New Jersey

Coastal Beaches

Cost of Living: High

Train Access: Yes (nj transit rail operations, path (port authority trans-hudson), relatively safe)

Bus Service: Yes (NJ Transit, Academy Bus, DeCamp Bus Lines, relatively safe)

New Jersey, often referred to as the "Garden State," brings all kinds of personality to the Tri-State area. With easy access to New York City, the Jersey Shore and all kinds of beautiful greenspace, it truly has so much to offer the people that call it home.

There are amazing restaurants all over the state, and New Jersey's residents come from a wide variety of cultures and ethnicities that put a huge emphasis on the importance of food.

Anyone considering a move to New Jersey who has only flown into Newark airport is in for quite a surprise. Despite being one of the smallest states in terms of land area, New Jersey is notable for its wide variety of landscapes and communities. The state boasts a significant stretch of coastal areas, rolling hills and small mountains, plenty of farmland and a wide plethora of small urban centers to consider when looking for a place to live or having a great day out with friends or family.

Inland, the state features the Pine Barrens, a large area of coastal plain with unique ecology and forestry. The northern part of the state becomes more mountainous with the Highlands and the Appalachian Ridge and Valley region - including the Appalachian trail - which offers scenic vistas and outdoor recreational activities.

New Jersey is also an industrial powerhouse and a major transportation corridor, with a vast network of highways, railroads, and ports that facilitate commerce throughout the region. The state has major pharmaceutical, life sciences, financial services, advanced manufacturing, information technology, and transportation and logistic sectors, which means its jobs base is excellent and powers the nation's 10th largest economy.

Some of New Jersey's cities, such as Jersey City and Hoboken, are bustling with their own distinct character, while its suburbs are known for their affluence and high quality of life. The state is home to numerous institutions of higher education, including Princeton University, and has a rich history that dates back to the colonial era.

B

Nomad Lifestyle

A-

Private Schools

A

Family Friendly

B+

Single Friendly

B+

Senior Friendly

A-

LGBTQ+ Friendly

B

Weather

C+

Cost of Living

A-

Recreation

B

Nightlife

B+

Restaurants

B-

Crime

Cost of Living

The cost of living in New Jersey is considered high, particularly due to housing costs, property taxes, and the overall expense of goods and services in the state. Its proximity to major urban centers contributes to the higher cost of living, especially in the northern part of the state and along the coast.

Weather

New Jersey experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are typically warm and humid, while winters can be cold with moderate snowfall. Spring and fall are generally mild with variable weather, often transitioning quickly from cool to warm temperatures. The state can also be affected by nor'easters, which can bring heavy rain, snow, and strong winds.

Educational System New Jersey

The educational system in New Jersey is known for its high standards and quality education. It consists of public and private schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as a range of higher education institutions. The public school system is funded by the state and is free for residents to attend. Children typically start kindergarten at the age of five and progress through elementary school, which runs from grades 1 to 5. Middle school, also known as junior high, includes grades 6 to 8, and high school comprises grades 9 to 12. Students graduate from high school around the age of 18, with a diploma that enables them to pursue higher education or enter the workforce. New Jersey also offers charter schools and magnet schools, which specialize in certain areas like science, technology, or the arts. The state has a strong emphasis on standardized testing and measures school performance to ensure students receive a quality education. For families moving to New Jersey from another country, it's important to note that the state has a diverse educational landscape, with schools that cater to various needs and provide support for English language learners.

Talk with other digital nomads and expats in New Jersey on our New Jersey forum - meet people, get advice and help others.

Visit the New Jersey Community

Best Places to Live in New Jersey

Discover the top-ranked towns in New Jersey. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.

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Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.

Universities in New Jersey

University Costs: high

The university system in New Jersey offers a wide range of options for higher education, including public research universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Notable institutions include Rutgers University, Princeton University, and the New Jersey Institute of Technology. Undergraduate programs typically take four years to complete, leading to a bachelor's degree. Graduate programs for a master's degree usually require an additional one to two years, while doctoral programs can take several years, depending on the field of study. International students are welcomed in New Jersey, and universities provide resources such as international student offices to assist with the transition to studying in the United States. Costs for attending university in New Jersey vary widely depending on the institution and whether it is public or private. Public universities generally offer lower tuition rates for in-state residents, but international students can expect to pay out-of-state or international tuition rates, which are higher. Financial aid, scholarships, and work-study programs are available to help manage the costs. The academic year typically starts in late August or early September and ends in May, with breaks during the winter and summer.

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