Jersey City

So as I'm doing the condo searching, I'm thinking about the whole "I'm from Jersey" thing. Moreover, I'd also be from jersey city!!

Since my parents more to jersey the summer of 2001, I've always said that I was from Virginia. In college, I'd say that my parents live in jersey but I'm from Virginia. But after working and living post-college in jersey, it's finally time for me to admit that I'm from Jersey. But why is this something that I have to admit? It should just be... "I'm from New Jersey." or "Yeah I'm moving to Jersey City."

At some point almost everyone inevitably leaves the city. In fact, my company's marketing vendor has a chart that shows different client segments. My managing director was no where to be found: over 30, with kids, makes a solid chunk of exec salary. I guess the assumption that when you get older, or start a family, or make a solid chunk of change, you leave the city. (clearly there are exceptions but apparently not a solid % of Americans to make it on a list of 64 client segments.)

So the 'burbs... We've for Westchester, Long Island, Connecticut and Jersey. All four have nice places: Scarsdale, Rye, Bronxville, & Larchmont in Westchester; Hewitt Bay Park and Mill Neck in Long Island; Greenwich and Stamford in Connecticut. And Jersey? Jersey has a number of neighborhoods that are up there as well: Bedminster, Saddle River, Deal, shoot -- Hunterdon County was ranked the richest county in the country recently. And it's not that jersey is the only place that has poor areas...

So I'm thinking, it must be the stereotypes. The stereotypes of the loud jersey shore, the homeless people in newark, the "Oil Heats Best" along the turnpike. But why must these stereotypes ruin it for everyone from there?

It really does make me sad. And even sadder that I know people who actively choose to live in non-jersey just because they don't want to live in jersey even tho it would make more sense to live in jersey. Jersey taxes are cheaper. There are just as many commuter trains. And there are so many benefits of actually living here. Were a huge produce state with the most eggplant and pepper produced of any state. There's plenty of fruit, berry, and vege picking everywhere. There are gardens every other town.

And the best part about Jersey and specifically Jersey City and Hoboken are the views. The amazing views along the Hudson River.



Walking around Jersey City, I sat on a park bench at the very end of a park looking at the New York financial district...

So yeah. I guess New Jersey isn't so bad and neither is Jersey City. It'll just take a while to get used to it.


-- Post From My iPhone