(Updated September 20, 2024)
If you’re thinking about moving to New Jersey, you’ve probably got a ton of questions on your mind, from which parts of NJ are the best places to live to what the schools and taxes are like.
Before you make any decisions, it makes sense to get an idea of what living in New Jersey would look like, and that’s exactly our goal here.
In general, the Garden State is known for its high-quality schools, robust job market, and proximity to New York City, Philadelphia, and the rest of the East Coast. And oh yeah, we can’t forget the state is home to Bruce Springsteen and a still very happening music scene.
But did you know NJ is blessed with both beaches and mountains, and even hosts an annual cherry blossom festival? Rather surprising for the many who associate the state with the hectic New Jersey Turnpike, never having explored beyond that infamous stretch of road.
If you’re thinking of moving to New Jersey, you definitely need a more complete picture of this state. To start, here are some of the most important things you need to know.
11 Things To Know Before Moving To New Jersey
1. It’s called the “Garden State” for a reason
Forget the cities and the dense populations. Outside the major metro areas, you’ll find miles of lush farmland, national forests, and parks perfect for hiking.
For hardcore hikers, New Jersey boasts 72 miles of the Appalachian Trail, one of the country's most scenic, and sometimes rugged, trails. This means you can hop on the trail for a multi-mile trek or kickstart a longer odyssey into states north or south.
If the beach is more your style, you’ll find a lot to like in Island Beach State Park. This seaside park extends across nearly 10 miles of coastline and marshes that house over 400 animal and plant species.
Other parks include Liberty State Park, where you can see the Statue of Liberty in all her glory, and the sprawling Wharton State Forest, rich in both history and nature. If you’re a hiker, biker, horseback rider, or just someone who likes to get lost on a walk in the woods, then Wharton is a place you’ll visit again and again.
2. The cost of living in New Jersey is higher than average
We won’t beat around the bush: The cost of living in New Jersey is about 11 percent higher than the national average. While it's more affordable compared to other big states like New York and California, you’ll want to research living costs while considering moving to New Jersey.
Rent and home prices are responsible for the biggest part of New Jersey’s high cost of living, clocking in at 30 percent higher than the national housing cost average. Utilities are the next in line, running about 10 percent higher than the average national utility bills.
3. New Jersey’s job market is strong and diverse
Moving to New Jersey might be good for your career. As home to the headquarters of several industry-leading enterprises like Prudential Financial, Merck, Unilever, and Johnson and Johnson, New Jersey has a robust, well-diversified economy that offers higher wages than most other states.
Top NJ industries include life sciences such as biotech and pharmaceuticals, technology, clean energy, film and media, advanced manufacturing, logistics, financial services, and food and beverage.
The average salary in New Jersey is $76,128 annually, well above the national average and among the six highest median salaries of all 50 states. If you're wondering what salary you need to live comfortably in New Jersey, according to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, single households need about $51,500, while the amount rises to $90,800 for an adult with a child.
4. The best cities to live in in New Jersey depend on the region
New Jersey isn’t a big state, but you’d be surprised to learn how much regional diversity you’ll find in this small package. Here’s a look at some of the best cities to consider when you’re moving to New Jersey, from a regional perspective:
Northeast New Jersey: This is the landing place of many out-of-state commuters and visitors, especially those who might work in New York City. It’s very urban but without the congestion of NY. Here, you’ll find larger towns like Hoboken and Jersey City.
Northwest New Jersey: Moving further west, you can explore rural parts of New Jersey that feature scenic routes, sparser towns and subdivisions, and peaceful settings. Here you’ll find quaint villages like Hackettstown and Sparta.
Central New Jersey: In the middle is the best of both worlds, where wealthier families can enjoy access to larger cities without the noise and congestion. This part of the state is steeped in history. It houses the state capital, Trenton, and two of the “colonial colleges,” Princeton and Rutgers, founded before the Revolutionary War. Towns to consider for settling down include Edison, Woodbridge Township, and New Brunswick.
South New Jersey: The southern parts of the state include more suburban towns like Cherry Hill and Moorestown, which present a peaceful, small-town vibe while still being accessible to Philly.
Ultimately, the best cities in New Jersey largely depend on what you want. Do you need to be close to New York or Philly? Then you might look to cities like Jersey City or even Trenton. If you’re looking for a quieter lifestyle, you may want to look at towns like Sparta or New Brunswick.
5. Jersey housing costs are high and getting higher
At this point, we’re all aware of the ever-increasing housing prices in the U.S. Unfortunately, New Jersey is leading that trend. In 2023, the state saw the fourth-largest percentage increase in home prices across all 50 states, at 7.43 percent.
Yet the average price of homes varies widely across the state. The median price for housing throughout New Jersey is $550,400, but home prices really depend on where you’re looking. For example, the median price could be as low as $216,000 in Trenton or as high as $1.4 million in Montclair in North Jersey.
If you’re looking to rent, the average 1-bedroom apartment rental in New Jersey is $2,009 and $2,600 is the average for a 2-bedroom. As with home prices, rent varies widely depending on where you are in New Jersey. For example, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Franklinville in southern NJ, is $789, while it’s nearly twice as much in Trenton at $1,428.
6. Schools in New Jersey are among the best in the U.S.
One reason for New Jersey’s high housing costs stems from the value people place on the state’s high-quality public schools. The New Jersey public school system consistently ranks as one of the best in the nation. For instance, in 2024 Teach Simple ranked New Jersey schools as second-best in the country, after Massachusetts, while WalletHub ranked them fourth, after Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Maryland.
Why are Jersey public schools so good? Researchers point to a range of factors, including an excellent student-to-teacher ratio, high levels of excellence in academic performance, and low reported rates of hazing and bullying.
With its proximity to excellent universities and historical emphasis on education and citizenship, New Jersey is also known for upward mobility for students seeking higher education. It leads the nation in community college students transferring to universities and earning their bachelor’s degrees.
7. Public transit is a lot better than fighting Jersey traffic
If you have to drive to work in NY or Philly, New Jersey traffic can be a nightmare, as commuters find themselves sitting in traffic more often than not.
Infamous highways like the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, and certain stretches of Interstate 295 are the definition of gridlock depending on the time of day. And if you’re commuting to and from New York City via the Lincoln Tunnel or the George Washington Bridge, let’s just say we hope you like audiobooks.
Fortunately, NJ has plenty of public transit options. In addition to the Jersey Transit and PATH Train systems, the state boasts three light rail systems connecting major cities and some rural areas.
8. From freezing winters to humid summers, Jersey weather could be better
Your location will shape your experience with New Jersey weather. June through August are usually sweltering and humid, reaching average temperatures in the mid-80s. The humidity tends to settle into the northwest inland regions, and it’s not uncommon to have summer thunderstorms break out. However, threats of significant storm events or tornadoes are much lower in NJ than they are in the Midwest and West, and the coastal areas provide a pleasant antidote to Jersey summer heat.
On the opposite end, winter can bring both the beauty of cozy holidays and inconvenience of up to 30 inches of snow annually in northern New Jersey. That said, average winter temperatures in NJ range from the low 30s℉ to mid-40s℉. Don’t be surprised if the differences in winter conditions impact how you drive, as certain jurisdictions will require chains or snow tires during specific months.
In terms of rainfall, New Jersey averages 40 to 51 inches a year, depending on the region, which is plenty for growing beautiful gardens. And if you enjoy experiencing all four seasons, NJ is a good place to be.
9. New Jersey taxes pack a heavy punch
There’s no way to sugarcoat it. Moving to New Jersey means facing the sixth-highest tax burden of our 50 states, when considering all taxes combined.
Like federal income taxes, your NJ income tax rate and how much you pay depends on your income level and deductions. You can use NJ’s tax calculator to estimate how much you’ll pay.
New Jersey property taxes also skew high, although this varies widely depending on the town you live in. You get a bit of a break with a comparatively moderate sales tax, at 6.625 percent.
However, when assessing New Jersey taxes, it’s important to look at the big picture. New Jersey government uses its taxes to deliver higher quality public schools than average, as well as to provide more funding to public services like parks and transit, which can boost property values and quality of life.
10. Jersey beaches are legendary
New Jersey boasts some of the most scenic and famously fun beaches on the East Coast, with over 130 miles of coastline. Here are a some of the best beaches in the state:
Ocean City is a family-friendly beach with no alcohol allowed and an iconic boardwalk with an amusement park vibe.
Following years of revitalization, Asbury Park offers beachgoers a hip and artsy vibe. It’s also well-known for killer waves that surfers chase for days.
Long Beach Island is a massive 18-mile-long barrier island with more natural features up north and a boardwalk with shops, food, and clubs further south. This beach also offers fun activities like kayaking and jet skiing.
Cape May is an idyllic, classic beach, and the surrounding area is great if you’re just looking for a long beach getaway with long, slow days sunbathing and relaxing. It also serves as the home to the historic Cape May Lighthouse.
If you’re looking for something more risque, the Gunnison Beach section of Sandy Hook is a “clothing-optional” location.
11. New Jersey puts you in the middle of NE action
One of the major selling points for moving to New Jersey is its proximity to the economic powerhouses of New York and Philadelphia.
For example, New York City is only a short commute from north Jersey towns like Jersey City, Hoboken, and Weehaken. On the opposite end, south Jersey towns like Camden, Gloucester City, and Collingswood are just a 15-minute drive from Philadelphia. And even if you’re not commuting to the big cities for work, they offer unlimited opportunities for fun and culture.
Many families settle in NJ to be close to big-city jobs, while living in more family-oriented communities with good schools and plenty of room to play. And while New Jersey has a high cost of living, it’s still up to 40 percent lower than New York.
Is New Jersey A Good Place To Live?
As with any state, there are plenty of pros and cons to living in New Jersey, with the deciding factor being your own needs and preferences. Here’s a quick tally.
Pros of Living in New Jersey
New Jersey is smack dab in the middle of major northeastern cultural centers. Citizens have easy access via car or train to New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.
New Jersey public schools are some of the best in the nation, and your proximity to major universities is another big plus. Those looking to start families and give their kids the best education possible can make it happen in New Jersey.
You’ll find plenty of outdoor activities along the Appalachian Trail, national forests, and miles of coastline. Swimming, hiking, boating, and sunbathing are all available within a relatively short drive.
New Jersey was at the heart of the American Revolution, and the state and neighboring states feature some of the most important landmarks in the U.S. You could spend weeks just visiting cultural sites and learning about the birth of our nation.
Cons of Living in New Jersey
New Jersey has one of the country's highest costs of living, between income taxes, property taxes, and higher-than-average housing. So, if you’re looking for a place to save money, it might not be New Jersey, unless you’re comparing it to Manhattan or Philly.
While rural drivers won’t worry too much about traffic, those commuting by car to the surrounding New York and Pennsylvania areas will encounter frustrating traffic.
The beaches are great, which means a lot of people go there. If you can go during the off-season, you might avoid congestion, but be prepared to share the fantastic beaches with some crowds.
If you live in northern New Jersey, you could be in for some brutal winters with average snowfall topping two feet. If you’re someone who loves the snow and a glittering holiday season, this is fine. But if you prefer clear roads and low car and home maintenance during the colder months, not so much.
You’ll Find Loads Of Fun Things to Do in New Jersey
Make sure that you take advantage of the unique flavor and fun of New Jersey and enjoy the attractions that you can only find in our nation’s third state. Here are some ideas:
Delsea Drive-In, the First Drive-In Theater
New Jersey is the birthplace of the drive-in theater, and you can still visit Delsea Drive-In, the only remaining drive-in theater in the state, located in Vineland. Enjoy classic double features while experiencing a nostalgic piece of American history.
The Adventure Aquarium
At the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, you can walk across the Shark Bridge, a unique V-shaped suspension bridge that lets you walk directly over a tank filled with sharks. This is a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Wawayanda Mountain and the Stairway to Heaven
The "Stairway to Heaven" offers stunning views of the New Jersey countryside and is considered one of the best hikes in the state. This is the place to go if you’re around Vernon in northern Jersey and want a unique, breathtaking hike.
The Battleship New Jersey
Climb aboard the Battleship New Jersey, the most decorated battleship in U.S. naval history. Now a museum, visitors can explore the decks, learn about its role in World War II, and even participate in overnight tours where you sleep in the sailor bunks.
The Pine Barrens
Southern New Jersey is home to 1.1 million acres of forest known as the Pine Barrens, and you can camp, hike, and canoe in this massive forest. Watch out for the Jersey Devil, however — it’s said it makes the woods its home.
Revitalized Asbury Park
Asbury Park has had a long, historic, and sordid history that saw it rise as a major destination in the 1920s and fall on some pretty hard times. Following years of revitalization, Asbury Park is now an epicenter of live music, shopping, and food along its historic boardwalk.
Classic Diners
You might not know that New Jersey has the distinct honor of being the “diner capital of the world,” with hundreds of these veritable American institutions open all day. Grab your car and prepare for home-cooked meals, pie, and all the coffee you can drink.
Cherry Blossoms
If you’re in New Jersey in April, you should take a trip through Newark to catch the blooming of the cherry blossom trees. Within Branch Brook Park, you can see over 5,000 trees as part of the Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival.
Oldest Lighthouse in America
If you’re near Sandy Hook, you can see the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in the country, while you’re exploring the area’s miles of natural beaches and forest.
Is The Garden State Right For You?
History, culture, excellent public schools, beaches, and proximity to some of the biggest cities in the world… in many ways, New Jersey offers more than meets the eye. But with high taxes, tricky weather, and major traffic issues, it can also prove challenging. Only you know if moving to New Jersey is a good idea for you.
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