Ah, New Jersey. What a wonderful land to live in. Until you move out, that is. Let's face it, there are quite a few downsides to living in New Jersey. New Jersey has actually recently been named the most moved from state in the country (to the New Yorkers reading this who think they're soooo much better than us, you're number 3 on the list, so people are looking to escape y'all too.) The reasons for so many people leaving? Mainly the the high property taxes, the new gas tax hike, and the conditions of the roads. Don't believe me about the roads? Here's an actual map indicating each pothole in New Jersey.

New Jersey is basically a foreign country compared to the rest of the country. With so many people leaving the state, it's about time a guide to living in a new state was written. So here's some wisdom from a twenty-one year old who thinks she knows more than you do, but possibly doesn't.

1. Prepare for a new climate.

That's only if your heading to a completely separate area of the country. You might have to face the brutal cold, or severe heat. Or you'll to worry about tornadoes or earthquakes. Maybe you'll move to Seattle and you're current wardrobe will be swapped out with a plethora of raincoats and rainboots. Do your research for the city you're moving to. Otherwise you'll be disappointed in finding out that Los Angeles is not hot all year round, and your one pair of jeans just isn't enough.

(Fun fact about why I chose this gif: I actually went to Atlantic City after Hurricane Sandy hit because we had been out of power for over a week and my mom had free rooms.)

2. Learn to defend your home.

I don't know why, but New Jersey has a bad reputation. I've been told too many times that New Jersey is the armpit of America. Does this look like an armpit to you?

I think not! But no matter how much you defend the good ol' Dirty Jerz, there will be someone who tries to claim that California grows better corn than the actual Garden State. (Speaking of which, we are the Garden State for a reason.)

3. Train yourself to pronounce words properly.

Otherwise face the ridicule when you order "wudder" at a restaurant. And trust me, as much as you think you pronounce "Florida" correctly compared to your New York parent's "Flahrida," or even worse, "Flahrid-er," you don't. You still say "Flahrida." Trust me.

Or you could just never speak again. Works for me.

4. Lower your pizza and bagel standards.

Unless you're moving to New York, you just won't be able to find pizza or bagels that satisfy your needs. However, there is hope! Costco pizza isn't THAT bad. And if you can find a place that makes thin crust coal fired pizza, it's going to be fairly decent. (I recommend Pieology or Blaze Pizza.) I know it's not like a slice of greasy pizzeria pizza, but it's close,

As for bagels, I still haven't really found any close seconds. But toasting a bagel can always make it a little better.

5. Be ready to expand your horizons when it comes to food.

So maybe your quality pizza and bagel options are limited. But look on the bright side! Every area of the country has their own great food! I get some of the BEST Mexican food found in the US. I'm not gonna lie, I never really like avocados or guac before moving to Southern California. But now? Well, now is a different story. I embraced the most beloved food here, and I really enjoy it.

6. Prepare for all of the questions about "Jersey Shore."

Everybody gets this question, no matter what part of Jersey you're from. But those of us who are actually from the Jersey Shore have to be prepared to defend it. While we all enjoy the occasional fist pump, ironically, of course, we have to remind everyone that the Jersey Shore is nothing like it is on TV.

7. Take note of all of the famous people from New Jersey.

And use that to your advantage. Talent is born and bred in Jersey. And especially since I'm in Los Angeles, the celebrity HQ, I need to know who my people are.

Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, Whitney Houston, Bruce Willis, Queen Latifah, Peter Dinklage, Wiz Khalifa, John Travolta, George R.R. Martin, Wendy Williams, Danny DeVito, Shaquille O'Neal, Kevin Smith ("Clerks" was filmed in my neighborhood!!), Ashley Tisdale, the Jonas Brothers, Jon Stewart, aannnnnd my boy FRANK SINATRA!

Just to name a few.

8. Remember that your choices are your choices.

At times, I get homesick and wonder why I moved. But there was a reason for me leaving. Even though I love my homestate and I miss it all the time, I know that I made the right decision in leaving.

9. Know that you will miss things you NEVER though you'd miss.

I found myself going to see the Devils play the Kings last year and I rooted for the Devils. I have never been a Devils fan, ever. I don't even remotely like the Devils. But I guess I missed them?

You may prepare for your move buy stocking up on Wawa K-cups, but I don't think you're prepared for missing the drive on the Garden State Parkway. And don't even get me started on the lack of jughandles throughout the rest of the country.

10. Last, but not least, learn how to pump your own gas.

Unless you're moving to Oregon, you will be expected to put your own fuel into your car. The luxury of waiting inside your car while someone else goes it is no more. It's actually not that difficult. We're tough people. We can handle this.

So there you have it. I hope your new life in your new state is a smooth transition.