Things You Should Know About Living in New Jersey
New Jersey has some gorgeous scenery but it’s developed some unfortunate stereotypes due to shows like “Real Housewives” and “Jersey Shore,” not to mention being overshadowed by nearby New York City. But there are many reasons to move here with few ever regretting calling the Garden State home.
Whether you plan to move into one of the Hoboken Apartments or anywhere else in New Jersey, there are a few things you should know about the state first.
Be Prepared for the Weather
New Jersey can experience some extreme weather, from frequent summer thunderstorms to vicious nor’easters that can occur throughout winter and into early spring. You’ll truly understand what blizzard actually means once you’re here. If you prepare ahead of time, ensuring you’ve got warm, waterproof boots, and all the other appropriate clothing for frigid temperatures, you’ll be fine.
It’s also a good idea to have an emergency kit with a solar charger, water, and a source of heat to get you through power outages, which are common. While it can be hot and steamy in the summer, you will have plenty of beaches within fairly easy reach and it’s cooler along the shore, perfect for beating the heat.
It’s a Small State With a Big Population
While New Jersey is one of the smallest states in the country, ranked at 47, it’s population is not, with nearly nine million people calling it home. For those who want the opportunity to meet all types of people, there’s no shortage here. But if you’d rather be away from the hustle and bustle, New Jersey still offers plenty of quiet places with picturesque views.
New Jersey Has a Rivalry With New York But It Stops with Sports
New Jerseyans have kind of a love/hate relationship with New York. While there’s definitely a rivalry going on, New Jersey residents are big fans of the New York sports teams, including the NFL Jets and the Giants. Plus, MetLife Stadium is the home venue for both and it’s in New Jersey not New York.
You Can’t Pump Your Own Gas
The first time you pull up at a gas station and get out of your car expecting to pump your gas, you might be in for a big surprise. It’s all full service here as a 1949 law bans drivers from the practice due to safety concerns.
Of course, that just means less work for you. When you take your vehicle to fill up at Wawa, the place everyone goes for gas and convenience items, you’ll be able to enjoy more time in the store while someone else is pumping it.
Don’t Expect Jersey Shore to Be Like ‘Jersey Shore’
Keep in mind that TV is not real life. If you go to the Jersey Shore, it’s not going to be anything like that reality show. It’s actually rather family-friendly, with going “down The Shore” a long-held summertime tradition among the state’s residents. The 130-mile stretch offers gorgeous beaches, charming boardwalks, and so much more. You’ll definitely want to spend some warm weekends there.
Know How to Navigate the Roundabouts and the Jersey Jughandle
While there are more places in the U.S. these days that have roundabouts, AKA traffic circles, it seems few know how to navigate them. As they’re very popular in New Jersey, this is a skill you’ll want to have. If you don’t have it already, there are YouTube videos available for instruction.
The Jersey Jughandle takes some getting used to as well – it’s a ramp along the side of the road that’s used to make a left hand turn on a busy road.