The state of New Jersey has not always had the best reputation. If you watched "Jersey Shore" or "The Real Housewives of New Jersey," you may have stigmatized Jersey as a state full of crazy Italians, but if you look past the stereotypes, you will see that New Jersey really is a beautiful place to be.
Jersey pride is a real thing. I was born and raised here and will always be proud to call it home. I tried leaving the state, and it was not until I left that I truly appreciated how beautiful this place was. I will always be a Jersey girl, and here are 10 reasons why.
1. Bruce Springsteen wrote an entire album about us. We are also the home to Whitney Houston, Bon Jovi and the Jonas Brothers.
2. Nothing beats pork roll, especially when it comes with eggs and cheese on a bagel.
3. We've got the best of both worlds --mountains and beaches.
4. Going down the shore can be a day trip, and sometimes all you need is just one day to get away and lay under the sun.
5. The tri-state area has the best bagels around.
6. And our pizza is better than the cardboard you get elsewhere.
7. No matter where you are, you are never too far away from a mall.
8. New York City and Philly are both a train ride or a drive away.
9. Olive Garden is not actually Italian food.
10. We don't have to pump our own gas.
