There are quite a few stereotypes about New Jersey; only some are true. For example, we really are pizza snobs, and rightly so. When your pizza is as good as ours, nothing else compares. There are a fair share of untrue New Jersey stereotypes, too, however. And we agree, it's time to put them to rest.
1. "Jersey Shore" is an accurate representation of the Jersey Shore.
The MTV show portrayed New Jersey beaches as a haven for loud drunk kids, but it is so much more than that. Sure, there are parties. But there is also peace and quiet and family fun to be had.
2. We say "Joisey."
No we don't. You say Joisey, we say Jersey.
3. We're all in "The Mob".
Perhaps one of the most ludicrous New Jersey stereotypes. Sure, there may be some historical connections between New Jersey and the Mafia (Atlantic City, for example) but we are NOT all in the mob.
4. The whole state smells like garbage.
The scent around refineries and marshes is often less than pleasant but most of the state smells great, or like nothing at all.
5. Everyone in New Jersey lives off of the Parkway.
The Garden State Parkway does run nearly the entire length of the state, but only on the eastern side. Western Jersey has residents, too, and some pretty great places to live.
6. The entire state is just one big suburb of NYC or Philly.
While it is great to be sandwiched between two amazing cities, we do have our own unique culture. These stereotypes in New Jersey can be easily debunked with a quick small town road trip.
7. New Jersey beaches are dirty.
Maybe 30 years ago when off-shore dumping was a thing but not anymore. New Jersey actually has more "Superstar Beaches" than any other state, and we're downright proud of them.
8. We're terrible drivers.
We have our fair share of accidents, but we also have our fair share of cars. The state is densely packed and roads are more congested but we don't have more accidents per capita than other states.
9. We only eat at diners.
Sure, we love our diners. That doesn't me we don't have other incredible dining options. Jersey has some amazing seafood and plenty of five star restaurants to enjoy.
10. We're just a big mess of highways.
While we do have a vast system of highways, we also have beautiful beaches, picturesque parks and fruitful farmland.
Do you worry about what people think of our state? Fuggedaboutit. We know better. New Jersey has plenty to be proud of and nothing to hide, except maybe Jimmy Hoffa. What other stereotypes have you heard about New Jersey? Which are true and which are baloney?
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