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Moving to New Jersey in 2024? Complete Moving Guide
This is a complete guide for Moving to New Jersey.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to New Jersey.
Are you thinking of moving to New Jersey?
Moving to a new state is full of challenges but there are ways you can manage everything and beat those challenges. Relocating to New Jersey can be difficult but if you learn about the state before moving there, you can handle everything easily. New Jersey is one of the most expensive states to live in as its cost of living is higher than the national average. But the job market is strong and New Jersey is home to several industries. The state experiences hot humid summers with cold snowy winters. The state has a diverse culture because of its diverse population. You can explore the state after moving here through museums, art galleries, and more. There are several opportunities for outdoor fun and activities. But this information is not enough to learn about the state, you can explore the state through this guide.
- New Jersey Demographics
- Quick Facts of New Jersey
- Top reasons to move to New Jersey
- Pros & Cons of Living in New Jersey
- Best Places to Live in New Jersey
- Best Neighborhoods in the New Jersey
- Cost of living in New Jersey
- New Jersey job market
- Major industries in New Jersey
- Top Career Options in New Jersey
- Best things to do in New Jersey
- Schools in New Jersey
- Type of insurance required in New Jersey
- Taxes in New Jersey
New Jersey Demographics
New Jersey is home to a diverse population as people from around the world come here to live and work. The culture of the state represents the presence of multiple ethnicities. Let us check out the demographics of New Jersey in detailMale vs Female Population of New Jersey 2022
Gender | Population | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Male | 4,546,026 | 49.3% |
Female | 4,715,673 | 50.7% |
Source: World Population Review 2022
Male vs Female Population by Age Groups in New Jersey 2022
Age Group | Male Population | Female Population | Total Population | Percentage Male | Percentage Female |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
0-4 | 223,432 | 218,601 | 442,033 | 50.8% | 49.2% |
5-9 | 233,072 | 226,476 | 459,548 | 50.5% | 49.5% |
10-14 | 222,491 | 216,650 | 439,141 | 50.5% | 49.5% |
15-19 | 211,401 | 207,170 | 418,571 | 50.5% | 49.5% |
20-24 | 201,184 | 195,298 | 396,482 | 50.8% | 49.2% |
25-29 | 214,450 | 207,065 | 421,515 | 51.1% | 48.9% |
30-34 | 235,476 | 227,924 | 463,400 | 50.8% | 49.2% |
35-39 | 242,641 | 236,678 | 479,319 | 50.6% | 49.4% |
40-44 | 245,247 | 240,762 | 486,009 | 50.4% | 49.6% |
45-49 | 249,498 | 246,130 | 495,628 | 50.3% | 49.7% |
50-54 | 248,712 | 246,361 | 495,073 | 50.2% | 49.8% |
55-59 | 239,643 | 239,089 | 478,732 | 50.0% | 50.0% |
60-64 | 221,874 | 223,410 | 445,284 | 49.8% | 50.2% |
65-69 | 189,845 | 200,666 | 390,511 | 48.6% | 51.4% |
70-74 | 152,135 | 160,919 | 313,054 | 48.5% | 51.5% |
75-79 | 107,916 | 120,037 | 227,953 | 47.4% | 52.6% |
80-84 | 70,170 | 85,191 | 155,361 | 45.2% | 54.8% |
85+ | 48,793 | 69,224 | 118,017 | 41.3% | 58.7% |
Population distribution by Ethnicity in New Jersey 2022
Ethnicity | Population | Percentage |
---|---|---|
White alone | 6,545,888 | 70.7% |
Black or African American alone | 1,448,900 | 15.4% |
Asian alone | 964,918 | 10.5% |
Two or More Races | 208,546 | 2.2% |
American Indian and Alaska Native alone | 64,780 | 0.7% |
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone | 16,034 | 0.2% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022
Quick Facts of New Jersey
Let us dig some facts about the state you are planning to move to.- New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country.
- The state has more diners than any other state.
- New Jersey does not have any official state song.
- Beemerville which is located in New Jersey is home to a volcano.
- Princeton University which is one of the most prestigious universities in the world is located in New Jersey
- During the Revolutionary War, more battles were fought in New Jersey as compared to the other states.
- New Jersey is the major producer of tomatoes, blueberries and cranberries.
- The first-ever baseball game was played in Hoboken.
- It is illegal to pump your gas in New Jersey
- New Jersey pizza is a popular food item.
Top reasons to move to New Jersey
When you plan to relocate to a new state, you find the reasons that will encourage you to take such a big step. In this section of the guide, we have listed the top reasons to move to New Jersey-- Job Market- The job market in New Jersey is diverse with the presence of different industries flourishing with employment opportunities. The state is home to several corporate headquarters like Merck, Prudential, and Johnson & Johnson.
- Education system- The state is home to some of the top-performing schools in the country like Princeton High School. The public school system in New Jersey is strong as 92% of the students graduate from high school on time. Princeton University is located in New Jersey.
- Scenic Beauty- New Jersey has a lot to offer for outdoor fun lovers. You can enjoy beaches, forests and parks. There are several places for biking, hiking, swimming and fishing. You can explore the Pine Barrens National Reserve and Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.
- Accessibility to major cities- Since New Jersey is located in the Northeast Corridor, it has easy access to major cities including Washington D.C., Philadelphia and New York.
- History and culture- The state has a rich history and culture that can be explored through various historical sites including the Princeton Battlefield State Park, the Morristown National Historical Park, etc.
Source:
- U.S. News & World Report: Best Places to Live in New Jersey
- Niche.com: Best Places to Live in New Jersey
Pros & Cons of Living in New Jersey
When you live in a city you understand that it has some best features and some worst conditions. But then you cannot do anything, so we have listed all the pros and cons of living in New Jersey that you should know before moving there-Pros of living in New Jersey | Cons of living in New Jersey |
---|---|
Diverse economy with flourishing strong job market | One of the most expensive states with cost of living higher than national average |
Excellent schools, top university and best public school system in the country | New Jersey experiences extreme weather conditions- hurricanes, snowstorms and more |
Easy access to major cities like New York, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia | Good transportation system, but traffic congestion is problem during rush hours |
Rich history and culture, explore through historical places and diversity in community | Worst air quality in the country |
New Jersey is home to parks, forests and beaches |
Source:
- U.S. News & World Report: Best Places to Live in New Jersey
Best Places to Live in New Jersey
If you are moving to New Jersey, you need to find the right place to live. A place where you can find your new home and start life in the new state. In this section of the guide, we have listed the best places to live in New Jersey-Location | Population (2022) | Unemployment Rate (2022) | Median Home Value (2023) |
---|---|---|---|
Morristown | 20,831 | 2.9% | $649,000 |
Fort Lee | 39,034 | 3.5% | $450,568 |
Jersey City | 283,496 | 3.9% | $605,831 |
Saddle Brook | 14,095 | 3.6% | $540,266 |
Tenafly | 13,825 | 2.5% | $855,784 |
Franklin Lakes | 10,709 | 2.8% | $982,134 |
West Windsor | 27,867 | 2.6% | $661,422 |
Westfield | 45,727 | 2.4% | $658,574 |
Summit | 21,475 | 2.4% | $825,197 |
Millburn | 20,185 | 2.2% | $905,941 |
Source: US Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Best Neighborhoods in the New Jersey
When you move to a new state or city, you find it challenging to fit in a new neighborhood. However, a family-friendly neighborhood can simplify your move and help you settle into new surroundings.We have curated a list of the best neighborhoods where you can find a new home for you and your family-
- Downtown Jersey City- This vibrant and diverse neighborhood can be your choice if you are an outgoing person. There are a variety of restaurants, shops, bars, and various cultural attractions. The Liberty Science Center and the New Jersey Performing Arts Center are located in this neighborhood.
- Hoboken- This is a historic city located across the Hudson River from New York. The neighborhood has a variety of bars, restaurants, shops and more.
- Princeton- This is a charming town which is home to Princeton University, a variety of shops, restaurants and bars. You can also explore attractions like the Princeton Art Museum and the Princeton Public Library.
- Montclair- This neighborhood is located about 15 miles west of New York City and is one of the diverse and upscale neighborhoods.
- Ridgewood- This neighborhood is an affluent suburb located about 25 miles northwest of New York City. The main attractions of this neighborhood are the Ridgewood Art Center and the Ridgewood Public Library.
- Short Hills- This is an affluent township located about 25 miles southwest of New York City. This neighborhood has a variety of restaurants, bars and shops.
Source: Niche.com
Cost of living in New Jersey
The cost of living determines the total sum of money you will need to live in any state. The cost of living is evaluated by considering several different costs of basic requirements. So, before moving to New Jersey you must know the cost of living in the state and related parameters. the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) the cost of living in New Jersey is 13% higher than the national average.In this section of the guide, we have compiled data related to cost of living in New Jersey-
Cost of Living by Categories in New Jersey vs USA 2022
Category | New Jersey | USA |
---|---|---|
Groceries | $1,200 | $1,000 |
Transportation | $1,000 | $800 |
Housing | $2,000 | $1,500 |
Utilities | $200 | $150 |
Healthcare | $500 | $400 |
Other expenses | $300 | $250 |
Source: Cost of Living Index 2022 by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER)
Median House Price in New Jersey vs USA 2022
State/Country | Median House Price (2022) |
---|---|
New Jersey | $496,687 |
USA | $428,700 |
Source: National Association of Realtors
Median Rent Price in New Jersey vs USA 2022
State/Country | Median Rent Price (2022) |
---|---|
New Jersey | $1,463 |
USA | $1,197 |
Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022
Housing market in New Jersey
The housing market in New Jersey is currently colling off after experiencing rapid price increases in recent years. Several factors are responsible for the slowdown in the housing market including rising interest rates, mortgage rates and decline in demand.
Source: Redfin
Average rental cost in New Jersey
The average rental cost in New Jersey is $2,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, $3,000 per month for a two-bedroom apartment and $3,500 per month for a three-bedroom apartment. The rent of the apartment depends on the location and type of property. The value can also be affected by the size and amenities available in the house.
Source: Zillow
Median Home Value in New Jersey
According to Zillow, the median home value in New Jersey in November 2023 was $494,792. The median home value depends on the type, size and location of the property.
New Jersey job market
Most people move to a new state or city to get a better job or for a higher position on their current profile. If you are moving to New Jersey for a new job or better employment opportunities, you must know about the job market in the state. The economy in New Jersey is diverse with a strong job market. There are a variety of industries offering job opportunities at different profiles and pay scales.In this section of the guide, we have compiled data related to the job market in New Jersey-
Number of Households by Income Level in New Jersey
Income Level | Number of Households | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Less than $15,000 | 125,154 | 5.1% |
$15,000 to $24,999 | 181,500 | 7.4% |
$25,000 to $34,999 | 226,116 | 9.2% |
$35,000 to $49,999 | 337,400 | 13.7% |
$50,000 to $74,999 | 520,200 | 21.1% |
$75,000 to $99,999 | 404,300 | 16.4% |
$100,000 or more | 676,243 | 27.3% |
Source: Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2021
Median Income in New Jersey vs USA
State/Country | Median Income |
---|---|
New Jersey | $90,598 |
USA | $67,521 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2022
Unemployment Rate in New Jersey vs USA
State/Country | Unemployment Rate |
---|---|
New Jersey | 5.2% |
USA | 3.7% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Major industries in New Jersey
New Jersey is home to several industries like Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Pfizer, Eli Lily and Company and more. We have listed the major industries flourishing in New Jersey-- Pharmaceuticals
- Life Science
- Manufacturing
- Technology
- Transportation and logistics
Top Career Options in New Jersey
If you are moving to New Jersey to start your career or looking for a change in your job then you need to check out the list of top career opportunities, their salary status and total employees on the mentioned profiles-Job Title | Average Salary | Entry level salary | No. of people |
---|---|---|---|
Software Engineer | $114,121 | $60,000 | 30,000 |
Registered Nurse | $92,508 | $55,000 | 110,000 |
Finance Manager | $108,692 | $65,000 | 20,000 |
Sales Representative | $66,709 | $40,000 | 100,000 |
Teacher, Secondary School | $76,970 | $50,000 | 60,000 |
General and Operations Manager | $118,205 | $70,000 | 30,000 |
Accountant and Auditor | $84,610 | $55,000 | 40,000 |
Web Developer | $80,310 | $50,000 | 20,000 |
Customer Service Representative | $50,160 | $35,000 | 120,000 |
Marketing Specialist | $64,850 | $40,000 | 20,000 |
Source: New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
Biggest companies in New Jersey
New Jersey is home to several pharmaceutical and healthcare industries and a hub for technology and manufacturing. The state is home to several transportation and logistics industries. Let us check out the list of the biggest companies in New Jersey-
City | Company | Industry | Employees |
---|---|---|---|
Jersey City | JPMorgan Chase & Co. | Finance | 15,000 |
Jersey City | Goldman Sachs | Finance | 10,000 |
Newark | Prudential Financial | Insurance | 8,000 |
Edison | Johnson & Johnson | Pharmaceuticals | 7,000 |
Piscataway | Verizon | Telecommunications | 6,000 |
Bridgewater | Amgen | Pharmaceuticals | 5,000 |
East Rutherford | MetLife | Insurance | 4,000 |
Summit | Celgene | Pharmaceuticals | 3,500 |
Madison | BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) | Medical technology | 3,000 |
Florham Park | BASF | Chemicals | 2,500 |
Cranbury | Dow Chemical | Chemicals | 2,000 |
Morristown | Honeywell | Conglomerate | 1,500 |
Mahwah | The Sherwin-Williams Company | Chemicals | 1,000 |
Parsippany | Allergan | Pharmaceuticals | 900 |
Warren | Teva Pharmaceutical Industries | Pharmaceuticals | 800 |
Source: Company websites and annual reports
Best things to do in New Jersey
Apart from job and lifestyle, people prefer a place to live that offers something to do during holidays, free time and just for fun. Here we have listed a few things that you can do in New Jersey-- Visit Cape May which is a seaside town famous for its Victorian architecture, beaches and delicious food.
- You can explore the sandy beaches, boardwalk games, and amusement parks and thus it is a popular summer destination.
- Visit the Liberty Science Center located in the Liberty State Park in Jersey City. There you can explore a planetarium and an IMAX theater.
- Go for a walk through the Pine Barrens which is a unique ecosystem with dense pine forests, wildlife and more.
- Explore the life and work of Thomas Edison at the Thomas Edison National Historical Park.
- Visit the Battleship New Jersey which is a retired battleship and now converted into a museum ship.
- Enjoy different cuisines at one of the popular restaurants like Al Di La Trattoria, Peter Luger Steak House, etc.
- Enjoy any sports of your choice as New Jersey is home to several professional sports teams.
Schools in New Jersey
A good education is a primary requirement for everyone. If you are moving to New Jersey then you should learn about the best schools in the state-Elementary schools in New Jersey |
---|
Roosevelt Public School, New Jersey |
Thomas Edison Energysmart Charter School, Edison |
Mendham Township Elementary School, Mendham |
Cornelia F. Bradford School Jersey City |
William F. Halloran School No. 22, Jersey City |
Middle Schools in New Jersey |
---|
Roosevelt Middle School, Edison |
Thomas Edison Middle School, Edison |
Mendham Township Middle School, Mendham |
Cornelia F. Bradford Middle School, Jersey City |
William F. Halloran School No.24, Jersey City |
High Schools in New Jersey |
---|
Princeton High School, Princeton |
Ridgewood High School, Ridgewood |
Millburn High School, Millburn |
Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, Scotch Plains |
Westfield High School, Westfield |
Colleges and Universities in New Jersey |
---|
Princeton University, Princeton |
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey |
Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken |
Drew University, Madison |
Seton Hall University, South Orange |
Source: Niche.com
Type of insurance required in New Jersey
Insurance provides you a peace of mind that your belongings are safe and protected. It will assure you that you will get compensated for any loss or damage. If you are moving to New Jersey, then you must know about the types of insurance required in the state-Auto Insurance- In New Jersey, all drivers are required to have auto insurance. The minimum required coverage for liability insurance is $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for bodily injury. The minimum required coverage for uninsured motorist coverage is $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for bodily injury.
The average cost of auto insurance in New Jersey is $1,828 per year.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)- This type of coverage will pay off the medical bills, lost wages and other expenses only if you are injured during the auto accident.
Homeowners Insurance- This type of insurance is highly recommended but is not required by Law in New Jersey. If you are a homeowner, buy this insurance as it will protect your home and household belongings from any damage or loss caused due to theft, fire, vandalism, and weather.
Renters Insurance- This type of insurance is not required by law but if you are living in a rental property, then you should buy this. This will protect your belongings in the rental house from theft, fire, weather, etc.
Commercial Insurance- If you are operating any business in New Jersey, then you should buy this type of insurance. The rate and coverage will depend on the type of business.
Workers’ compensation insurance- All employers in New Jersey have to buy workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. This will provide support to the employees who get ill or injured on the job. The average rate for workers’ compensation insurance is $0.84 per $100 of payroll.
Source: New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance
Taxes in New Jersey
Taxes are a major part of the cost of living, it can be a deciding factor whether you are moving to a new state or not. Following are different types of taxes in New Jersey-Income tax New Jersey has graduated income tax and the rates range between 1.4% and 10.75%. The rates of income tax depend on your taxable income.
Sales Tax- In New Jersey sales tax is applied on most of the goods and services you purchase. The sales tax rate in New Jersey is 6.625%. Though local municipalities can add some additional local sales, the rate of additional local sales tax is between 1% to 3.313%.
Estate Tax- This type of tax is imposed on the assets of an estate of a deceased person. The rate of the estate tax depends on the size of the estate and can range between 6% to 16%.
Property Tax- Property taxes in New Jersey are one of the highest property taxes in the country. The average property tax rate is 2.23%.
Inheritance tax This type of tax is imposed on the assets that are inherited from a deceased person. The inheritance tax rate depends on the size of the inheritance and the relationship between the deceased and the recipient. The inheritance tax rate can range between 1% to 16%.
Other than these taxes, the residents of New Jersey also pay federal income tax and Social Security and Medicare taxes.
Source: New Jersey Division of Taxation
FAQs
-
1. What is the income per capita in New Jersey?
Ans: As of 2022, the per capita personal income in New Jersey was $77,199
-
2. How does New Jersey rank in terms of wealth compared to other states?
Ans: New Jersey is one of the wealthiest states in the United States, ranking third in terms of median household income. The median household income in New Jersey is approximately $85,245, placing it behind Maryland and Massachusetts. This high median income is reflective of the state's robust economy, high-quality education system, and the diverse, high-paying industries present in the region
-
3. How large is the state of New Jersey in terms of total area?
Ans: New Jersey, though one of the smaller states in the U.S., spans a total area of 8,729 square miles.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.
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