Being from New Jersey is quite unique. You never really realize how different life outside of our state is until you leave. Nobody else really understands us, and we like it that way. Here are 11 things you'll understand if you're New Jersey through and through:
1. Shore or beach, you love to spend your summers here
While we may not all refer to it the same, Jersey residents love to spend their time at the beach/shore during the summer. Whether it be riding the waves, having some amazing pizza on the boardwalk or getting addicted to yet another game in the arcade, Jersey beaches never disappoint.
2. "Central Jersey" doesn't exist
It just doesn't. There's north and there's south. "Central jersey" is just having an identity crisis.
3. Whether you say pork roll or Taylor Ham, you know it's the best thing ever
If states had a specific food they were to be associated with, the incredible combination of pork roll, egg, and cheese would be it for New Jersey. While there is an ongoing debate about what to call this sandwich, we can all agree that it's straight from heaven.
4. Our bagels are the best
New York has nothing on us. Everything from the fresh dough to whatever is stuffed between the two halves never disappoints. You've never had a real bagel until you've had a bagel from New Jersey.
5. Leaving is scary because you have to pump your own gas
No, we're not just lazy. It's actually illegal to pump your own gas in New Jersey. Why? Your guess is as good as mine. This could make family road trips a daunting experience.
6. When someone asks where you live you tell them your parkway exit
If someone to ask where you're from, you don't just tell them "Clifton." You probably tell them your exit, which, in this case, would be "156." This makes it so much easier to figure out how far away this person lives.
7. "The Oranges" aren't just fruit
East Orange, West Orange, and South Orange are the crux of northern NJ. We just call them The Oranges. We're the garden state, not the fruit state.
8. Nobody calls it "Joisey"
"The Jersey Shore" does not accurately represent how people talk. But yes, it is "wooder" not "wahter."
9. You run on Dunkin' Donuts and Diners
The absolute best place to hangout at 3 am is the local diner. Good food for cheap. How can you beat that? The people at you local Dunkin Donuts probably know your order by heart at this point.
10. The Jersey Devil is a real thing
You won't convince us otherwise.
11. North and South Jersey might as well be two different states
This is without a doubt the best/worst thing about New Jersey. The divide includes everything from sports team preference to word pronunciation. Don't mistake someone being from South Jersey when they're actually from Northern NJ.
