If you're looking for a place to call home on the East Coast, this blog can help you weigh the pros and cons of living in New Jersey. Whether you find the Garden State’s attractions appealing or are curious about its challenges, we've got you covered. Let's discover if New Jersey is the perfect match for you.

Summary:

• Pros and Cons of Living in New Jersey
• New Construction Homes in New Jersey
• Final Thoughts on the Pros & Cons of Living in New Jersey
  
  

Pros and Cons of Living in New Jersey

In 2023, WalletHub^® ranked New Jersey as the 5th happiest state in the U.S. We agree it's a great place, though if you’re considering living in New Jersey, pros and cons do come with the territory. Let's take a holistic view of the Garden State and dive into the benefits and drawbacks of making New Jersey your home.

Pros of Living in New Jersey

Let's start with the most obvious perk: proximity to the city that never sleeps. Jersey City and Hoboken are just across the Hudson River from New York City and have stunning panoramic views of the Big Apple’s iconic skyline. And if you're a beachgoer, New Jersey boasts many beautiful coastal communities like Cape May, Wildwood, Asbury Park, plus the legendary Jersey Shore.

The Garden State also lives up to its nickname with an incredibly diverse landscape, including lush wooded parks, mountains, and beaches. Among New Jersey’s most popular attractions are Cape May Point State Park—a beloved bird-watching spot—the Watchung Mountains with hiking trails, a lake for fishing, and picnic areas, and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area featuring historic landmarks, waterfalls, and spots for camping, paddleboarding, and boating.

Additionally, New Jersey has quality educational institutions, with public and private schools and higher education options like Rutgers University and Princeton University.

New Jersey is known for its cultural diversity. From Indian and Filipino communities in Jersey City to the Korean influence in Fort Lee and the deeply ingrained Italian culture across the state, New Jersey welcomes everyone, celebrating the culture of its many residents through cuisine, festivals, and museums.

Due to its location near major metropolitan areas, New Jersey offers proximity to major employers across various industries, including finance, technology, health care, and pharmaceuticals. Big-name companies like Johnson & Johnson^®, Prudential Financial^®, Verizon^®, Audible^®, Campbell Soup^®, and many more call New Jersey home.

New Jersey has a well-developed transportation system, including highways, trains, and buses, which makes commuting to neighboring states or within the state more convenient. The state's public transportation agency operates an extensive network of commuter trains, buses, and light rail services, connecting residents to New York City and Philadelphia. Newark Liberty International Airport serves as a gateway to the area, while the Port of New York and New Jersey stands out as a maritime hub. Additionally, the state invests in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and ferries operate regularly across the Hudson River.

Cons of Living in New Jersey

The biggest downside to living in New Jersey is likely its relatively high cost of living, including housing, property taxes, and general expenses. According to the Council for Community and Economic Research, the overall cost of living in the state is 13% higher than the national average as of September 2023, with housing costs 31% and monthly utilities 8% higher. December 2023 data from Redfin^® reveals the median home price is about $484.7K.

Despite accessibility to numerous cities, traffic is a common issue here. The state is known for its traffic congestion, especially in and around urban areas. Commuting can be time-consuming, and congestion is a top complaint among residents.

In addition to the increased cost of living and higher housing prices, some residents may find the state’s tax rates add to the pinch on their pocketbooks. In September 2023, CNBC^® ranked New Jersey as the state with the highest property taxes in the country at 2.23%. That can be a burden for homeowners, particularly in certain regions.

While New Jersey does experience all four seasons, winters can be cold and summers humid. Snowfall in the winter and below-freezing temperatures can lead to transportation disruptions, among other challenges.

Some areas of New Jersey, like Bergen and Hudson counties, have experienced urban sprawl, which means rampant urban expansion into surrounding rural areas. That can result in the loss of open spaces, increased traffic congestion, infrastructure challenges, environmental impact, car dependency, social isolation, strain on public services, and aesthetic concerns.

New Construction Homes in New Jersey

If you’ve weighed the pros and cons of moving to New Jersey and plan to make the state your home, consider settling down in one of our new construction homes:

• New construction homes in Monmouth County
• New construction homes in Princeton
• New construction homes in Newark
  
  

Final Thoughts on the Pros & Cons of Living in New Jersey

Imagine living within a convenient commute to and from the Big Apple, with skyline views that take your breath away, immersing yourself in the beauty of Cape May, and strolling the coastal streets of the iconic Jersey Shore. You get all that and much more when you make New Jersey your home.

Naturally, you want to keep the drawbacks in mind. The cost of living, especially in housing, can be high, and you’ll likely encounter a fair share of traffic congestion. And while winters can be cold, if you don’t mind occasionally shoveling the sidewalk, the snowy season can also turn your neighborhood into a lovely wonderland, offering opportunities for lots of fun outdoor activities.

Like any state, there are pros and cons of moving to New Jersey, but with some preparation and planning, you might just find the benefits of life in the Garden State make any challenges more than manageable.

Explore new construction homes in New Jersey today or browse more Pulte^® blogs.

Written By: Jordan Thomson, Freelance Writer

Last Updated: 8/7/24