It’s indisputable that North Jersey is better than South Jersey. It’s even more indisputable that no one loves Bergen County more than Bergen County. New Jersey might be considered the armpit of the country to some - but the people who think that have also never had a decent bagel so I forgive them. If you’re from Bergen County you definitely fall under these examples.
1. You Have A Bagel and Pizza Superiority Complex
Weekends are incomplete without bagels, and the hardest part about going away to college is dealing with quality bagel withdrawals. We all have our own favorite places, our own favorite breakfast sandwiches, but we’re all on the same page that it’s most definitely called Taylor Ham and not whatever this Pork Roll nonsense is. You’ve spent too much time explaining how great your pizza is to people not from here and you’re disgusted by people who claim that Dunkin’ Donuts bagels are good and Domino's pizza is better.
2. It's The City
Since Bergen County has no real big cities, our city is the one 15 miles away - the big apple. It’s only a quick train ride away and there’s always something to discover. You never call it Manhattan… it’s the city. You also probably brag about your proximity to the city to people from every other county.3. You Grew Up Going To The Jersey Shore
Half of the people you know move down the shore every summer. If you’re not included in that half, you spend your summers visiting your friends and family who do. The Jersey Shore might have given the shore a bad rep, but you know that it isn’t the trashy place it’s made out to be.
4. Route 17 Is Your Favorite and Least Favorite Way of Getting Around
You can get anywhere you want to go by hopping on the highway. When you first learned how to drive it was your most dreaded place to be, and sometimes it still is. Yet, it never fails to amaze you how fast you can get places, and how even if you’re driving over the speed limit to other New Jersey drivers you’re still not going fast enough.
5. You Love Rivalries
Bergen County is full of rivalries, and you’re definitely part of one. Whether it’s IHA v. AHA, Bergen v. Bosco, Highlands v. Ramapo, or Ramsey v. Mahwah. You love a good rivalry game, and nothing is more exciting than one.
6. You Have Friends From New York
To outsiders it’s strange that some of your best friends live in a different state, but bordering Rockland County opens up your opportunities even further.
7. You Do All Your Shopping On Saturdays
You’ve spent your whole life wondering why Blue Laws even exist and if the purpose of them is to ruin your life. Even so, you still hate caving to shop outside of Jersey on Sunday’s because of tax. You also probably always forget that blue laws aren’t a thing everywhere.
8. All Your Successful Night Ends With a Trip to CARS or Applebee's
Everyone from the 201 knows and loves CARS - there’s nothing quite like milkshakes and mac and cheese bites after a long night. On the other hand, some nights are framed around Happs (Half Apps) at Applebee’s and that’s just as great to. Chances are every time you go to either of these places you run into a handful of people you know.
9. Your Favorite Place To Hike Is The Ramapo Reservation
You probably haven’t completely figured out all the different paths, but you’ve been trekking it for years and you love the view.
10. You Grew Up A Mall Rat
You possibly might even still be one, but growing up surrounded by so many great shopping centers it’s hard not to be. You still remember the first day you went to the mall with your friends and not your parents, and it was truly one of the most influential days of your life.
11. You Only Know Towns in Bergen County
Just like how Kanye loves Kanye - Bergen County Loves Bergen County.
12. You Don't Know How To Pump Gas
Or maybe you do but the saying will always be - Jersey girls don't pump gas.
13. You Wouldn't Have Things Any Other Way
You'll always only have love for the 201.
