Growing up in New Jersey, there are some things you catch onto pretty quickly. We’re lucky to learn some valuable life lessons at a young age. Life in our state isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it, and this list will hopefully give you some laughs. If you’ve spent your life growing up in New Jersey, chances are you can relate to a few – if not all – of these life lessons.
- The early bird gets the best parking spot.
Flickr/Alden Jewell At the beach or at the mall, this old adage rings true.
- Pizza just isn’t the same anywhere else.
Flickr/Matt Harris You learned this on vacation when you were sorely disappointed.
And if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in New Jersey, we’ve got quite the bucket list.
- When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Flickr/istolethetv When in South Jersey, say Pork Roll. When in North Jersey, say Taylor Ham. This is for your own safety/sanity.
- Rush hour is no joke…
Flickr/Ted Kerwin No one in New Jersey thinks… It’s fine if I leave at 5 pm, it’s only a few miles away. Pictured is the Garden State Parkway.
- But when life hands you lemons, make lemonade.
Flickr/Doug Kerr Traffic can get interesting in our state. When accidents cause a standstill, people have been seen playing football and lounging on lawn chairs. Only in New Jersey… We’re flexible, resilient, and know how to make the most out of what we’ve got.
- Diners are magical.
Flickr/Tony Fischer Breakfast all day? Open all night? Is this real life?
- Central Jersey is like Narnia. It only exists if you live there.
Flickr/Jim Lukach And to a special few outsiders that can see the light. The above photo was taken near Princeton… What part of the state is that in to you?
- Be wary of Gunnison Beach.
Flickr/3.26 You may get an eyeful of more than just incredible NYC views. The state’s only legal nude beach, you may have stumbled upon it while visiting Sandy Hook.
- Not everyone is as fortunate as we are…
Flickr/Minale Tattersfield To have gas station attendants. And all the other amazing things that come along with life in New Jersey.
- The stars shine brightest on the darkest nights.
David Casius Us New Jerseyans are a tough and resilient bunch. Never underestimate us! Though mainly, I included this item on the list (taken in Barnegat) to prove we have stars… Unless you live in a NYC/Philly suburb. In that case, you learn another life lesson.
- The imagination is a terrible thing to waste.
Flickr/Schizoform You may miss out on the stars a bit with all the city lights, but that plane could definitely be a meteor.
- Not everyone will appreciate how awesome you are.
Flickr/MarylandGovPics Sure, New Jersey is the butt of a couple jokes, but we know we’re great. Fuggedaboutit.
- Everything isn’t always as it seems.
Wikipedia/Airplaneit A left turn is rarely just a left turn, with all of our traffic circles and jug handles. The intersection of routes 70 and 73 is pictured.
- The best things in life are free, the second best things are expensive.
Gary Aidekman Family, friends, and funny moments are free. Living in New Jersey is expensive, but worth it.
While this isn’t meant to be taken seriously, much of it is true in its own way. Did you get a kick out of this list? Which can you most relate to? What else would you add about growing up in New Jersey?
Flickr/Alden Jewell
At the beach or at the mall, this old adage rings true.
Flickr/Matt Harris
You learned this on vacation when you were sorely disappointed.
And if you’re looking for some of the best pizza in New Jersey, we’ve got quite the bucket list.
Flickr/istolethetv
When in South Jersey, say Pork Roll. When in North Jersey, say Taylor Ham. This is for your own safety/sanity.
Flickr/Ted Kerwin
No one in New Jersey thinks… It’s fine if I leave at 5 pm, it’s only a few miles away. Pictured is the Garden State Parkway.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Traffic can get interesting in our state. When accidents cause a standstill, people have been seen playing football and lounging on lawn chairs. Only in New Jersey… We’re flexible, resilient, and know how to make the most out of what we’ve got.
Flickr/Tony Fischer
Breakfast all day? Open all night? Is this real life?
Flickr/Jim Lukach
And to a special few outsiders that can see the light. The above photo was taken near Princeton… What part of the state is that in to you?
Flickr/3.26
You may get an eyeful of more than just incredible NYC views. The state’s only legal nude beach, you may have stumbled upon it while visiting Sandy Hook.
Flickr/Minale Tattersfield
To have gas station attendants. And all the other amazing things that come along with life in New Jersey.
David Casius
Us New Jerseyans are a tough and resilient bunch. Never underestimate us! Though mainly, I included this item on the list (taken in Barnegat) to prove we have stars… Unless you live in a NYC/Philly suburb. In that case, you learn another life lesson.
Flickr/Schizoform
You may miss out on the stars a bit with all the city lights, but that plane could definitely be a meteor.
Flickr/MarylandGovPics
Sure, New Jersey is the butt of a couple jokes, but we know we’re great. Fuggedaboutit.
Wikipedia/Airplaneit
A left turn is rarely just a left turn, with all of our traffic circles and jug handles. The intersection of routes 70 and 73 is pictured.
Gary Aidekman
Family, friends, and funny moments are free. Living in New Jersey is expensive, but worth it.
And for further reading, check out these rules all New Jersians live by.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: New Jersey, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
growing up in New Jersey April 03, 2021 Jackie Ann What is New Jersey known for? New Jersey’s state legislature passed a bill to add “The Garden State” to our license plates and we’ve been known as such ever since. The Garden State is one of the top producers of cranberries, blueberries, bell peppers, peaches, cucumbers, and tomatoes in the nation. Evidence of this massive vegetable production can be found in the many roadside farm stands found between our borders. These charming, family-run stands dot the Garden State’s landscape selling seasonal goods from all regions of the state. Over 140 community farmers markets are located in New Jersey and natural food lovers find no shortage of organic produce to stock their kitchens. What are the best things about living in New Jersey? New Jersey’s terrain boasts an impressive range of landscapes for its size, from stunning seashores to majestic mountains and valleys where nature lovers find an exciting abundance of outdoor activities and recreational areas to explore. With hundreds of miles of beautiful nature trails meandering across our state, hiking, biking, and camping excursions are never hard to find. In addition to our remarkable natural beauty, New Jersey is home to some of the most charming small towns in the nation. Nearly 400 municipalities in our state have populations under 15,000 and of those 190 have less than 5,000 residents. What stereotypes are there about New Jersey? Residents of New Jersey have been stereotyped as being pizza-obsessed, and it’s a fair accusation. With 17 percent of our residents (roughly 1.5 million people) hailing from the old country, the influence of New Jersey’s Italian heritage is reflected in many of our most beloved cuisines. Our obsession with this divine dish dates back to 1912 when pizza made its first appearance in Trenton. Originally known as the “tomato pie” pizza has evolved over the years with distinct ties to Garden State kitchens. These days, over 2,000 pizzerias can be found serving up hot, melty slices in every corner of our state.
The OIYS Visitor Center
growing up in New Jersey
April 03, 2021
Jackie Ann
What is New Jersey known for? New Jersey’s state legislature passed a bill to add “The Garden State” to our license plates and we’ve been known as such ever since. The Garden State is one of the top producers of cranberries, blueberries, bell peppers, peaches, cucumbers, and tomatoes in the nation. Evidence of this massive vegetable production can be found in the many roadside farm stands found between our borders. These charming, family-run stands dot the Garden State’s landscape selling seasonal goods from all regions of the state. Over 140 community farmers markets are located in New Jersey and natural food lovers find no shortage of organic produce to stock their kitchens. What are the best things about living in New Jersey? New Jersey’s terrain boasts an impressive range of landscapes for its size, from stunning seashores to majestic mountains and valleys where nature lovers find an exciting abundance of outdoor activities and recreational areas to explore. With hundreds of miles of beautiful nature trails meandering across our state, hiking, biking, and camping excursions are never hard to find. In addition to our remarkable natural beauty, New Jersey is home to some of the most charming small towns in the nation. Nearly 400 municipalities in our state have populations under 15,000 and of those 190 have less than 5,000 residents. What stereotypes are there about New Jersey? Residents of New Jersey have been stereotyped as being pizza-obsessed, and it’s a fair accusation. With 17 percent of our residents (roughly 1.5 million people) hailing from the old country, the influence of New Jersey’s Italian heritage is reflected in many of our most beloved cuisines. Our obsession with this divine dish dates back to 1912 when pizza made its first appearance in Trenton. Originally known as the “tomato pie” pizza has evolved over the years with distinct ties to Garden State kitchens. These days, over 2,000 pizzerias can be found serving up hot, melty slices in every corner of our state.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
New Jersey’s state legislature passed a bill to add “The Garden State” to our license plates and we’ve been known as such ever since. The Garden State is one of the top producers of cranberries, blueberries, bell peppers, peaches, cucumbers, and tomatoes in the nation. Evidence of this massive vegetable production can be found in the many roadside farm stands found between our borders. These charming, family-run stands dot the Garden State’s landscape selling seasonal goods from all regions of the state. Over 140 community farmers markets are located in New Jersey and natural food lovers find no shortage of organic produce to stock their kitchens.
What are the best things about living in New Jersey?
New Jersey’s terrain boasts an impressive range of landscapes for its size, from stunning seashores to majestic mountains and valleys where nature lovers find an exciting abundance of outdoor activities and recreational areas to explore. With hundreds of miles of beautiful nature trails meandering across our state, hiking, biking, and camping excursions are never hard to find. In addition to our remarkable natural beauty, New Jersey is home to some of the most charming small towns in the nation. Nearly 400 municipalities in our state have populations under 15,000 and of those 190 have less than 5,000 residents.
What stereotypes are there about New Jersey?
Residents of New Jersey have been stereotyped as being pizza-obsessed, and it’s a fair accusation. With 17 percent of our residents (roughly 1.5 million people) hailing from the old country, the influence of New Jersey’s Italian heritage is reflected in many of our most beloved cuisines. Our obsession with this divine dish dates back to 1912 when pizza made its first appearance in Trenton. Originally known as the “tomato pie” pizza has evolved over the years with distinct ties to Garden State kitchens. These days, over 2,000 pizzerias can be found serving up hot, melty slices in every corner of our state.
