New Jersey as a whole is a pretty safe place to live, which is why so many people flock to the state. If you're interested in the actual numbers, though, Safewise has compiled a list of the 10 safest cities to live in New Jersey in 2021.
Just a note: This is all compiled from the FBI's crime data.
This town made the highest jump on the list in 2021!
The Safewise study also reveals other interesting figures about New Jersey -- like New Jerseyans are most likely to be worried about property crime, and that 58 percent of New Jersey residents feel high concern for their safety, even though the crime statistics in New Jersey are average for the rest of the country.
If you're interested in learning more, head over to Safewise, which also shows the full 50 safest towns in New Jersey.
Scary drives in New Jersey might be very familiar to the residents who seem to take it in stride. They are a different breed when it comes to driving — as any out-of-state visitor who violates the rules of the road discovers pretty quickly — usually with a barrage of honks! But some drives around the Garden State can daunt even the most fearless drivers. These include high-flying adventures that are memorable experiences for daring drivers, to packed and intimidating highways and intersections that command even experienced drivers to keep their wits about them. So read on for the six scariest drives in New Jersey, and be sure to pay extra attention to the road when braving these stretches!
This rural road takes you to the Pine Barrens, through some of the state's forest regions and rural areas, and it's a lovely quiet drive - during the day. At night, it feels like you're the only one around for miles - and you might just be. Keep an eye out for darting deer - this isolated area is known for them acting unpredictably.
We think this is the closest thing in New Jersey to a classic British roundabout. This circle was built in the 1930s. It was a chaotic spot that was infamous for car accidents. A bridge built in the 1990s allows people to bypass the circle and has alleviated traffic, but those who take the lower route are in for a tense, chaotic few minutes.
Not all terrifying drives are to be avoided! The Henry Hudson Drive is a gorgeous cliffside excursion in the Palisades and can be driven, biked, or hiked. No matter which way you take it, you'll see stunning views - and steep cliffs - so anyone with a fear of heights should approach carefully.
Speaking of heights, it doesn't get more iconic than the Pulaski Skyway - a massive metal bridge high above an industrial area. Not only is the view down intimidating, but this is a tight drive with non-existent shoulders and heavy traffic. Read all about it on the Pulaski Skyway web page.
All of New Jersey's major highways are a test of driving skill, but Route 22 may top them all. A busy and heavily developed area in Union and Springfield, it's a two-and-a-half mile stretch with exit ramps everywhere. Constant vigilance is needed to navigate the high-speed traffic. Learn about the speed limits on the U.S. Route 22 web page.
The suburban township of Woodbridge is famous for its culture - and infamous for one area in particular. It's one of the busiest transit areas in the state and sees the Parkway, the Turnpike, Route 297, Route 9, and a collection of local streets all intersecting in a confusing network of exits and turns. Locals know it by heart by now - but visitors often find themselves getting hopelessly turned around their first time in the area.
Scary drives in New Jersey are plentiful. Discover more about these and other roads on the New Jersey Transit website. Have you driven any of these famous — or infamous — stretches of road? Tell us your experiences in the comments section below, and let us know what you think are the scariest drives in New Jersey! You might just have an intersection in your hometown that puts some of these to shame.
For a very different kind of drive this summer, why not take this memorable shore drive to Grassy Sound Marina? And while you're out traveling around, reserve a room on Booking.com.
Many of us in living in New Jersey are known for our strong opinions. Whether talking about culture, food, regional differences, or state rivalries, you can bet on one thing - if you have two New Jerseyans discussing one of these topics, you'll probably find three opinions. However, these arguments in New Jersey can often unite us as much as they divide us. No matter which side you fall on these classic New Jersey stereotypes, there's no question that they all represent things that are quintessentially New Jersey, and we guard our favorite traditions fiercely. So sit down and grab a snack, but be careful what you call it!
The salty, smoky sausage is a Jersey favorite! But what to call it is one of the biggest arguments in New Jersey. If you're from the north, you probably grew up calling it Taylor ham, while those in the south usually stick with "pork roll." Both are sort of correct - Taylor ham is the most popular and biggest producer of this uniquely Jersey breakfast meat. However, it tastes delicious no matter what you call it! Read further on about the New Jersey Taylor ham and pork roll debate.
A lot has been said about the demise of the American mall, but you wouldn't know it in the Garden State. We have the most malls per capita in the USA, as well as two of the biggest - American Dream Meadowlands and Westfield Garden State Plaza. Living in New Jersey means that you can still hang out at the mall! Get more details on American Dream Mall.
This is one of the biggest arguments in New Jersey when it comes to sports. Sure, they're called the New York Giants and the New York Jets - but where do they play? MetLife Stadium. NYC doesn't have its own football stadium, and if you ask most New Jerseyans, the only NY football team is the Buffalo Bills. And when one of our teams brings home the Super Bowl, Newark should host a parade! There is also a giant New Jersey flea market at MetLife Stadium.
The best hot dog toppings are always a hot topic on their own, but here, it's one of the greatest hills to die on in New Jersey. The Italian hot dog is served in puffy pizza bread and topped with a mix of fried potatoes, onions, and peppers. It's a hearty alternative to the typical dog that can only be found in Jersey. Try some out at any of these New Jersey hot dog restaurants.
If you live in the center of the state, you're probably used to your top and bottom neighbors debating your existence. The state legislature sort of settled this one in 2022, passing a law creating a new tourism initiative to promote Central Jersey as a unique state region. Here is some more evidence about the existence of Central Jersey.
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6. We don't go to the beach around here - we go to the Shore!
Lots of towns have their own little beaches, but there's only one Jersey Shore - a massive stretch going from central Jersey all the way down to Cape May - and it's a one-of-a-kind vacation destination. Anyone living in New Jersey knows this. Learn more about what the Jersey Shore is all about.
Speaking of the shore, we're not the only state that has a boardwalk - Maryland, New York, and California all put up a fight - but you're not going to find anything like Morey's Pier in Wildwood or the Jenkinson's fun house in Point Pleasant Beach. Check out the Atlantic City boardwalk.
8. We're just fine with not pumping our own gas, thanks.
It's been illegal to pump your own gas since 1949 in New Jersey, meaning all gas stations have attendants on duty. And you know what? We like it that way. Makes it easier to keep our hands clean for our next Italian hot dog. One of the biggest New Jersey stereotypes is that we don't know how to pump gas. Truth is, we do know how, we just don't have to.
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Which of these hills to die on in New Jersey do you agree with? Are there any other aspects of living in New Jersey that we are forgetting? Let us know in the comments section!
Celebrate your love (and make a fashion statement) for the Garden State with Wear Your Roots.
Think you know all there to know about living in New Jersey? How about these fun facts about New Jersey?
