There is a guy on Discord who has an irrational hatred for New Jersey and I want to annoy him. Unfortunately, I've never been there, so I can't speak from experience. But I've gotten the impression that people from New Jersey actually like it there.
So what are some nice things about New Jersey?
They have (and had) some nice older traffic lights and railroad crossing equipment. Along with a ton of old button copy. I honestly enjoyed my trip up there back in 2017, and want to get back up there at some point.
My mom grew up there and she turned out alright.
Great views of Manhattan.
You're no more than 3 hours from any major city in the region.
The shore.
The Pinelands.
Variety. Doesn't matter what you like, you're going to find it nearby.
You want choices? You're not stuck with one overpriced supermarket in a town without anything else nearby.
Don't like pumping gas? You never have to.
But the reality is, if someone doesn't like NJ, there's nothing that'll sway them.
It's a lot like my home state of Indiana. It's probably not where you're headed, but you'll have to pass through to get there.
Blue state.
Here are The Ten Coolest Things About New Jersey:
It's very diverse in almost every sense of the term. Culturally, racially, socio-economically, financially, maybe not so much geographically, though even there it's probably at least average.
NYC and Philly -- you're between them and they're closer than you think.
Well. The NJTP and GSP are nice, and I love the concept of their service areas being named for famous New Jerseyans. The Jersey Shore is also a fun area (though I've never been on any of it north of Wildwood, FWIW).
Good hot dogs.
It isn't Illinois.
Great location and lots to see and do.
New Jersey has some nice areas once you get off the Turnpike and Parkway. Many of us have our impressions colored by the "miles and miles of universal fart" in the area around the Goethals Bridge, but there are in fact nice areas. My cousin used to live east of Red Bank (she now lives in Tinton Falls) and that area was very nice.
I like how fast the Acela generally goes on the "Jersey Speedway" between Trenton and Newark.
Quote from: 1995hoo on Today at 08:42:39 PMNew Jersey has some nice areas once you get off the Turnpike and Parkway. Many of us have our impressions colored by the "miles and miles of universal fart" in the area around the Goethals Bridge, but there are in fact nice areas. My cousin used to live east of Red Bank (she now lives in Tinton Falls) and that area was very nice.
I like how fast the Acela generally goes on the "Jersey Speedway" between Trenton and Newark.
I have two cousins from Toms River. That place and Wildwood were pretty nice before a 1990s era MTV show ruined both for a generation.
#1 in education: https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/education
#1 in public health: https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/health-care
Quote from: Max Rockatansky on Today at 08:45:03 PMI have two cousins from Toms River. That place and Wildwood were pretty nice before a 1990s era MTV show ruined both for a generation.
I never saw that show, although of course I've heard of it. Sort of like how I've never read a certain book, but I know why girls my age snickered if they heard the name "Ralph."
Quote from: 1995hoo on Today at 09:26:41 PMQuote from: Max Rockatansky on Today at 08:45:03 PMI have two cousins from Toms River. That place and Wildwood were pretty nice before a 1990s era MTV show ruined both for a generation.
I never saw that show, although of course I've heard of it. Sort of like how I've never read a certain book, but I know why girls my age snickered if they heard the name "Ralph."
I don't believe I've seen it myself other than it passing. The reputation is pervasive and unsavory due to it being the gateway for an era of trash reality TV.
I know a good spokesperson for my home state:
Quote from: Mr. Matté on Today at 09:38:36 PMI know a good spokesperson for my home state:
If that's the good spokesperson, who would be the bad one?
(Also, where did that governor get his accent from? Because it's probably not New Jersey...)
As reported by Jan: In Jersey, everything's legal as long as you don't get caught.
Quote from: Scott5114 on Today at 04:58:12 PMThere is a guy on Discord who has an irrational hatred for New Jersey and I want to annoy him. Unfortunately, I've never been there, so I can't speak from experience. But I've gotten the impression that people from New Jersey actually like it there.
So what are some nice things about New Jersey?
Quote from: webny99 on Today at 06:11:57 PMit's probably at least average.
Well, Scott, there's the line you need to use.
Some of the greatest singers/musicians in history are from there: Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen and the rock group Bon Jovi come to mind.
Quote from: RobbieL2415 on Today at 06:21:46 PMNYC and Philly -- you're between them and they're closer than you think.
There are no truly rural areas between NYC and Philly. No better than a drive along US 1 between Trenton and Edison to bring the term "East Coast megalopolis" to life.
Quote from: 1995hoo on Today at 08:42:39 PMNew Jersey has some nice areas once you get off the Turnpike and Parkway. Many of us have our impressions colored by the "miles and miles of universal fart" in the area around the Goethals Bridge, but there are in fact nice areas.
Not just coastal areas either. Somerset, Morris, and northern Passaic and Bergen counties aren't as well-known nationally as say, Westchester, but they've got some suburbs that are right up there with the best in the nation.
Quote from: kphoger on Today at 09:50:57 PMQuote from: Scott5114 on Today at 04:58:12 PM...
So what are some nice things about New Jersey?
Quote from: webny99 on Today at 06:11:57 PMit's probably at least average.
Well, Scott, there's the line you need to use.
Just don't bring up traffic congestion or cost of living. Otherwise, I think 'at least average' puts you on sure footing.