Having lived up North Jersey...everything you mention was true ...however its pretty much the same in the north. Traffic and congestion are probably much worse now with all these apartment complexes all over. Its true about the sports teams..but there are also many colleges and universities including Rutgers in Newark as well. A difference you didn't mention was the notorious Taylor Ham and Pork Roll.. 😂
Lived here in south Jersey for my entire life, Im 30 now. But im sorry to tell you but you shouldn't put your kids in private schools around here because other kids their age look so down on them. I know it sounds bad and trust me i know its not right, but the truth of the matter is that they will feel like outcasts. If you have a smart child and want private school dont come here. Itll just cause more stress on your child.