It's a known fact that New Jersey gets a lot of hate, which is something I started seeing more of when I started college. Majority of people at my school are from Long Island, which is basically the more congested version of New Jersey, (but they’ll never admit it.) The number of instances when people have responded with “ew” or “Jersey sucks” after hearing I'm from New Jersey has been too many to count. However, "The Dirty Jersey" will always hold a special place in my heart for being my home.
It’s not as bad as everyone thinks. Here are 9 reasons why New Jersey is awesome.
1. We have the most amazing bagels
Whether you call it pork roll or taylor ham nothing beats the taste of a fresh Jersey bagel.
2. We have the best pizza (tied with New York).
Although nothing compares to a Brooklyn slice, Jersey is a strong 2nd and ALWAYS 1st in our hearts.
3. We have 130 miles of beautiful beaches from Sandy Hook to Cape May as well as beautiful mountains.
With beaches along the shore, state parks, and mountains for hiking there should never be a dull day in the garden state.
4. We're an hour from New York City.
Central Jersey (yes it does exist) is only an hour from Manhattan which means shopping, a day in central park, or a concert at MSG is totally a normal occurrence. Lucky us!
5. We're nothing like the cast of Jersey Shore.
Although seaside isnt far, and the Situation eats at my local diner sometimes we are nothing alike. We do GTL but it will never be the same.
6. No other state can drive like us.
Put us on the parkway, turnpike, throw in some jug handles too. Jersey drivers aren’t easily phased. We’ve mastered all the roads in and out of Jersey and no road trip is too long for us
7.We never have to pump our gas. But yes we still know how.
Just because I don’t have to doesn’t mean I don’t know how. I just prefer to say “fill it regular” and stay in my air-conditioned car.
8. There are no shopping malls like New Jersey malls.
Freehold, Paramus Park, Garden State Plaza, Short Hills.. Let's shop till we drop.
9.Diners, diners and more diners.
There is a reason we are the diner capital. You can order anything from seafood to Thanksgiving dinner.
Anyone who says that New Jersey is the worst state doesn't know what they are talking about. But that's okay, we don't need you anyway. The beaches are crowded enough. More pizza for us!
