Moving from New York to New Jersey

Jersey City Waterfront with Hudson River from Manhattan at Sunset

Thinking of making the leap from the bustling streets of New York City to the picturesque neighborhoods of New Jersey? Relocating to the Garden State can be a refreshing change of pace, but there are factors to consider before you pack your bags. Below, we’ll dive into the crucial aspects of moving from NY to NJ, from cost of living to recreational attractions. Join us as we explore everything you should know to ensure a smooth transition and make the most of your new life in New Jersey!

Lifestyle and Culture

New Jersey’s lifestyle and culture differ significantly from that of New York City, despite their close proximity. Here are some key comparisons:

  • Pace of Life – New York City is renowned for its fast-paced, bustling lifestyle. On the other hand, New Jersey has a more laid-back and suburban energy, especially in certain areas. While there are urban centers in New Jersey, the overall pace of life tends to be slower and more family-oriented.
  • Recreation – New Jersey boasts a beautiful coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, as well as numerous local parks (including Liberty State Park) and recreational areas such as Six Flags Great Adventure. While New York City certainly offers some parks and green spaces, the accessibility of nature differs compared to New Jersey.
  • Community – For many, New Jersey provides more space and a sense of community, particularly in suburban neighborhoods, compared to the density of New York City. At the same time, NYC is just a quick commute away.

All these benefits explain why New Jersey has become the adopted home for an increasing number of NYC natives.

Housing

Rents in NYC are famously high—this is in fact one of the primary reasons why so many New Yorkers move to another area. In New Jersey, however, renting and buying real estate is a much less expensive endeavor.

Often, moving to New Jersey is what finally enables a person or family to make the leap from renter to homeowner. Even Jersey City, NJ, where home prices are notably higher than in other parts of the state, is still generally more affordable than Manhattan, where many local residents commute to on a daily basis.

But if you’re thinking about buying a house in New Jersey, you need to be aware of a potentially large expense that is often overlooked: property taxes. The property tax here (2.49%) is the highest in the United States, and it’s something to keep in mind if you want to live in New Jersey.

Commuting and Transportation

It’s no secret that New Jersey has a less extensive public transportation system than New York City, but the differences between the two areas aren’t necessarily as dramatic as you might think.

New Jersey Transit (NJ Transit) is the primary agency responsible for providing public transportation services across the state. It operates a comprehensive bus network that covers urban, suburban, and rural areas.

The backbone of New Jersey’s public transportation system is its rail network. NJ Transit operates several commuter rail lines that connect cities and towns to New York City and Philadelphia. These trains offer a popular mode of transportation for daily commuters, with stations located strategically to facilitate convenient access.

Additionally, New Jersey has light rail systems in certain regions, such as the Hudson–Bergen Light Rail and the Newark Light Rail. These light rail lines provide more localized transport within urban areas.

Even so, many NY transplants to New Jersey opt to drive their own vehicle. If they’ve been accustomed to NYC’s transportation system, this may even be the first time in their lives that they have owned a car or truck. It’s certainly a doable option; commuting to New York City by car is easy via Interstate I-95 or I-78.

To speed up interactions with toll facilities, it may be worthwhile to invest in an NJ E-ZPass. Also, when considering your transportation costs, be sure to include auto insurance (remember that rates are calculated partly on ZIP Code) and gasoline expenses.

Using a Reputable Mover

New York City midtown Manhattan skyline panorama view from Boulevard East Old Glory Park over Hudson River

When selecting a moving company for your relocation, it doesn’t pay to cut corners with a fly-by-night outfit that could end up costing you a small fortune in damaged property and possibly even outright theft. Using a reputable mover when relocating from New York City to New Jersey is crucial for a smooth and stress-free transition.

Moving to a new state involves significant logistics and potential challenges, and an experienced moving company can provide valuable expertise throughout the process. It is also more likely to have appropriate licenses and insurance, ensuring the protection of your possessions during the move. Always avoid companies that can’t provide insurance info or have no physical address.

When you work with Samba Moving, you can be assured that you’re hiring skilled professional movers who can get the job done right. Based in the Bronx, we’re fully licensed, insured, and bonded, and all our employees have passed a rigorous background check. With more than ten years of experience in the industry, we specialize in interstate and long-distance moving as well as NYC-area relocations.

Ready to embark on your New York to New Jersey journey? Embrace insider knowledge and make an informed move with confidence! To learn more, reach out to us for a quick quote on your moving costs.