Say nice things about New Jersey

[webny99]

NYC 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.

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.

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.

[webny99]

...
So what are some nice things about New Jersey?

it'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.

[signalman]

I like how fast the Acela generally goes on the "Jersey Speedway" between Trenton and Newark.

Even regular Amtrak trains crack 100 on that straightaway. It's fun to go roaring past NJ Transit trains, as well as cars along NJ 27 in Woodbridge where it parallels the rail lines.

[Jim]

You can ski in July.

[1995hoo]

As reported by Jan:  In Jersey, everything's legal as long as you don't get caught.

The walls came down. All the way to Hell.

[mgk920]

I liked their state quarter.

 

Mike

[wriddle082]

Their roads are generally much smoother than those of neighboring New York (though Pennsylvania and Delaware are both improving), and considering the amount of traffic they handle, they do the job as well as most other states, if not better.

And they have friendly roadgeeks! 

[jeffandnicole]

Delaware has some of the best roads in the nation!  Other than bad contractor issues, such as I-495 back in the 90's, they are constantly repaving their roadways.

[Ned Weasel]

The diners are amazing! Some are better than others, of course. But, most of them have HUGE menus, serve breakfast all day, are open for breakfast, lunch, AND DINNER (in contrast to many so-called "diners" elsewhere in the nation, which tend to be only open for breakfast and lunch), and have lots of pies and desserts! Some are even open 24 hours, but that became less common when COVID happened, and many of the 24-hour schedules haven't come back. And lots of them are in neat, old-school building. The newer ones often have more plain buildings, but don't let a bland appearance on the outside deter you from what's inside. My favorite two off the top of my head: North Jersey: Tom Sawyer Diner in Paramus; Central Jersey: Somerset Diner.

And if you're a roadgeek, then you'll probably love the roads, because many of them represent some of the most brilliant, thought-out, and outside-the-box traffic engineering in the nation. Don't just drive the Turnpike and Parkway; check out the US and State routes as well, because that's where you'll find most of the jughandles, hamburger junctions, and RIRO expressway configurations. You won't find nearly as many jughandles in any other state, although Pennsylvania does have several, and they aren't just for saving time at traffic signals; they also make U-turns easy and less problematic. And, honestly, in my opinion, New Jersey does a much better job signing things like jughandles, U-turns, and US/State route turn-offs than most other states, MOST of the time. Yes, you may find a jughandle here and there that isn't well signed. Yes, there are some routes you can't follow all the way by reading the signs. Yes, I'm aware of the infamous unsigned lane drop on I-280 that's been talked about here. But MOST of the time, the signs are there and well thought-out.

Other nice things: Public beaches and boardwalks. Lots of malls that are actually doing well and aren't dead (although the death of Lord and Taylor is very visible). And definitely some of the best pizza you'll find anywhere.