As you can obviously tell from the title, I am proud to be a native New Jerseyan. Unfortunately, New Jersey has somewhat of a bad reputation: it’s rumored to be a dirty, crowded state full of loud, obnoxious people. Shows like Jersey Shore and terms like “the armpit of America” don’t help. People from New Jersey just love to contradict everyone who believes in these inaccurate stereotypes, so if you know someone from New Jersey I’m sure you’ve heard this all before. Anyway, here are a few reasons why I am lucky to call New Jersey home.
1. Beautiful countryside
No, Jersey City has not entirely consumed the rest of the state. Yes, there are in fact rural areas of New Jersey with REAL FARMS and GRASS. I happen to live in an area where there are quite possibly more livestock per square mile than people. My house is surrounded by trees and rolling hills. I grew up horseback riding, hiking, camping, and picking my own produce at local farm stands.
2. Produce
Believe it or not, agriculture is a massive industry in New Jersey. I am #blessed to have fresh, seasonal produce provided by a local farm a mile down the road whenever I am home. Nothing beats a ruby red Jersey tomato in August, and in the fall I only have to walk outside my front door to go pumpkin and apple picking.
3. Pizza
I’m sure you have all heard this one before, but it’s the absolute truth so it bears repeating. I don’t care what state you’re from, I can guarantee you that the pizza you have been eating your whole life is not real pizza unless it’s from New Jersey. Newsflash Midwesterners: DEEP DISH PIZZA IS NOT REAL PIZZA. It’s just doughy bread with toppings. That doesn’t mean it can’t also be delicious if its done right, but it should not be called pizza.
4. Bagels
This one is very similar to the pizza category. Bagels outside of New Jersey are not bagels. I will make a small concession to New Yorkers here; it’s true that good bagels can also be found in New York. However, good bagels cannot be found at an Einstein’s anywhere in the country. Einstein’s bagels are just normal bread made in a donut shape, and if you think that’s what a bagel is, then shame on you.
5. Jersey Shore
Ah, the Jersey Shore (not the show). There’s no place else in the world quite like it. Each beach has a slightly different character, so you can experience the full spectrum from beachfront mansions to sleazy motels. Prom weekend at the shore is definitely an unmissable experience. The boardwalk can always be counted on to provide a strange mix of carnival games and greasy food. And no, you will probably never run into Snooki while you’re there.
6. New York City/Philadelphia
New Jersey is also conveniently located near two major cities: New York City and Philadelphia. Between the two, you have unlimited access to a wealth of history, culture, nightlife, concerts, sports, and really anything else your little heart desires. As a kid, Philadelphia was a treasure trove of field trips: the Franklin Institute, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall! New York always provided a fabulous cultural scene: art galleries, Broadway shows, the New York City Ballet! New Jersey is a great place to live with all of this at your fingertips.
7. Best of urban and rural lifestyles
My favorite part of New Jersey is that, for a small state, there is SO MUCH to do and see. You don’t have to choose between an exciting, fast-paced lifestyle in a city and a more laid-back, relaxed one in a rural area. You can go camping one day and attend a music festival the next without driving halfway across the country. Wherever you are, you can do anything. Living in New Jersey is truly living your best life.
Follow HCND on Twitter, like us on Facebook, Pin with us and show our Instagram some love!