You’ve probably heard the snide comments about how New Jersey is overcrowded and expensive, but do you know the truth? In this article, you’ll discover the truth about New Jersey. While this state may not have all of the traits that make it a «shithole,» it is still a lot of fun. Read on to learn why living in New Jersey is not for everyone.
New Jersey is a shithole.
If you’re a newcomer to the state, you probably wonder why everyone says New Jersey is a shithole. The answer, sadly, is that the state is just like the rest of the country: rundown, dirty, and rife with corruption. While many problems plague New Jersey, one of the most significant issues is that politicians are using their power to further their agendas. For instance, New Jersey’s governor Chris Christie said he wants to create a state-owned bank to protect the state from offshore financial activity. However, it seems that politicians have not understood that giving themselves complete access to the state’s financial resources would be unfair.
For example, Newark is the worst town in the state, rivaling Baltimore, DC, Gary, Detroit, and Gary for crime rate. The cops prefer Camden over Newark because of the better food and proximity to the turnpike. Is this the best thing about Newark? Perhaps. But if you have to live in a shithole, I wouldn’t recommend it.
It is a small state.
A joke about New Jersey is a perennial favorite. Television shows and comedians love to poke fun at the state’s high crime rate, lack of public transportation, and lack of affordability. Every state indeed has its pros and cons. While New Jersey is often considered one of the worst states to live in, it does have a few points that make it worth living in.
Trenton, the state’s capital, is huge, bustling, and steeped in history. While Trenton may seem like a fun place to live, it’s also notorious for its crime rate. Crime rates in Trenton are 29% higher than the national average. The median income is $34,412, unemployment is a modest 10%, and the median home value is about $100,000.
The cost of living in New Jersey is high, and taxes can take up a sizable portion of your budget. The weather is mediocre, and there are plenty of traffic jams. The state’s budget is a joke, but its public infrastructure needs help. It needs fiscal savvy and leadership to improve its business climate. It should not be the place to raise taxes.
The beauty of New Jersey is the diversity of its people and culture. There are many beaches, parks, and restaurants to explore. In addition to the variety of cultures, the state is home to many great institutions of higher learning. Many colleges are located in nearby New York City. In addition to great schools and a low crime rate, residents in New Jersey are lucky to benefit from good health care and affordable housing. There are more than 100 hospitals in the state.
It is overcrowded
Despite the public’s support for prison construction projects, New Jersey is overcrowded to chaos in some areas. One small town, Guttenberg in Hudson County, has 11,700 people and is only four square miles long. That means that each resident would receive 466 square feet or a room that measures 23 feet by 20 feet. The problem is not limited to New Jersey. Other states are overcrowded as well.
Some counties in the state are densely populated, including Bergen, Hudson, and Union. Some cities, such as Hoboken, New Brunswick, and Elizabeth, also have a large population. These cities are extensions of the sprawl of the Newark-New York metro area. Other areas are relatively open and spacious, with a wide variety of parks and recreational facilities. In addition to the shoreline, New Jersey boasts small lakes and mountains in the northeast.
It is expensive
Living in New Jersey is not cheap, especially in the cities. Housing costs in the state are 40% higher than the national average. The cost of utilities is 3% higher than the national average, and necessities such as food and clothing are 7% more expensive. Even healthcare services and non-necessary expenses are significantly higher in New Jersey. Despite these relatively high costs, New Jersey is still more affordable than many other states.
While the state’s average home value is $227,900, that figure is still nearly $1,200 above the national average. In Newark, a single-bedroom apartment costs $1,108, while a four-bedroom unit costs $2,217. Utilities also cost a lot in New Jersey, with a single-bedroom apartment in Newark costing $1,108 and a four-bedroom unit costing $2,217.
If you’re interested in living in New Jersey but don’t want to pay a large amount of money for a single-family home, consider a suburban town like Hightstown. Living here will provide you with many opportunities for activities, including a seven-acre corn maze, tubing in the Delaware River, a bowling alley, and a train museum. Across the border in Easton, you can visit the Crayola factory. While homes in Newark are pricier than older ones, they are environmentally friendly and don’t require maintenance.
In terms of housing costs, the state ranks 29th overall and 18th in price. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Newark is $1,159, while a four-bedroom house in Hoboken costs $2,125. And utility bills are another significant expense — a one-bedroom apartment in Newark is $1,098 a month, while a four-bedroom place costs nearly $2,125.
It has oppressive beer laws.
As one of the states with the strictest alcohol laws in the country, New Jersey is no stranger to controversy. Critics have accused the state of being overly complex, outdated, and past its prime. But some state leaders are still determined to keep its laws in force. And that has resulted in some new developments. The state’s liquor laws will no longer require breweries to offer free samples after a tour. This will make it easier for brewers to keep their tasting rooms open. Breweries can now host events such as bottle releases and bottle release parties and sell growlers and kegs.
Currently, corporations are limited to two retail distribution licenses in the state. Additionally, New Jersey permits individual towns and cities to impose their underage drinking laws. This means that even supermarket chains are severely limited in their ability to sell beer. While these restrictions may seem unfair and excessive, they must maintain the state’s reputation for high-quality beer. And while most states have draconian alcohol laws, New Jersey’s are not.
The state’s alcohol laws have also made penetrating the brewing industry more difficult. This has led to a rise in home brewers, which are more likely to be local. In New Jersey, there are more than half a dozen breweries. The largest of these is Trenton, which operates several dozen establishments throughout the state. However, Camden’s Jersey Trio had a small number of licenses and could pump beer from the brewery to a warehouse by using firehouses in the city sewer line.
In 1923, Prohibition was over, and after the passage of FDR, the brewing industry experienced a boom period. However, as corporate consolidation took hold, the number of breweries in the state began to diminish. As a result, New Jersey lags behind the rest of the country in developing brew pubs and microbreweries. New Jersey’s restrictive beer laws were one of the main reasons why breweries ceased to expand in the state.
Have you ever wondered what makes each borough of New York City unique and why people of different ages live in other neighborhoods? You’ll find out all this and more in this article. Whether you’re moving to the city or planning a vacation, here are some things you should know about each borough:
Brooklyn
Ethnic diversity is also extreme in Brooklyn. There is a thriving ethnic press in the area. El Diario La Prensa, the largest Spanish-language daily in the country, has its headquarters in downtown Brooklyn. Other major ethnic publications in Brooklyn include the Brooklyn-Queens Catholic paper The Tablet, and the Orthodox Jewish daily, The Jewish Press. There are also numerous nationally distributed ethnic newspapers and magazines. Brooklyn is home to more than 60 ethnic groups, and over 300 non-English language magazines and newspapers are published there.
The Democratic Party dominates the political scene in Brooklyn. About 69 percent of registered voters in the borough are Democrats. Democratic platform priorities include education, affordable housing, and economic development. The most contested political issue in Brooklyn is the proposed Brooklyn Nets arena. But there are pockets of Republican influence in Brooklyn, including Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights. This diversity makes Brooklyn a great place to raise a family. The Democratic Party is well-represented in the state and municipal government, but it is still not a monopoly.
Art and culture are essential components of Brooklyn’s culture. The borough’s artistic legacy is evident in its vibrant arts scene. The Brooklyn Museum opened in 1897 and has been a center for cultural life in the borough. Other notable cultural institutions include the Brooklyn Academy of Music, a 2,109-seat Howard Gilman Opera House, an eight-screen Harvey Lichtenstein Theater, and the art-house BAM Rose Cinemas.
The geographic layout of Brooklyn is also noteworthy. It is connected to Manhattan through three bridges and one vehicular tunnel (the Hugh L. Carey Tunnel). Brooklyn also shares several water crossings with Queens: Pulaski Bridge, Greenpoint Avenue Bridge, and the Grand Street Bridge. In addition, Brooklyn has its peninsula with Brighton Beach and Coney Island. The Rockaway Peninsula is surrounded by the island of Manhattan, while the southern end is mainly residential.
Brooklyn has a rich history in American literature. In Crossing Brooklyn Ferry, Walt Whitman wrote about the waterfront. The 1943 novel Betty Smith, «The Last Song of Brooklyn,» became a movie. The Brooklyn waterfront has been a subject of films and television shows since. The borough’s storied history has influenced many of these works. There are numerous other examples of literary art in Brooklyn.
Queens
What makes Queen’s unique in New York City? The largest borough in the city has a thriving job market, a diverse population, and an excellent transportation system. Queens offers many housing options, from beachfront properties to sprawling apartment buildings. This diverse population means that there is something for everyone. Queens has many different housing options, from low-cost apartments to luxury properties.
In the early 20th century, Queens saw a significant influx of immigrants. Chinese and Korean immigrants were among those who moved to Queens, creating ethnic enclaves that proliferated. Flushing became home to thousands of Chinese immigrants, and by the 1970s, the area had a population of 20,000 Koreans and Taiwanese. Flushing now has 80,000 Asian residents and is the heart of Queens’ Asian community.
The eastern part of Queens lacks subway service and shares more characteristics with neighboring Nassau County. The eastern part is not as densely populated as the western half of the borough and possesses a distinct character. Compared to the rest of the city, Queens offers a refreshing change of pace and location. It is also home to many businesses and neighborhoods worth checking out.
While many urban neighborhoods have foundered due to immigration, Queens’s growth has been fueled by immigrants. Newcomers injected energy and revitalization into many of the borough’s civic institutions and neighborhoods. Their newfound wealth brought with it their own cultural and economic values. While fashionable urban theorists claim that cities should focus on attracting hip single workers and investing in rock music festivals, Queens seems to have little of these characteristics.
If you’re interested in arts, Queens has plenty to offer. There’s a vibrant nightlife for the empty nesters and harried parents. There’s everything from raucous beer gardens to quaint, intimate restaurants. The borough has a variety of diverse neighborhoods, each with its distinct architectural feel and style. What makes Queen’s unique in New York City? Its vibrant nightlife and cultural history are sure to captivate your imagination.
Staten Island
Staten Island is a borough located in New York City. The borough is the least populous of the five boroughs and is home to less than half of the city’s population. You can take a ferry ride to Staten Island to see the Manhattan skyline from a different perspective. Until 1975, the island was known as Richmond, but the Dutch-named it Staten Island after their colonization efforts. In addition to its colonial heritage, Staten Island has more historic colonial buildings than any other borough in New York City.
If you’re planning a trip to NYC, visit Staten Island. This borough is full of exciting attractions, including an aquarium and zoo. You can also enjoy a day at the Staten Island Children’s Museum, which has tons of fun and educational activities for children. Staten Island also has a thriving food scene, with restaurants and stores.
Politics in Staten Island differ from the rest of the city. While the other four boroughs are strongly Democratic, Staten Island is considered the most conservative borough and the only place where Republicans do well. According to the New York City Charter, 44.7% of registered voters were Democrats, while 30.6% voted for Republicans. In local elections, the Republican Party holds a majority of public office and is the base of the New York City GOP.
Staten Islanders had more accessible access to New Jersey in the early twentieth century. Consequently, many local towns resemble New Jersey more than their NYC counterparts. Until this time, Staten Island was a predominantly rural borough and had no actual commercial development. Despite this, the island’s history is a unique gem of the city. So, please look at the island today and find out what makes it unique.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Staten Island is a great choice. It’s home to 170 parks and is conveniently located near Manhattan, so it’s an excellent place for those looking for adventure. The little islands off Staten Island are a source of inspiration for adventure-seekers and explorers. Moses Mountain offers a scenic hike for those seeking a fresh air break. In addition, the borough is home to excellent schools and diverse food culture.
Bronx
For proper food enthusiasts, The Bronx is a haven for you. You can savor a range of cuisines in this diverse borough. You may even get a taste of hip hop or soul music! With a population of over five million, there is something for everyone in the Bronx. But what makes it unique? Below, we’ll cover a few reasons why.
The Bronx is home to the third-largest park in the city, Pelham Bay Park, and many other recreational spots. For beachgoers, Orchard Beach and City Island are just a few of the most popular summer attractions. For those who work in midtown, downtown, or midtown, the Bronx offers plenty of opportunities for work and leisure. While most people in the borough commute to the nearby Manhattan or midtown areas for their jobs, the Bronx also has plenty of options for those who work there.
Despite its marginalization, the Bronx is the most diverse and unique place in New York City. While some city neighborhoods are radically liberal and oppositional, the Bronx is the most peaceful and unaffected. While other boroughs are less politically active, Bronx residents are incredibly hopeful and awestruck. They are also a bit opposites. For example, Staten Island is very liberal while Long Island is conservative.
When moving to a new city, picking a safe and decent neighborhood is essential. With almost 50 distinct areas, The Bronx is an excellent place to start. Riverdale, Concourse, Mott Haven, Fordham, and Eastchester are among them. Each one offers a different lifestyle and is unique in its way. For instance, Riverdale boasts large, attractive mansions and affordable rental spaces.
Another reason to visit the Bronx is the fact that the Bronx has its beach! Known as the Bronx Riviera, Orchard Beach is the perfect spot for a relaxing day of sunbathing. The borough’s most famous beach is nearby; visitors will find it the ultimate place to kick back and relax. And, if you’re a beer lover, the brewery also offers daily tours.