Top 10 SHOCKING Things I Learned Traveling to NEW JERSEY For the FIRST Time 

As someone from New Jersey who now lives in North Carolina - this may be the nicest things anyone has ever said about Jersey :).........

As a proud New Jersian, my favorite part about this state is that you can drive to NYC, Philly, Go to the Jersey shore , the boardwalk, the Pocono mountains, and farms out west, all routes are between a half hour to an hour and a half drive. Its very convenient in the summer. there is never nothing to do in NJ in the summer fr.

Coming from a Jersey resident I couldn't be more pleased with finally hearing someone who enjoyed our state that is often overlooked.

Bonus of not pumping your own gas: you can run inside Wawa and get a pretzel and a coffee and your tank is full by the time you get back

As someone who has lived in New Jersey for the vast majority of my life, it was very nice to hear someone talk nice about the state. Honestly you spoke better of it than most residents do! Thanks so much and enjoy your travels. Ps: Hope you had a chance to experience an Italian Hotdog and Taylor Ham while you were here.

As a New Jersey native, who lived 15 years in the rural South, then returned, it was like coming back to 3D, color enhanced, high definition, sensory overloaded everything. We're crazy, eccentric, neurotic, energetic, colorful and sometimes annoying characters, but NEVER BORING, and neither is the food, ahh, the food. Also the world's best bars.

Never ever dreamed or think of moving to NJ. But life landed me here, and after leaving FL for good, I found myself in NJ. And God, how much I love this state. It's a gem. Diversity, great food, great pizza, great bagels, great delis, great people, great neighbors, beautiful towns, they call it the Garden State for a reason. I know one day I will move back to my country for retirement, but I find it hard to leave this state. It's got four seasons, great parks, lots of wild animals in your backyard, people love their wildlife: foxes, geese, turkeys, deer, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, birds, and the occasional bear. People stop for animal crossings, and you dont want to hear how many cat colonies are taken care of. A dog on the lose? A whole town trying to find it's owner, even cops commit to help. No wonder it's so highly populated.

I am a 53 year old man and I’ve lived in New Jersey all my life. I visit other cities and other states, but I find New Jersey is a state of convenience. You have everything in the states from the mountain areas the country areas, urban areas and the ocean property fronts. Basically, I love New Jersey, L O L.

I am from NJ. About the gas thing - it is actually quite nice to have the gas pumped for you in the freezing cold days of winter. We don't envy the "freedom" to pump your own gas that people from other states "enjoy". On top of this free service, our gas is consistently cheaper than most other states where they make you pump your own gas. Also, we are kinda tired of being subjects of nasty stereotypes (not your video though - this one is a rare objective exception), most of which are either outdated or just outright nonsense. Been in NJ for 24 years - love it.

As a Jersey girl, I want to point out that Jersey’s three regions are actually North, Central, and South. :)

I've lived in NJ all of my life, and enjoyed your perspective. But I was hoping to see you highlight some of the beauty of our state; rural areas, historical sites, pinelands, waterways and other natural areas, since so many people view us as just a pass-through to New York...turnpike, etc. And I do believe you can find a diner at least every couple of miles!

As a former NC resident who’s lived in NJ for 18 years, you brought back many of the first impressions I had about NJ. They are now part of the life I love in the Garden State (another surprise-it’s beautiful when you get off the turnpike or parkway)

I've lived in NJ my whole life. I knew about how attended gas stations, jughandles, and our ridiculously tiny municipalities were a Jersey novelty, but I never realized that assigning police to road construction wasn't something practiced across at least the densely populated areas of the country. It just seems like a good idea.

Thanks so much for the positive review of our "Garden" state. I've been living here for over 50 years. If you get off the big highways there's still lots of rural areas of farms, forests, hills and state parks for camping, hiking and and nature to enjoy (and of course the beaches). And no, I wasn't paid to say that and don't work for the NJ Division of Tourism. Honest! 😊

As someone who's lived here my entire life, I feel like it's the northeast's best kept secret. Despite the constant flack it catches as the armpit of the country it's the most developed state with tons of variety. From rolling mountains to beaches on the coast it's an awesome little state.

As a New Jerseyan, sometimes you take for granted the quirks of this state, the "all turns from right lane", pumping your own gas and so on... it''s always fun to watch a video like that and see how people are surprised by something you find so normal.

New Jersey is also beautiful as you explore beyond the highways and larger cities.

I live in NJ and was actually surprised by your perspective. I never really thought about jughandles being unique or how efficiently the NJ TPK was constructed. Interesting to see it from an outsider's perspective. I love not having to pump my own gas! 😊 The one thing I would have liked to see in your video is the beautiful rural areas (where I live). People tend to think of NJ as one megalopolis along with the Jersey shore. It really is more than that

Good take from someone visiting the state. It is good to hear positivity towards NJ as in movies and TV all you hear is people talking down about NJ. I have lived in NJ for the entirety of my life with the exception of being born in a Philadelphia hospital, 49 years ago. It is unfortunate that much of our farm land is disappearing to make way for more developed land, but that is what happens when you are a very densely populated state. The farm land land that remains though is quite beautiful. Our beaches can be quite nice as well, it does cost to go on to our beaches, but that price helps keep our beaches maintained.

As a person who was born, raised, and spent 65 years in NJ before moving to another state, I appreciate the video and the nostalgia of seeing many of my old haunts! Nice job!

Did you know that the worlds leading Heirloom Tomatoes are Grown in New Jersey- and they constantly win International Competitions. The best seeds for Tomatoes were developed by Rutgers University Agriculture department as well. WE also grow leading Blueberries and Peaches too.

I was born and raised in NJ and recently moved despite my better judgment. EVERY state has its issues, deficiencies, and strengths. NJ has so much to offer: NYC and PA access, great medical care, job opportunities and unemployment benefits, lakes, beaches, streams, forests, hiking, four beautiful seasons, Taylor Ham 😂, and so much more. I never took it for granted when living there, and I eventually see myself in a quiet, rural, NJ town again. Yes, there is snow. But NJ knows how to handle it. Yes, it’s not cheap, but you get what you pay for. Even the work ethic trumps that of other states. And while I was always team north-even South Jersey has more to offer (and less snow) than many coastal southern states. I make the best of where I am at-but I will never forget from where I come. Nice video and well depicted.

I love living in Jersey. We’ve got great beaches, mountains, major cities, farmland with superb fresh produce (especially tomatoes, corn, and peaches) all within a couple hour drive from pretty much anywhere in the state. The only thing you missed was our other major toll road - The Garden State Parkway which runs along the Eastern Shore from Cape May all the way up past NYC.

I moved out of NJ to Georgia 8 months ago, and I never realized how great NJ is until now. I miss it so much. There are so many things there that can't compare anywhere else. The food, the diversity, the gorgeous trees, the produce, the seasons, the beach, the history, the gas stations, the stores, the proximity to NYC and Philly. I want to go back to my home, and I'll never complain about it again.

I’m a New Yorker (from NYC) and I’ve driven halfway across the country, and I’ve always thought New Jersey honestly has some of the most interesting and unusual roads, despite them being a bit confusing when i was a new driver 😂

I grew up in Brooklyn NY and eventually moved to NJ 27 years ago. The thing that floored me at first was that when walking in my neighborhood people would stop and say hello and if I was outside the house and the police drove by they would wave - that was culture shock for me. The other thing that totally shocked me was when I was planning my daughters first birthday party. I ordered several different types of food from different places - not one place even asked for a deposit. Reading the police blotter was a hoot! A typical item was one such as "harassing phone calls with tones and beeps" - this was obviously someone who dialed the wrong fax number, but it was reported and published in the local paper.

In my 59 years I've only lived outside of NJ for 18 months. Most of those things are what I grew up with, though I've never had a reason to drive the Turnpike or US 1. I thought you might mention how rural most of the southern counties are. I love NJ, except for the cost of living, and the ban on bags in the stores.

I lived in NYC for 23 years and in PA for 8 years. With NJ being so close to these two states, I'm always there and do agree that it's a wonderful state.

I grew up in NJ. I haven’t lived there for the last fifteen years, but I will always consider myself a Jersey boy. We take major pride in our home state (although the North Jersey - South Jersey rivalry is pretty intense). A lot of people like to make fun of NJ and think it’s a terrible place to live, but to paraphrase Don Draper: We don’t think about you at all.

I was stuck in South Florida for 27 years. Moved back to NJ in 2016 and have never regretted it. It's really a great state.

Excellent view point from an out of stater. I was born, raised and have spent all but 5 years in the state. This is the nicest view and analysis of life in NJ. Normally "we get no respect." I wish you could come back and report on other benefits of life in NJ. You did an excellent job on the more populated regions. We do have some wonderful farm and country like areas. It is said we have more cows than people. I don't know if that is still true. Thanks for your hard work.

I’ve lived in the Philly region of NJ my whole life. It’s refreshing to hear someone not treat NJ as a joke. Something else I often have to explain to people is that in spite of its dense population, you don’t have to go far to find less dense rural areas either. Thank you for this video.

I grew up and lived in NJ for more than 50 years. It was so nice to see someone take an objective view from an outsider’s perspective, instead of recycling the normal cliches. Also, I was impressed by the level of detail, all the way down to forms of municipal government. Well done, and thank you! (BTW-this may be the only time that I’ve heard someone give a positive view of the Turnpike).

Lifetime Jersey resident here and retired trooper… you nailed it bro! Everything in your video was spot on!

I was born in Boston but have lived in NJ since I was 2. As others have commented it’s nice to hear an actual serious perspective on the state (and it ended up being far more positive since NJ is often the butt of people’s jokes). One thing I was surprised by was the comment on police officers accompanying road work - wasn’t aware that other states didn’t do this. One thing you didn’t talk about was the fact that NJ has great pizza and bagels - basically every town has a pizza place and a bagel place and the only area I can think of that can consistently match it is the Long Island / NYC area in NY. As for cost of living, I’ve found that food and groceries are actually a tad cheaper due to port proximity, but rents / property costs are higher. I mean, I was born too late to ever own a home but I hear people talking about their taxes lol

As a central/south Jerseyian, was fun to see which photos I knew of! Was surprised I recognized more things than I expected, even my favorite Chinese takeout spot 😂

As a resident here it is nice to hear some positive points about New Jersey. My wife was born and raised in NJ. She is now retired an can proudly say she has never pumped gas in her life.

Native born New Jerseyan (and still living here). When I started college in Florida, pumping my own gas and making u-turns at intersections was a bit of a culture shock.

Hey Mileage Mike, Your videos on New Jersey and the Jug-handles prepared me well for what to expect when visiting the state from Ontario last month. New Jersey is really interesting. While it doesn't have the wow factor but there are so many ways you can explore and discover new things in everyt region of the state.

Wonderful! We loved living in NJ before moving to Greece....thanks, thanks for setting it straight for others...

I was born & raised in NJ and returned here after 17 years of living elsewhere. While expensive, the quality of life is better here than in many states. Many of my neighbors are from other states (NC, VA, IL, PA, NY ) and they are pleasantly surprised with NJ

Hi I live in Kearny, New Jersey. Thanks for the positive video you made about my state! We always hear all the bad stuff that people say about New Jersey so it was nice to hear you say you liked it. Too bad you didn't see how pretty some areas are and how great the farms are. The shore towns are nice, especially Cape May which I am very fond of. Thanks again for your positivity!

Thank you. It's nice to hear someone highlight the positives of Jersey.

As someone who has only lived in my little New Jersey box, it is fascinating hearing a what someone from elsewhere thinks is remarkable about our state. I didn’t know it’s unusual to have the entire state incorporated. I do want to add that you must have gotten lucky or not been on the turnpike during rush hour because it gets atrocious.

I'm from Baltimore, and MY GOSH I LOVE driving up to NYC through the TurnPike. It's genuinely one of my favorite parts of the trip. I always have to stop at the rest stops too, it's impossible not to stop for Lunch or dinner there ....

Thank you for this. New Jersey was my home for 26 years. I grew up in NYC and now live in NYC again, but NJ still feels like a second home. Outside the area, people don’t know how great NJ is. You didn’t speak much of the landscapes, but it is diverse, interesting, and beautiful. Also, it has a lot of well educated people. Thank you NJ schools. So the arts and literature are well appreciated, and there are all kinds of concerts to attend and art to see. You can join or form a band or vocal ensemble with some very accomplished musicians. It’s funny how shocked you are about full service gas. It does take a little longer, but I just don’t mind. It’s really not a problem. I dislike the jug handles, though. They make many areas entirely car-dependent, because you can’t walk across those intersections, and the roads are hostile to bicycles. I prefer to go places on bike whenever possible, and this is one reason I’m glad I left NJ. Thanks for pointing out that NJ is interesting and has a lot to offer.

Thank you for your beautiful commentary ❤️ NJ is a beautiful state and we welcome you! It's a hidden gem

Great video. Thanks for visiting our state and leaving such positive comments

The narrator was well spoken and was very informative. As a New Jerseyan myself, I'd be happy to extend a warm welcome to him if he ever decides to take up his residence here!

Not sure if you were able to go on the Palisades Parkway but that road and it's rest areas along the Hudson river are beautiful.

Gooood! Thanks for a good review of our state

This video made me proud to be a born-and-raised Jerseyan. Thanks so much for all of the amazing things you've said about my home!

Moved to NJ 3 years ago from PA and honestly never looked back; I had a blast my first 2 years along the Raritan, and though to a slightly lesser extent, I'm still loving it in the Philly suburbs... I used to crack all sorts of jokes about Jersey when I was living back home in Pittsburgh, but I'm gladly eating my own words

I grew up in Atlantic City in the '50s and '60s. It was fantastic! I've been saying for years that we spread the bad rumors ourselves to keep outsiders from moving to NJ.

Great video that made me appreciate Jersey a lil bit more

Thank you for posting this video , talking positively about NJ. Me and my wife still miss it, 4 years after moving to the west coast. The gas station part is the most convenient and Wawa is an emotion. The hassles of living in NJ are primarily related to taxes and the unreliability of NJ transit if you have to commute to New York for work, especially in winter.

That was an excellent video. One thing though, people are often surprised at the rolling countryside of Hunterdon County, the Delaware Water Gap, and the mountains in the northwest part.

I spend the first half of my life in New Jersey. For a small State, The variety in the State makes it seem much larger that it's geography would have one believe. Southwest is marshland, Southeast if beautiful Atlantic beaches, Northeast is the population center, Northwest is rural mountains. In the center, there is pine forest. A traveler would be shocked to experience a trip about 35 miles apart. The path from the Rural Northwest and NYC is special.

You made me appreciate my state, thanks for this video!

This review is so good. Very organized. This is admirable.

Thanks for giving Jersey a 'thumbs up'! We are a much maligned state. I've lived in Ca. and Wyoming (Wyoming was cool), but came back to Hackensack. Now I live in beautiful Cape May. I don't know why people make fun of us. I see no reason to leave here. I'm dug in!

Thank you for appreciating some the positives in our state. Taxes/cost of living are INSANE here but it's not a bad place to live overall.

I came to the comments to thank you for the nice things said about my home state but I see a lot of people already have done so. I enjoyed this video Mike! Safe travels my friend

Hello from the NJ pinelands!!!!! Thank you for such a great video!!!!!

It's nice to hear New Jersey described in a positive way for a change.

I love everything about NJ except the cost of living. We have such diversity of not only people, but geography too. Beaches, mountains, farms, etc. We've got it all and the proximity to two major cities is perfect!

Thank you for speaking so kindly about our amazing state!

Born n raised NJ guy here, this was a great video about our beautiful state. I'm happy to hear you enjoyed your time with us, funny to see you mention Cherry Hill as I live about 15 min from there, right up I-295 near the Delaware River.

I loved the NJ Turnpike when driving on it for the first time. It does have a great design.

South Carolinian living in New Jersey here. It’s actually not a bad place to live outside of the cities. I live in the northwest part of the state which is the most rural part and it reminds me of home in some ways.

Loved this! Jersey boy for life.

Wow I love these videos!!

NJ has an unnecessary high bureaucracy with all the rules. And that makes it heavily dependant on fines and violations. So people who could avoid driving through or doing business in New Jersey, should.

You missed the best part of New Jersey. The Jersey shore. The beaches, ocean, boardwalks and resorts. You have to come back and check it out. Thanks for the complements.

Great video, very comprehensive. Subscribed

Great video man. Thanks for the kind words about the turnpike as my late father spent over half his life working on that roadway to provide for me and my mom and brother. Also shout out to my company pseg you had one of our street crews in the shot about when cops protect road projects areas. Great video!

I live in Toms River New Jersey and I love it here. I love an hour from NYC, 45 mins to Atlantic City, an hour to Philly and I live at a vacation destination at the jersey shore. I love our great schools and there’s always something to do. Yeah property taxes suck but I guess that’s what you get when the schools etc are so great.

I am a Jersey-Guy all the way. I have lived in other places and there is doubt in my mind this is the place for me. We don't get winters like the Dakotas or Minnesota but it does get COLD and snowy in the dead of winter. Our summers of high temperature and high humidity (we call it a 90 and 90) can be very uncomfortable too. That's why the politicians know to leave our "No-Self-Service" law alone. I open the window just enough to get the credit card out and then relax in my car in the comfort of my car whether it's 98 or 6 degrees outside. And where I am, right across the river from Philly, the gas is cheaper too. Thanks for you kind words about the Garden State; but PLEASE DO ME A FAVOR...STOP IT. We got a good thing going here and many of us know it too. We don't want outsiders moving in and changing things. We pay lots taxes in NJ and we get lots back for our taxes. We have good roads, decent transportation, and take relative good care of our elderly and poor. And we have some good schools too. We are not perfect, far from it. I have travelled to many states and in lived in several. I will take New Jersey over any of them. You did not get to see what gives us our name. Garden State is not some outdated moniker. We have the best white sweet corn and our tomatoes rank supreme. With just over nine million people, we don't need any more. Let them keep it up the "joisee" jokes and the stupid stereotypes.

Appreciate this video this video ❤

It was nice how you presented our state and I'm sure it can be done with all the states. We should all learn the lesson you submitted, love everything. Thank you.

This was a very good and fair look at New Jersey. Yes, New Jersey has its problems but it's refreshing to see someone make a video like this without resorting to silly New Jersey jokes. I was born and raised in New Jersey, lived there for over 40 years. I live in Florida now, and I find that I miss it sometimes. I have no problem with pumping my own gas, it's nice not having to wait for an attendant to do it for me. On the other hand, in NJ on a cold and wet winter night, it was nice not having to get out to do that myself. And I have to say that I like being able to make left hand turns and U turns instead of using jughandles. A jughandle can cause you to have to pass through the same intersection 2 or even 3 times, depending on if you are turning left or trying to go back the other way. Growing up in New Jersey wasn't bad. The schools I went to were good. There's plenty of shopping, though the local and regional chains have largely been replaced by the national chains like Walmart. You can get anywhere in the state in a few hours or less, or the cities of New York or Philly. I lived in the Jersey Shore area, so we got TV channels from both places. I think too many people base their views of NJ on the industrial areas they see on the highways as they pass through, and the jokes they hear. They don't get to know the real NJ, see the beaches and the farms and the small towns.

I am a life-long Jersey girl and appreciate your review so much. So many people make fun of NJ. its nice to hear a fairly positive review. Next, you need to learn about some of the interesting cultural nuances that make NJ unique such as the pork roll vs. taylor ham debate. And speaking of that, next time you are in NJ - be sure to try a porkroll, egg, and cheese sandwich. Porkroll is truly the most delicious mystery meat in the world!

Just happened by your channel. Nice video! Very good civil engineering perspective of our state roadways. As a NJDOT administrator, our transportation commissioner, engineers and planners would be pleased with this video! Thanks😊

Excellent assessment!

I call the "rest stops" on the Turnpike a "travel plaza" as opposed to a "rest stop". A rest stop is a state owned operation without commercial facilities, a travel plaza is a commercial enterprise. At least that's the way in looks in my experience. MD has two travel plazas on I-95, DE has one on I-95., WV has two on I-64, and I've seen several in PA. Also, another reason that NJ won't repeal the gas pumping law is that it would put a lot of people out of work. I live in VA and when we travel through NJ, my wife always likes to tip the pump attendant. They certainly appreciate it.

That Moe's restaurant screwed you over - restaurants are allowed to give you a bag in NJ for take out. Most have been using paper, but some are still allowed to give you a plastic bag

Thank you! So fun to come across your video today. I was born and raised in NJ and still live here. For me, the advantages far outweigh its faults. I enjoyed a long career as an illustrator and a major advantage was proximity to NYC without the expense of having to live there. I bought my house and built a studio onto it; something I could never have done in the city. What your video didn't show as much of, is that to the west of what we call "the corridor" (all along the Turnpike etc.) the state is very open and beautiful. I'm about 20 miles from NYC, and the property just behind me is a farm.

Nice job Mike! I'm from Raleigh and I love this channel

Great high quality video! As a New Yorker I do my fair share of talking trash about NJ with my other city friends, but that is just what we do as NYers. I am not actually blind to the positive aspects of the state; I would rather live in New Jersey than Staten Island, I can tell you that.

I live in Hunterdon County! It used to be mostly Farm land but it’s changed quite a bit. Still a lot of open space but it is getting more people. If your in the neighborhood again try Frenchtown and drive down route 29 to Lambertville I’m sure you’ll find it very nice.

It’s so cool so see him drive around where I sometimes go.😊

As a maps guy myself. This was a great Video! Totally subscribing. Thanks keep it up.

Right. The improvements made to the Jersey Pike over the last 10-15 years or so have been terrific.

The New Jersey of today is not the New Jersey I grew up in. Finally moved out of the state at retirement. I lived in Mt. Laurel and Marlton, right next to Cherry Hill. Spent summers in Brigantine (Next to AC) and Stone Harbor. South Jersey is a different vibe from the NE part of the state. Better have millions if you want beachfront property.

It was fun to see you cruising spots I am always in. Thanks for stopping by.

It is really nice to hear some great things finally said about the Armpit of the northeast.

Welcome to my state. I love being from New Jersey and living here. U will never catch me anywhere else

Thank you for the positive review of NJ!! I have lived in NJ since 1972 and love it here!! Yes it is expensive but that’s what you pay for good schools, educated people, good jobs and moderate politicians!! We care about healthcare, women’s rights, voting rights, environment, civil rights etc etc Those who don’t like NJ are welcome to live wherever else they want to live!!

This is all so interesting to see from an outside perspective! I grew up in Connecticut but with the majority of extended family in SE Pennsylvania, so I spent a LOT of time driving through NJ. The NJ Turnpike is indeed amazing and worth every penny of the tolls, plus it provided the most exciting part of every single road-trip as a kid since a section runs right next to the tarmac of Newark airport. You can almost guarantee something will always be taking off or landing as you drive by on clear days. I'm always sad I can't just stare at the airport action on the way by anymore since I'm usually the one driving these days hahaha.

Great job! This is coming from someone who has iced in NJ for life.