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!
A quick look at the population and other demographics 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.
Weather is always one of the most important things to consider before moving to 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:
Thousands of people move to New Jersey every year for various reasons. While it’s impossible to list every reason, here are some of the key reasons people are moving to New Jersey:
New Jersey’s schooling system has been ranked as number 2 in the US for the past many years and the state boasts of top-notch colleges and schools
New Jersey is the 4th most diverse state with just 67% of the population being White. 21% of the state population are Hispanics, 14% are Blacks, and 10% are Asians. And that makes the state a melting point of multiple cultures and languages.
In New Jersey, picking a good bar or diner will be a challenge as the state is packed with amazing bars and restaurants serving delicious grubs and drinks. To help you out, we’ve got a list of some of the best dining options in the state.
New Jersey has an abundance of natural beauty. Incredible landscapes can be found throughout the state including mountains, lakes, woodlands, waterfalls and so much more!
Here’s a list of serene natural attractions in New Jersey.
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There’s no shortage of towns in New Jersey to raise a family. Diverse neighborhoods, low crime rates, good schools, and top-notch infrastructure contribute to making the towns a safe bet to live in New Jersey.
New Jersey is the most urbanized state in the US, where almost every part is urban. The population is dominated by “suburbs” of two of the country’s largest cities, New York and Philadelphia. 16 of the state’s 21 counties, which comprises 89% of the population fall within either the New York or Philadelphia metropolitan areas.
New Jersey is home to the most beautiful beaches in the North East. The 130-mile pristine coastline of New Jersey has about 44 beaches spanning the coast from Cape May (south) to Sandy Hook (north).
Here’s a list of some of the best beaches in Garden State.
The biggest plus of New Jersey is the closeness to NYC and Philadelphia, two economic centers of the country. While NYC is about 89 miles away, Philadelphia is just 61 miles away, which makes it easy to commute for both professional and personal needs.
New Jersey is called the Garden State for a reason. The state is home to over 9,000 farms, producing bell peppers, peaches, tomatoes, and corn, to name a few. From North to South, East to West, the state holds farmers' markets that sell the best and fresh produce supporting farmers and vendors.
We’ve compiled a list of the best farmers' markets in New Jersey to explore.
New Jersey‘s attractions are not just limited to nature and history, instead, it is also a shopper’s heaven. New Jersey has more malls per square than any other US state and the urbanized population contributes to it.
Here’s a list of the best shopping venues in Garden State.
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 | Cons of living in New Jersey |
---|---|
New Jersey is one of the wealthiest states in the nation | New Jersey isn’t the Big Apple some people assume it is |
The public school system in New Jersey is ranked among the best in the U.S. | New Jersey has the highest property taxes in America |
NJ energy costs are lower compared to surrounding states | New Jersey has one of the highest tax burdens in the country |
NJ residents are rated among the most financially literate in the nation | Extreme weather is a problem, either too hot or too cold |
NJ is rated among the best states for working mom | Traffic can be terrible in NJ and some of its roads are the worst in the U.S |
NJ has a reliable public transport system | New Jersey has its fair share of crazy laws |
New Jersey conveniently connects to Philly and New York City | You’ll have to put up with a high cost of living in New Jersey |
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 |
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 |
Moving To Clifton Guide | Moving To Jersey City Guide |
Moving To Paterson Guide | Moving To Elizabeth Guide |
Moving To Newark Guide |
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 |
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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START MY QUOTENew 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%.
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 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% |
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:
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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 |
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:
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START MY QUOTEMoving 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 |
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:
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 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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:
Walter M. Schirra Elementary School
Old Bridge Township School District, Public, K-5 | 293 students, Rating: 10/10
Clark Mills Elementary School
Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District, Public, 1-5 | 528 students, Rating: 10/10
Frank Defino Central Elementary School
Marlboro Township Board Of Education School District, Public, 1-5 | 496 students, Rating: 10/10
Mendham Twp Middle School
Mendham Township Board Of Education School District, Public, 5-8 | 334 students, Rating: 10/10
Edgar Middle School
Metuchen Public School District, Public, 5-8 | 724 students, Rating: 10/10
Thomas Jefferson Mid School
Lodi Public School District, Public, 6-8 | 724 students, Rating: 10/10
Mendham Twp Middle School
Mendham Township Board Of Education School District, Public, 5-8 | 334 students, Rating: 10/10
Edgar Middle School
Metuchen Public School District, Public, 5-8 | 724 students, Rating: 10/10
Mdsx Co Voc Health Biomed
Middlesex County Vocational And Technical School District, Public, 8-12 | 269 students, Rating: 10/10
Number 28 Elementary School
Paterson Public School District, Public, PK-8 | 506 students, Rating: 10/10
Bergen Academies
Bergen County Vocational-Technical School District, Public, 9-12 | 1098 students, Rating: 10/10
Technical School Teterboro
Bergen County Vocational-Technical School District, Public, 9-12 | 665 students, Rating: 10/10
Mdsx Co Voc Health Biomed
Middlesex County Vocational And Technical School District, Public, 8-12 | 269 students, Rating: 10/10
Morris Co School Of Tech
Morris County Vocational School District, Public, 9-12 | 742 students, Rating: 10/10
N Valley Reg H Demarest
Northern Valley Regional High School District, Public, 9-12 | 1018 students, Rating: 10/10
Princeton University - Princeton
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey - New Brunswick
New Jersey Institute of Technology - Newark
Seton Hall University - South Orange
Montclair State University - Montclair
Monmouth University - West Long Branch
Rowan University - Glassboro
Fairleigh Dickinson University - Teaneck
Stevens Institute of Technology - Hoboken
The College of New Jersey - Ewing
Before you pack your bags for New Jersey, you need to know that the state is 47th in size but stands 11th in population. The cost of living is higher here and everything including amenities, housing, and healthcare would charge you more than in your present location. However, the state has ample jobs to offer and is also economically rich with many MNCs having corporate offices. If you are living in this state, you are closer to major US cities like NYC and Philadelphia.
As you pack your bags for New Jersey, you need to be ready to embrace the harsh winter and humid summer. Be ready to spend high on accommodation, food, and utilities but you can enjoy a wide range of food on the menu. The diners are open 24/7 and there is also no limit for entertainment both day and night.
The racial breakup is so diverse in New Jersey that a resident from any background will feel at home here. In addition, the economy is booming, public transport is robust, and healthcare is absolutely perfect here. However, living here, you would need to pay high property tax and income tax. Even the winters are harsher in New Jersey. The traffic is so severe during peak hours that you may spend long hours driving, ultimately testing your patience.
The average salary in New Jersey is $42,231 a year. This means you may need approximately $20.30 an hour to have a comfortable life. And a family of 4 including 2 children should earn $51,443 annually after all the deductions to live comfortably.
As per the latest crime stats, New Jersey is much safer than most US states and Sparta Township is the safest city to live in New Jersey. Sparta is safer than 84% of US cities and your chance of being a violent crime victim is just 1 in 6,659.
Jersey City is the best part of the state to raise a family as it is an economic center with stunning panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and is a short 40-minute commute into New York City. It is the second-largest city in the state and the population is a mix of families and young professionals. The city also boasts a waterfront walkway, green spaces, and long streets, making it a great place to live for those who do not want to own a car.
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