New Jersey
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Are you considering moving to New Jersey?

New Jersey is the only state to have all counties rated urban by the Census Bureau. That explains why the Garden State attracts a spectrum of millennials, families, professionals, and tourists making it one of the most coveted states in America.

If you’d like to live in a state that’s rich in ethnic and cultural diversity, without being too far away from NYC and Philly, moving to New Jersey is right for you.

The Garden State is home to some of the best schools in America, the quality of life is high and you’ll enjoy fresh produce from farmers’ markets.

If you’re wondering if moving to New Jersey is right for you or not, we’ve collated all the key information you need to know about the state to make the right decision.

Let’s jump right in!

Demographics

New Jersey Demographics

A quick look at the population and other demographics of New Jersey.

Male vs Female Population of New Jersey 2021

Male vs Female Population by Age Groups in New Jersey 2021

Population distribution by Ethnicity in New Jersey 2021

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Quick stats to know before moving to New Jersey

  • New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the U.S.
  • Every area in New Jersey is classified as urban
  • New Jersey’s median home price is $382,096
  • The unemployment rate in New Jersey is lower than the U.S. average
  • New Jersey is close to NYC and Philadelphia
  • About 70% of New Jerseyans are homeowners

What’s the population of New Jersey?

The population of New Jersey is 8,874,520 people. The state spreads across 22,608 square kilometers making it the 47th largest in the country.

  • New Jersey has an average of 1,195.5 people per square mile
  • New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the U.S.
  • Newark is the largest city in New Jersey with a population of 281,944

How is the weather like in New Jersey?

Weather is always one of the most important things to consider before moving to New Jersey.

  • New Jersey summer high in July is around 85 degrees
  • New Jersey winter low in January is around 22 degrees
  • New Jersey averages 48 inches of rain a year
  • New Jersey averages 23 inches of snow a year

How fast can you commute in New Jersey?

New Jersey’s average one-way commute time is 31.5 minutes. The U.S. average is 26.4 minutes. That means the average commute time in New Jersey is longer than the national average. Here’s a breakdown of how people in New Jersey commute to work:

  • About 71.5% of New Jerseyans drive their own car alone
  • Around 8.0% of New Jerseyans carpool with others
  • Up to New Jerseyans, 4.2% of New Jerseyans work from home
  • Around 11.5% of New Jerseyans take mass transit
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Top 10 reasons to move to New Jersey

Here are key reasons why moving to New Jersey could be the right choice.

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  • Low costs of living

    The overall cost of living in New Jersey is lower than the national average. Housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare - everything is cheaper in New Jersey. You can rent a studio for $701 and a 1-bedroom apartment for approximately $806. A 2-bedroom home would approximately cost $1,011 a month and the average rent for a 3-bedroom house in New Jersey is $1,454.

    The median home cost in New Jersey is $249,300. This is about 18% lower than the national average. However, it needs to be noted that houses cost high in big cities like Phoenix, Tucson, or Surprise.

  • Sunny climate

    New Jersey has 300+ days of sunshine and this plays a big role in attracting snowbirds in winter. New Jersey has a warm winter and snowfall is hardly heard of. Yuma in New Jersey is the sunniest city in the US with more than 4,000 sunlight hours per year and an average of 11 sunny hours per day.

  • New Jersey is pet-friendly

    New Jersey is highly pet-friendly. Most restaurants and outdoor parks permit pets inside. There are over 900 pet-friendly hotels in the state. New Jersey also has hundreds of hiking trails, especially for pets. The state also has strict anti-cruelty laws.

  • Beautiful scenery and affordable homes

    The best part about New Jersey is its spectacular topography. There is an abundance of diverse landscapes bursting with natural beauty. From spectacular canyons, and scenic rivers to vast deserts and towering mountains, there is a lot for New Jersey to take pride in. Despite the enticing scenic beauty, New Jersey is highly affordable to own or rent a home. While you can rent a 2-bedroom house for approximately $1,011, you can own a house for $249,300, which is much lower than the national average.

  • Growing job market

    The economy of New Jersey is thriving and as a result, it is easy to find a job in New Jersey. As per the latest reports, New Jersey`s job market is ranked second in the country and the state added about 84,400 jobs last year.

    The industries that are flourishing in New Jersey are:

    • Construction
    • Health care and social assistance
    • Professional and technical services
    • Information Technology
    • Finance and insurance
    • Manufacturing
    • Transportation and warehousing
  • Its home to the Grand Canyon

    The Grand Canyon is the landmark of New Jersey State. Naturally formed millions of years ago, the Grand Canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide, and attains a depth of over a mile.

  • Exciting outdoor activities

    There is a lot to explore in New Jersey. Always warm, the state does not permit you to sit indoors. Instead, it allures you outside to its unlimited attractions, mostly natural.

    Some of the outdoor activities to engage in New Jersey are:

    • Hiking the Havasu Canyon trail
    • Mountain biking in Prescott
    • Whitewater rafting Colorado through the Grand Canyon
    • Off-roading in Sedona
    • Floating the Salt River
    • Hot-air ballooning over the Sonoran Desert
    • Staying on a dude ranch and riding off into the sunset
  • It is a sports fan haven

    With year-round sunny skies and teams for every season, sports in New Jersey are always on. Almost every college and university has its clubs that compete in basketball, football, soccer, and ice hockey. The professional cubs are mostly focused in Phoenix. In addition, golf is also taken seriously in New Jersey and the state has more than 200 golf courses.

  • It is a great place for retirement

    New Jersey is a popular retirement destination and a big share of the population here are above 65. The state is warm and sunny year-round and there are a lot of activities to do in New Jersey. The retired income does not come under the tax slab. In addition, the state also has hundreds of clubs for senior people. The cost of living is lower than in many parts of the US and there is a lot to explore in New Jersey during the senior years.

  • It is a tax friendly state

    New Jersey is highly tax-friendly for retired people. It does not tax social security retirement benefits. And on most other income that is taxed, rates are relatively low - from 2.59% to 4.5%. The state also does not have an estate or inheritance tax, a perk that is quite attractive to retirees.

pros

Pros and Cons of living in New Jersey

A quick look at these pros and cons can help you decide if moving to New Jersey is right for you or not.

Pros of living in New Jersey
  • New Jersey is one of the wealthiest states in the nation
  • The public school system in New Jersey is ranked among the best in the U.S.
  • NJ energy costs are lower compared to surrounding states
  • NJ residents are rated among the most financially literate in the nation
  • NJ is rated among the best states for working moms
  • NJ has a reliable public transport system
  • New Jersey conveniently connects to Philly and New York City
  • New Jersey has a top-rated quality of life
  • New Jersey is a state with cultural and ethnic diversity
  • The cost of living in NJ is less expensive compared to NY and Philly
  • There’s never a boring moment in New Jersey
  • New Jersey is a foodie’s haven
  • There are no taxes on clothes in New Jersey
Cons of living in New Jersey
  • New Jersey isn’t the Big Apple some people assume it is
  • New Jersey has the highest property taxes in America
  • New Jersey has one of the highest tax burdens in the country
  • Extreme weather is a problem, either too hot or too cold
  • Traffic can be terrible in NJ and some of its roads are the worst in the U.S
  • New Jersey has its fair share of crazy laws
  • You’ll have to put up with a high cost of living in New Jersey

Where are the best places to live in New Jersey?

The entire New Jersey is one big urban city. The state is home to several beautiful cities. Moving to New Jersey means getting the chance to live in some of the best places in the state. To help you streamline your house-hunting since you’re considering moving to New Jersey, here are the 10 best places to live in the state:

Rank City Population Unemployment Rate Home Value
1 Park Ridge 8,766 2.9% $588,900
2 Allendale 6,765 3.3% $757,000
3 Westfield 29,877 2.7% $743,400
4 Haddonfield 11,345 2.3% $511,700
5 Glen Rock 11,780 3.9% $646,600
6 Woodcliff Lake 5,832 2.0% $812,300
7 Fair Haven 5,873 3.4% $731,900
8 Cresskill 8,699 2.9% $677,500
9 Waldwick 9,986 2.1% $448,900
10 Madison 16,377 3.9% $724,700

New Jersey Cities Moving Guides

Cost of Living in New Jersey

The cost of living in New Jersey is most likely one of the key things you’ll have to consider before moving to the state. New Jersey’s cost of living is 120.4. The United States average is 100. That means the cost of living in New Jersey is higher than the national average.

Here’s a breakdown of various metrics that make up the cost of living in New Jersey:

Cost of living New Jersey United States
Overall 120.4 100
Grocery 105.8 100
Health 88.4 100
Housing 142.4 100
Median Home Cost $329,300 $231,200
Utilities 109.2 100
Transportation 127.7 100
Miscellaneous 108.7 100
The national average is 100.

New Jersey real estate market

Buying or renting a home/apartment are both good housing options if you’re moving to New Jersey. More than half of the state population are homeowners.

Family size Average monthly cost of health plan
Individual plus child $719
Couple, age 40 $900
Family of three (adult couple and a child) $1,169
Family of four (adult couple and two children) $1,438
Family of five (adult couple and three children) $1,708

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Median House Prices in New Jersey

New Jersey’s median home price is $382,096. Over the past ten years, home values in the state have appreciated by 1.2%. Currently, homes in New Jersey have appreciated by 4.7%.

Average Rental Prices in New Jersey

Rental homes are good housing options if you’re moving to New Jersey. Renters account for 31.2% of the state’s population. About 1.9% of homes and apartments in the state are homeowners. Here’s a quick summary of the average home rental costs if you’re moving to New Jersey:

  • The average cost of a studio apartment in NJ is $1,032
  • The average cost of a 1-bedroom home or apartment in NJ is $1,208
  • The average cost of a 2-bedroom home or apartment in NJ is $1,488
  • The average cost of a 3-bedroom home or apartment in NJ is $1,906
  • The average cost of a 4-bedroom home or apartment in NJ is $2,212

Median House Price in New Jersey vs USA 2021

Median Rent Price in New Jersey vs USA 2021

Cost of Living by Categories in New Jersey vs USA 2021

New Jersey job market

The New Jersey job market is one of the key performance indicators of the state’s economy. Since you’re considering moving to New Jersey, here’s a quick summary of the state’s job market:

Employment Information New Jersey, New Jersey United States
The income per Cap $39,069 $31,177
Household Income $76,475 $57,652
Unemployment Rate 3.50% 3.70%
Recent Job Growth -0.19% 1.59%
Future Job Growth 24.96% 33.51%

What’s the average salary and income in New Jersey?

Whether you’re interested in getting a new job or starting a business after moving to New Jersey or not, you’ll most likely be interested in the average salary and income in the state. Since you’re considering moving to New Jersey, here’s the average salary and income in the state:

Tip: When you’ve got a home to move in New Jersey, getting the best moving quote will be your goal. Request moving company quotes to save on moving cost.

  • The average annual pay for the average jobs category in NJ is $58,149 a year
  • The average hourly pay for average jobs in NJ is $27.96 per hour
  • The average weekly pay for the average job in NJ is $1,118 a week
  • The average monthly pay for the average job in NJ is $4,846 a month
  • Most salaries within the average jobs’ category range from $47,257 to $70,648

Largest employers in New Jersey

The 2020 Fortune 500 list featured 17 companies in New Jersey. Since you’re considering moving to New Jersey, we’ve made a list of the top 10 largest employers in the state. Here they are:

Rank Company City Employees
1 Johnson & Johnson New Brunswick 134,000
2 Conduent Florham Park 85,000
3 Merck & Co. Kenilworth 69,000
4 Bed Bath & Beyond Union 65,000
5 Toys R Us Wayne 64,000
6 Automatic Data Processing Roseland 58,000
7 Newell Brands Hoboken 53,400
8 Becton Dickinson and Company Franklin Lakes 50,928
9 Covance Princeton 50,000
10 CoWorx Staffing Services Watchung 50,000

Hottest job markets in New Jersey

New Jersey has a sturdy job market. Despite the impact of COVID-19, New Jersey’s job markets have been growing steadily. Since you’re most likely interested in moving to New Jersey, the following are the hottest job markets in the state:

  • Hillsdale
  • Princeton
  • Westwood
  • Ramsey
  • Morristown
  • Haddonfield
  • Hoboken
  • Franklin Lakes
  • Westfield
  • Florham Park

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What are the Top career options in New Jersey?

Moving to New Jersey could mean starting a new career in a different profession. We’ve made a list of the top career options in the state since you’re considering moving to New Jersey. Here are the top 10 career options in New Jersey:

Rank Job Title Average Salary Entry Level Salary # Of People
1 Surgeons, Except Ophthalmologists $279,660 $179,970 1,500
2 Chief Executives $253,320 $128,020 770
3 Psychiatrists $247,320 $146,970 920
4 Dentists, All Other Specialists $244,060 $99,930 160
5 Orthodontists $240,110 $168,360 220
6 Athletes And Sports Competitors $222,460 $69,890 460
7 General Internal Medicine Physicians $220,790 $111,090 1,150
8 Family Medicine Physicians $215,980 $139,400 1,900
9 Pediatricians, General $215,040 $142,260 930
10 Physicians, All Other; And Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric $207,440 $60,390 16,650

Major industries in New Jersey

New Jersey is home to some of the largest industries in America. Moving to New Jersey opens up several business opportunities in the state. To give you an idea of what to expect if you’re moving to New Jersey, the following is a list of the major industries in the state:

  • Pharmaceutical And Life Science
  • Financial Services
  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Transport And Logistics
  • Film Industry
  • Healthcare

Number of Households by Income Level in New Jersey

Median Income in New Jersey vs USA

Unemployment Rate in New Jersey vs USA

New Jersey Taxes

Since you’re most likely moving to New Jersey from out of state, you may not be familiar with the state’s taxes.

The people in New Jersey pay various required taxes like residents in other parts of America. Moving to New Jersey means you’ll be paying similar taxes as other New Jersey residents. Here’s a quick summary of the state’s taxes since you’re mulling over moving to New Jersey:

  • New Jersey’s income tax is 1.40% - 10.75%
  • New Jersey’s sales tax is 3.3125% - 6.625%
  • New Jersey’s property tax is 2.42% average effective rate
  • New Jersey’s gas tax is 10.50 cents per gallon of regular gasoline
  • Gas tax is 13.50 cents per gallon of diesel

Best things to do in New Jersey

New Jersey is home to several remarkable attractions and exciting spots for various activities. Since you’re considering moving to New Jersey, we’ve made a list of the best things to do in the state to help you create a bucket list:

  • Tour the Cape May Historic District

    The 380-acre Cape May Historic District with 600 Late Victorian-style buildings is America’s first seaside resort. Cape May boasts highly rated beaches, fine dining, lodging, and shopping, and is even a top worldwide destination for bird watching.

  • Take a Stroll along Atlantic City's Famous Boardwalk

    The first and longest boardwalk in the country, the 4-mile wooded path is best for early morning biking, walking, aimless wandering, and window shopping. Atlantic City historical museum and Atlantic City Art Center along with a wide range of shops add charm to the boardwalk.

  • Catch a glimpse of Liberty State Park

    The 1,200-acre Liberty State Park with water on three sides offers unparalleled views of Manhattan’s skyline and the Statue of Liberty and is one of the most visited places in New Jersey. The Central Jersey Railroad of New Jersey Terminal denotes the history of the 19th century US. The park is connected to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island by ferries.

  • Visit the Newark Museum

    The Newark Museum of Art (formerly Newark Museum) displays massive collections of American art, decorative arts, contemporary art, and arts of Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the ancient world. The state’s largest museum, founded in 1909, also holds adult programs, lectures, tours, and jazz performances.

  • Explore the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

    The 70,000–acre recreational area is along the middle section of the Delaware River in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The area is packed with forested mountains, river valleys, and fertile floodplains along with amazing wildlife. More than 120 miles of hiking trails along streams, ridges, and mountaintops exist here.

  • Visit the Princeton Battlefield State Park & Institute for Advanced Study

    The Princeton Battlefield where American troops defeated the British Regulars during the American Revolution is a state park that is in dispute with the Institute of Advanced Study which plans to build a housing facility on a portion of the battlefield. The Thomas Clarke House Museum at the park exhibits military artifacts belonging to the Revolution era.

  • Visit the Adventure Aquarium

    Adventure Aquarium in Camden is one of the largest aquariums in the country with about 8,000 animals living in varied forms of semi-aquatic, freshwater, and marine habitats. The facility has a total tank volume of over 2 million US gallons (7,600,000 L), and public floor space of 200,000 square feet (19,000 m2).

  • Tour the Cape May County Park & Zoo

    The 85-acre Cape May County Park & Zoo is home to more than 550 animals representing 250 species. The zoo, together with Cape May County's Central Park covers about 220 acres and the zoo also has a free-flight aviary and a reptile collection.

  • Explore the Thomas Edison National Historical Park

    Thomas Alva Edison’s laboratory and residence at Orange Country is now preserved as Thomas Edison National Historical Park. Motion picture cameras, improved phonographs, sound recordings, silent and sound movies, and the nickel-iron alkaline electric storage battery came out from this laboratory.

  • Catch a glimpse of Grounds for Sculpture

    The 42-acre sculpture park in Hamilton promotes contemporary sculpture by organizing exhibitions, publishing catalogs, and offering a variety of educational programs and special community events. The park's exhibits include sculptures by distinguished artists Clement Meadmore, Anthony Caro, Beverly Pepper, Kiki Smith, Magdalena Abakanowicz, Boaz Vaadia, and New Jersey sculptor George Segal.

  • Visit the Liberty Science Center

    A science museum in Jersey City, Liberty Science Center has the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. Apart from multiple exhibits for science lovers, the museum also hosts many education programs.

  • Take a day trip to the city of Hoboken

    Hoboken not just offers mesmerizing views of the Manhattan skyline but it is also home to restaurants, diners, museums, and art galleries. One of the most densely populated municipalities in the country, Hoboken also has natural parks and waterfront walkways.

  • Go to the races at Monmouth Park

    Monmouth Park at Oceanport has been New Jersey’s racecourse turf since the 1870s and hosts multiple races annually. The racetrack's season spans from early May to Labor Day in early September.

  • An American race track run by

    New Jersey is home to many race tracks, including New Jersey Motorsports Park that hosts adrenaline-pumping races at frequent intervals. Bridgeport Speedway, New Egypt Speedway, and Wall Stadium Speedway are other famous race tracks in the state

Tip: While moving the home, safety of your belongings is the priority and you need a trustworthy mover at your side. Know the top-rated moving companies in New Jersey.

How safe is New Jersey?

Unlike several other urbanized states in the country, violent and property crime rates in New Jersey are generally lower than the United States average. Since you’re considering moving to New Jersey, here’s a breakdown of crime rates in the state:

  • The violent crime rate in New Jersey is 15.3. The national average is 22.7
  • The property crime rate in New Jersey is 25.0. The national average is 35.4
  • 59% of NJ residents reported having confidence in law enforcement. U.S. average is 56%
  • The least common violent crime in New Jersey is murder (1%).
  • Rape accounts for 8% of violent crimes in NJ. U.S. average is 8%
  • Around 55% of NJ residents reported that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected their personal safety US average is 44%
  • 11 mass shootings were reported in NJ in 2019 and 12 in 2020

What are the best schools and universities in New Jersey?

New Jersey is home to several top-quality schools including colleges, universities, elementary, middle, and high schools.

Since you’re considering moving to New Jersey, we’ve made a list of the best schools in the state to give you an idea of what to expect:

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