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I grew up in Essex county in the 1960s. While the '68 riots in Newark was a scary event, it was a great place to grow up.
Fast forward to today. It breaks my heart to see what has become of my hometown. The local high school boast 10% proficiency in Math. 10%. All the Italian and Irish families flew the coop to Toms River. Those were the smart ones.
Between the property taxes and road tolls, you need to earn at least 6 figures to live anything near comfortable in that area. Seniors are priced out, even if they own their homes free & clear. Then there is the turnpike/parkway/local routes traffic.
If it wasn't for family, pizza and Italian bread, I'd never bother going back there. I guess if you don't have a history with the area, it looks great. But I can assure you, a lot of those towns have seen better days. And the possibility of returning to the good old days looks grim.
The states mottos should be: New Jersey - A great place to visit but you don't want to live here!
Agree and disagree! Grew up in Essex county loved it same time frame. NJ is no different then any other state right now. I'll take NJ over Maryland that is going to hell. Taxes , toll lanes and construction on every single bit of land there is. Same problems in Mass, Delaware and Virginia. NJ is a great place might not suit you and that's fine but others live here and love it.
Agree and disagree! Grew up in Essex county loved it same time frame. NJ is no different then any other state right now. I'll take NJ over Maryland that is going to hell. Taxes , toll lanes and construction on every single bit of land there is. Same problems in Mass, Delaware and Virginia. NJ is a great place might not suit you and that's fine but others live here and love it.
Whats going on in Maryland?
Massachusetts does not have said problems. The only toll road is the Mass Pike. Construction is really just in Boston and a handful of suburbs who allow it (Which is why its a million dollars for a starter home...). Not sure about VA or DE.
What became of CaptainNJ? I didn't realize he dropped out! I always found a lot of his posts to be, well, interesting.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Retriever
Let's just say that his departure was... not voluntary.
He was back for a time under another name, although he stayed out of this forum. I "made" him and cackled because I knew it was him. He got whacked again by another mod, though.
He was back for a time under another name, although he stayed out of this forum. I "made" him and cackled because I knew it was him. He got whacked again by another mod, though.
For several years, it was very obvious to me that almost all of his posts were trolling attempts. I'm surprised that it took that other mod so long to figure-out his sick shtick.
Gotta move to the other end(s) of the state for affordability and stability. If I were to move back to Jersey it would have to be by the Shore or the SW part, unless I get a 6-figure or close job by Exchange Place or the pharma companies up north.
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