I won't act like it's unheard of for people to bash on New Jersey. However, since it is and has always been my home, I will not sit back when people are so quick to attack it. New Jersey is not at all limited to Newark or The Jersey Shore reputation. There are some things individuals will not be aware of unless they're from New Jersey themselves, or at the very least, give the state a chance. New Jersey is so much more than what the world, especially the tri-state area, perceives it as. Having lived in Jersey my entire life, I can tell you that what society makes our state out to be is nothing like what it truly is. There are many reasons for individuals to love their home state; here are mine.

1. We have the most incredible bagels and pizza.

New Jersey provides some of the best bagels and pizza that you’ll ever try. I’m not saying Long Island doesn’t have just as incredible munchies, but New Jersey’s are, for sure, underrated. The next time you take a road trip over to Jersey, make sure to stop by Mangiano’s for a thicker, cheesier crust or a family restaurant like Brooklyn Pizza for a thinner, brick-oven slice. Both will for sure be absolutely satisfying. And for the bagels? They’re fluffy, thick, and flavorsome—you won’t regret grabbing a dozen no matter where you go.

2. You'll never pump your own gas, and it's always inexpensive.

Does it take too much effort for you to get off the couch for the remote when you need to change the channel? If so, filling up your car with gas in New Jersey is for you. For one, you will never have to pump your own gas or leave your car in order to do so. And even better, gas is always cheap, sometimes a dollar less than other states in the tri-state area.

3. You'll never pay a penny of tax on clothing.

Besides the price of gas being a perk of living here, you will never have to worry about paying taxes on clothing. For a girl like me who splurges on occasion, this definitely beats shopping in a place like Soho.

4. The state is notably called, "the diner capital of the world."

New Jersey has more diners per capita than any other state, and many of them are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Milkshakes and fries are absolutely necessary on a regular basis, and you’re guaranteed to always be close to them.

5. You’re in short driving radius to both Pennsylvania and New York.

New Jersey is the perfect location when it comes to having access to major cities like NYC, Boston, and Philadelphia.Jersey residents are pretty close to New York state, and in most parts, Manhattan and Westchester are just a short drive away. You're also not too far of a trip from Pennsylvania-- Philadelphia and the beautiful countryside are easily an accessible option for a weekend getaway.

6. It is called the garden state for a reason.

While much of Jersey is suburban, there is a great deal of farmland. Our state produces some of the most incredible tomatoes, blueberries, apples and strawberries in the country.

7. The shore is never too far away.

You are, at most, a 45 minute to two-hour drive away from the beach. There are many quiet beaches like Belmar and Sunset, but you are also given countless options with boardwalks, restaurants, amusement parks and other family-oriented places.

8. The undeniable Jersey pride.

There is a sincere sense of pride for our home state, especially in people who have lived there throughout their entire lives. If anyone wants to bash on Jersey, watch out, because there will always be that Jersey resident who finds the strength to fight back and defend it. There is so much to love about The Garden State. And if you don’t see that, we are happy to see you leave.