Moving To State • New Jersey

Moving to New Jersey: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
10 min read

Considering a move to New Jersey? You’re in good company. The Garden State draws people in with its energetic cities like Trenton and peaceful small towns, offering a lifestyle that suits just about anyone.

New Jersey has a lot going for it, but before you commit to buying a home and moving, it’s wise to consider both the pros and cons.

We’ll cover everything you should know about moving to New Jersey so you can decide if it’s the place for you.

Jump to the New Jersey information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to NJ
Top car shippers to NJ
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in New Jersey

While relocating to New Jersey offers plenty of advantages, it also brings a few challenges you’ll need to consider.

Explore the key pros and cons of living in the Garden State to help you decide if it’s the right place for you.

Pros of living in New Jersey

✓Bountiful recreational opportunities
✓Diversity
✓World-class entertainment
✓Leading education
✓Superb health care

Cons of living in New Jersey

✖Extreme weather
✖Congested population
✖High cost of living
✖High tax burden
✖Terrible traffic

Things to do in New Jersey

No matter why you’re relocating to New Jersey—for a new job, to be closer to loved ones, or just for a change of scenery—you’ll discover a world of exciting opportunities as soon as you get here. With everything from popular hotspots to secret local treasures, New Jersey is packed with experiences that make every day an adventure.

If you’re heading out with the whole crew or going solo and eager to meet new people, these destinations deliver. With so many options, you’ll easily find a spot that matches your energy and makes you feel right at home.

Popular Attractions in New Jersey

Atlantic City and Boardwalk
Ocean City
Cape May
Grounds for Sculpture
Casino Pier and Breakwater Beach Water Park
Six Flags Great Adventure and Wild Safari
Battleship New Jersey
Thomas Edison National Historical Park
Liberty Science Center
Adventure Aquarium

Museums in New Jersey

Cape May Lighthouse
Silverball Retro Arcade Asbury Park
Battleship New Jersey
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum
Newark Museum
Princeton University Art Museum
Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Old Barracks Museum
Emlen Physick Estate
Historic Cold Spring Village

Parks in New Jersey

Branch Brook Park
Laurel Acres Park
The Frelinghuysen Arboretum
Roosevelt Park
Bergen County Zoological Park
Hamilton Park
Grounds For Sculpture
Warinanco Park
Seven Presidents Oceanfront Park
Thomas Edison National Historical Park

Fun facts about New Jersey

Each state has its own distinct personality, shaped by its history, culture, and people. Embracing local customs and unique quirks is the key to fully enjoying life in a new area.

Uncovering these fun facts about New Jersey shows what makes the state unique—and could even spark your next move.

Some of the most prolific inventions of the 20th century happened right here in New Jersey. One was done by Thomas Edison when he introduced the world to his idea of an electric light bulb.
New Jersey is the “diner capital of the world.” This is mainly because of certain conditions that helped flourish the dining culture in the state. First, due to the early development of the transportation system in the state, when people were out commuting, they needed some place to stop and feed themselves. The new and upcoming diners served this purpose very well. The geographic location of the state connecting Philadelphia and New York helped further the trend. And the rest is history! According to some sources, the state has the most diners in the world.
The world’s first dinosaur statue was discovered in Haddonfield, New Jersey in October 1858. It was the first complete dinosaur skeleton to be found and the first to be publicly displayed as well.
The world’s largest light bulb which is 13 feet tall and weighs eight tons stands near Thomas Edison’s old lab in Edison, New Jersey. The light bulb was constructed in 1938 and it is encased by 153 individual pieces of Pyrex.
Thomas Edison filed more than 400 patents from his laboratory in Menlo Park. He used copper in almost all his electrical inventions; inside phones, motors, generators and electromagnets.
The Holland Tunnel which connects Jersey City, New Jersey and Manhattan in New York City, New York is the first mechanically ventilated underwater tunnel in the world.
New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country.
New Jersey is also the leading state for the development and manufacturing of flavors and fragrances.
The gold on the dome of the New Jersey’s state capitol was funded by the school kids from the state. The dome has 48,000 piece of gold leaf and each piece of gold leaf cost $1. New Jersey school kids raised the money through the “Dimes for the Dome” program.
The lighthouse of the sandy hook is in service since June 11, 1764. The lighthouse completed 250 years of service in 2014 and a celebration was held to mark the historic occasion.
The state is nicknamed the garden state. The state has more than 10,000 farms and produces more than 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables. The state is ranked nationally in the top 10 as a producer of items such as squash, bell peppers, tomatoes, blueberries, peaches and cranberries.

New Jersey population and demographics

While you’re thinking about relocating to New Jersey, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the Garden State.

A more densely populated state, for instance, might offer more job opportunities, entertainment, and infrastructure, while a smaller population could suggest a quieter lifestyle with tight-knit communities.

Average education levels reflect workforce opportunities or access to local schools and colleges, and political breakdowns could hint at a state’s values and priorities.

Understanding who lives in New Jersey, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.

Metric	New Jersey
Population	9,290,841
Female	50.8%
Male	49.2%
College graduation rate	43.1%
Political leaning	Democratic 52-46.1
Crime index	16.2

New Jersey weather

Weather has a big impact on daily life, so it’s worth thinking about when deciding if New Jersey is a good fit for you. Checking the typical highs, lows, and precipitation for each season can give you a sense of how much outdoor time you’ll have, what weather you’ll need to prepare for, and how you’ll handle temperature swings.

Hot summer days can drive up your energy bills and keep you glued to the AC, while chilly winters mean you’ll want to prep your closet—and your heating system. And when it comes to snow, you could be dealing with anything from light dustings to heavy storms that disrupt travel and your daily plans.

Whether you’re chasing sunshine, favor cooler weather, or want to skip the snow, understanding New Jersey’s climate can help you decide if it fits your lifestyle and comfort preferences.

Metric	New Jersey
Summer high	85ºF
Winter low	22ºF
Annual rain	48″
Annual snow	23″

Income and cost of living in New Jersey

Exploring major industries, average salaries, housing costs, and general living expenses gives you a clear picture of how practical and affordable life in New Jersey really is.

Knowing which industries drive the local economy can help you gauge job opportunities and stability in your field. Plus, since housing costs are likely to be a major factor in your decision to rent or buy, they’ll play a big role in your move.

The cost of living index reveals how far your money goes compared to the national average. A lower index means you’ll likely pay less for basics like groceries, transportation, and housing.

These numbers aren’t just stats—they’re here to help you compare your current lifestyle with what New Jersey brings to the table, so you can make your move feeling confident and informed.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Professional and business services ($100.9 billion)
Real estate and rental and leasing ($99.9 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($57.6 billion)
Manufacturing ($52.3 billion)
Wholesale trade ($51.8 billion))
Finance and insurance ($42.2 billion)
Retail trade ($35 billion)
Information ($26.7 billion))
Construction ($23.3 billion)
Transportation and warehousing ($22.8 billion)

Metric	New Jersey
Average rent cost	$1,368
Average home cost	$534,773
Average income (per capita)	$97,126
Cost of living index*	114
Unemployment rate	4.7%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	10.7%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in New Jersey

If top-notch schools and universities are important to you, exploring a state’s education system can reveal a lot about its job market and local vibe.

If top-tier schools are important to you—whether you’re heading back to class yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want great education options—New Jersey deserves a spot at the top of your list.

Here are some of the top schools in New Jersey:

Princeton University
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Seton Hall University
Montclair State University
Monmouth University
Rowan University
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Stevens Institute of Technology
Drew University
Rider University
The College of New Jersey
Stockton University
Kean University
William Paterson University

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to New Jersey

We have reviewed 2,756 moving companies across the country—including 83 right here in New Jersey—and gathered real insights from movers and folks like you to spotlight the very best in the business.

Planning a move to the Garden State? Take a look at the best moving companies that can deliver your belongings safely, no matter where you’re coming from.

Cost of moving to New Jersey

Before you take the leap to New Jersey, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $136 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.

The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.

To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.

Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.

But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving needs.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to New Jersey

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to New Jersey.

New Jersey car insurance requirements

In New Jersey, the minimum auto insurance requirements are $15,000 for bodily injury per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. Stay legally covered and financially secure on the road.

New Jersey drivers license requirements

New residents of New Jersey must transfer their driver’s license and register their vehicles within 60 days of arriving. During public health crises, this period may extend to 120 days. There will be no reminders, so make sure to note your arrival date.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to New Jersey?

Moving to New Jersey is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if New Jersey is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to New Jersey?

On the cost of living index, New Jersey has a score of 114. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in New Jersey?

The average income in NJ is $97,126, and the an unemployment rate is 4.7. Home prices are $534,773, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $1,368.

What is the downside of living in New Jersey?

Like any place, New Jersey has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in Garden State include:

Extreme weather
Congested population
High cost of living
High tax burden
Terrible traffic

New Jersey Moving Resources

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