opinion)-its suburban.
North Jersey is fast paced.....high taxes, expensive homes (there not even big homes) too much crime..its more city life.
South Jersey to me is going down the shore to Seaside for the day and walking on the boardwalk. It is putting your feet in the sand. It is where one goes for vacation and to hear funny accents.
North Jersey, Bergen County specifically, is all about NYC and a more wealthy existence. The schools are the best in the country (haha-South Jersey schools are better than North Jersey schools-someone from South Jersey has a great sense of humor) and sure there is a little traffic, but I would rather have a little traffic than to be stuck in the middle of the Pine Barrens. North Jersey is home and I would not want it any other way.
Northern Jersey is where NJ Turnpike meets GSP, however, Southern Jersey has TWO parts, one is down south along NJ Turnpike, another part is down south along GSP.
Northern NJ has more professionals, more sophisticated and more urban atmosphere. South Jersey is more relaxed, country, and of course the shore and AC. I like both, I really hate when I hear people argue which is better... it's all Jersey!
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