I think the greatest decision I've made in my life so far was going to college outside of New Jersey. I was born and raised here, spent the majority of my childhood in the same house my dad grew up in, and I started kindergarten with the same people I sat next to at graduation. I just needed a change of scenery. But I didn’t realize how much I was going to miss my Jersey life. Going out of state made me realize why the dirty Jersey is the greatest state there is! So for all you Jersey haters, here are just a couple of reasons why it’s the best place ever!

1. Bruce and Bon Jovi are gods among men.

When was the last time you didn’t sing along, word-for-word, to “Livin’ On A Prayer” and “Born to Run”? We are a place of music legends. Come on and listen to some of the best play at PNC, the Metalands, or down at the Susquehanna Bank Center, we love our concerts and our local artists.

2. We know how to drive.

Out of state drivers are a nightmare, enough said. If you’re not from here move to the right lane because the rest of us need to be on time. That's just something I missed being out of state.

3. We don’t have to pump our own gas.

It’s the best being able to pull up next to the pump and not have to get out in any kind of bad weather. I hand the nice man my money, tell him, “Fill with regular, please,” and I don’t have to move. Some may call it lazy, but for one, it's a safety law and two, we’re still paying less for someone else to pump our gas for us. Why would we want to do it ourselves?

4. It’s called "The Garden State" for a reason.

Everyone can make all the jokes they want about how ugly Jersey is because if you’re saying that, you’re just passing through. You probably cut through on our roadways and only saw the industrial side of our state. But once you get off of the parkway or turnpike and see the other side of our beautiful state you’d realized our name is perfectly fitting. The fresh fruit and vegetables grown throughout the summer are unbelievably sweet. And there is nothing like driving down the road to your local farm stand and picking out some corn stalks and Jersey-fresh tomatoes. So say all you want about Jersey, but our fresh food is to die for.

5. NJ Pizza is the only pizza.

You need a nice crust, not too big not too small, homemade sauce, and a smile from your local shop, and you’re set. Deep-dish isn't pizza, and neither is Pizza Hut or Papa John's. For real pizza, come to New Jersey and get a real slice of heaven. I can’t tell you what it is about our pizza, but nothing compares.

6. Greatest hangover cure... or just a great breakfast.

Many say we’re just food snobs here, but our bagels are the best around, too. Top it off with pork roll, egg, and cheese on whatever kind of bread, bun, or bagel you like and you’ll be the happiest person around. Nothing like it to get you going in the morning or after a good night of fun with your friends the night before. I know you’ll find a line out the door on a Sunday morning at your local bagel shop for the best breakfast food ever!

7. Diner food, there’s nothing like it.

There is nothing like a good ol' Jersey diner. No matter which diner you walk into, you know you’re in for a large portion of kick-ass food at anytime of day. I mean, you can’t go wrong with a short stack of pancakes and a milkshake at two in the morning!

8. It's close to major cities.

Our proximity to both New York City and Philadelphia affords us easy access to pretty much everything cool. If you’re from the North, New York is never out of the way for a night out and if you’re from the South Philly, it's your backyard. Some of us are lucky to be about half way between, which gives us more options for choosing our sports teams! (Go Giants!)

9. The Jersey Shore.

Whether it’s the boardwalk at Point Pleasant, the state beach at Seaside Heights, LBI, or all the way down to the Wildwood beaches in Cape May, everyone has their own personal shore dream destination. We take the shore very seriously - it's our claim to fame so keep 'em clean. And as a warning, the whole state tends to be down the shore on summer weekends, so tourists watch out!