5 Reasons Why I Love Living in New Jersey

Forget The Sopranos and Jersey Shore – despite the hype the New Jersey offers much more than mob fiction or reality TV, NJ has amazing opportunities for anyone looking to live and work in a state with the nation’s highest graduation rate. Here are a few reasons why I love living in New Jersey:

• Affordable Real Estate:  What is the use of having good neighborhoods if you can’t afford the real estate?  Well, good news, New Jersey has some of the most affordable real estate in the nation.  According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), “housing prices are generally lower… and the affordability index in (New Jersey state) has increased.” 

• Housing Appreciation:  Not only is real estate affordable in the state, but a good investment.  According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) New Jersey homes “…appreciate better than the nation as a whole.”  NAR also said that “…the seven year appreciation rate (2002-2019) for New Jersey homeowners is 37.1 percent, more than five times the national rate of 7.1 percent.” 

• Beautiful Beaches –Thanks to its picturesque and historic coastline, Real Story says, “New Jersey’s famous stretch of 127 miles of coastline serves as a getaway for state residents and visitors alike. From the tranquil, powdery beaches of Long Beach Island to the excitement of Atlantic City to the bustling boardwalks of Wildwood and Asbury Park, there is something for everybody …” 

• Tourism – Given that New Jersey has some of the most amazing beaches in the Northeast, tourism is another reason to consider living in New Jersey especially if it is an area you would like to work in or have a business that can benefit from tourism.  

• Public Transportation Options – for those who have to commute to jobs or school, but don’t want to have to rely on a car all the time, New Jersey has the nation’s third largest provider of bus, rail and light rail transit, linking major points in New Jersey, New York and Philadelphia, according to the New Jersey Transit Authority. The transit system covers 5,325 square miles and operates a fleet of over 2,000 buses, 711 trains and 45 light rail trains.