Planning your move to the Garden State? You’re not alone! More than 30,000 people are moving to New Jersey annually, which is why NJ’s population has reached 9.26 million, growing 0.32% since 2022!
New Jersey is home to many Fortune 500 companies, leading to a thriving job market. The state has a median household income of 89,296, the 4th-highest nationally. With convenient access to New York City and Philadelphia, NJ remains a top choice for both professionals and families.
6 Reasons to Move to New Jersey
New Jersey is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are six reasons to move to the Garden State.
| # | Reasons to Move to NJ | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The cost of living in New Jersey is 11% above the national average. |
| 2. | Education | New Jersey serves over 1.4 million students across 600 school districts. |
| 3. | Employment | The state is home to 13 Fortune 500 companies including Merck, Campbell's and Cognizant. |
| 4. | Proximity to Major Cities | New Jersey is a 30-minute train ride to New York City and a 60-minute drive to Philadelphia. |
| 5. | Healthcare | The Garden State ranks 4th in healthcare with 113 hospitals. |
| 6. | Safety Index | New Jersey also ranks 3rd in the U.S. for public safety. |
1. Cost of Living
The cost of living in New Jersey is 11% higher than the national average. However, it’s an attractive option compared to other popular states like California and New York, where living costs are 38% and 26% above the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in New Jersey’s popular cities:
| Cities | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Newark | $527,500 | $1,557 | $88.2 | $178.12 | $644 |
| Jersey City | $635,000 | $3,722 | $118 | $118.73 | $620 |
| Paterson | $505,000 | $1,630 | $88 | $164.87 | $676 |
| Elizabeth | $639,500 | $1,777 | $71.2 | $164.87 | $642 |
2. Excellent Education System
New Jersey has the 4th-best education system in the US. The Garden State also has a 91.1% high school graduation rate, the highest in the nation. Here’s why NJ’s education system stands out:
- Top-Ranked Public Schools: New Jersey serves over 1.4 million students across 593 school districts. Districts like Princeton, Millburn, and West Windsor-Plainsboro are recognized nationally for their academic success.
- Specialized Magnet and Charter Schools: NJ has over 85 charter schools that offer specialized programs in STEM and arts. These schools are tuition-free. Notable schools include Bergen County Academies and High Technology High School.
- Private School: New Jersey is home to 1,292 private schools, which are known for their academic excellence and personalized attention. The average tuition for private schools is about $15,804 annually. Prestigious private schools in NJ include The Lawrenceville School and The Pingry School.
- Ivy League Education: New Jersey is home to Princeton University, an Ivy League school often ranked as the best university in the U.S. It is renowned for its world-class faculty, research, and academic programs.
3. Employment Opportunities
The Garden State is home to 13 Fortune 500 companies. It offers employment opportunities in several key industries:
- Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences: New Jersey is known as the “Medicine Chest of the World”. The state is home to over 3,200 life sciences companies, including household names like Johnson & Johnson and Merck. The state offers high-paying jobs across research, development, and manufacturing.
- Financial Services: New Jersey’s financial services industry employs nearly 218,000 people with an average annual salary of $138,000. Its proximity to Wall Street and the presence of major employers like Prudential and Goldman Sachs make it a financial powerhouse.
- Technology & Innovation: New Jersey has a rapidly growing tech sector with a presence of companies like Verizon and Cognizant. As a result, employment in data analysis is projected to grow by 27% and software development roles by 19% in 2024.
- Healthcare: Healthcare is one of New Jersey’s most promising industries, with nearly 460,612 jobs across hospitals and research facilities. Major employers like RWJBarnabas Health and Hackensack Meridian Health provide roles ranging from clinical care to medical research.
4. Proximity to Major Cities
New Jersey offers quick access to key metropolitan areas. New York City is just a 15 to 20-minute train ride from Newark, while Philadelphia is about a 60-minute drive from southern New Jersey. Washington, D.C. is roughly a 2-3-hour drive away.
With extensive public transportation options like NJ Transit Rail and Amtrak, you can easily commute for work or recreational activities. New Jersey’s location provides access to the amenities of big cities at a relatively affordable cost of living.
5. Strong Healthcare System
New Jersey ranks 4th in the nation for healthcare. The state is home to over 113 hospitals, many of which specialize in areas such as oncology, cardiology, and orthopedics.
Notable institutions like Hackensack University Medical Center are renowned for their exceptional cardiac care and medical research. Additionally, facilities like the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) at Camden are recognized for their outstanding pediatric services.
6. High Safety Index
New Jersey ranks 3rd in the nation for public safety, with a violent crime rate of 202.9 incidents per 100,000 residents—significantly lower than the national average of 380.7. The state also boasts a robust law enforcement presence, with 424 officers for every 100,000 residents.
Notably, Bergenfield, Pequannock Township, Denville Township, and Bernardsville are recognized among the top 10 safest cities in the US.
Cost of Moving to New Jersey 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to NJ:
1. Moving Costs ≈ $468 to $4,439
Moving to NJ involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- New Jersey movers typically cost $135 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to New Jersey.
2. Utility Expenses ≈ $400 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to New Jersey.
- When moving to NJ, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average utility bill in New Jersey is around $453/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in New Jersey. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in NJ ranges between $35 to $84. A standard title transfer costs around $60.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Garden State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson, the average rent ranges between $1,300 to $3,300.
- However, buying can be complex as home prices vary across the state. Make sure you find cheap houses for sale in New Jersey in your budget. Homes in coastal cities like Jersey City have a median home price of $635K. On the other hand in inland cities like Trenton, it is $210K.
3 Things to Know Before Moving to New Jersey💡
Before you pack your bags for the Garden State, you should know about these key factors that could impact your experience:
1. High Tax Burdens
New Jersey has one of the highest property taxes in the US. The average property tax rate is 2.47%, which translates to thousands of dollars each year.
Income taxes in the Garden State range from 1.4% to 10.75%, depending on how much you earn. The sales tax rate is 6.625%.
2. Weather Conditions
Winter temperatures in NJ often dip below freezing, and the state often experiences major snowstorms. Summers can be uncomfortably humid, with temperatures reaching 80°F to 90°F.
The state also faces risks from hurricanes and tropical storms, especially in coastal areas. You can purchase hazard insurance to protect your property.
3. Traffic Congestion
New Jersey is one of the most congested states in the US. Commuters spend an average of 31.1 minutes each way getting to work, which is the third-longest commute time in the country.
Major highways like the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike are often clogged, particularly during rush hours. For example, the Turnpike experiences over 250,000 vehicles per day.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to New Jersey ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition:
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you relocate to NJ. Get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location before visiting the locality.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that New Jersey neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
Is Moving to New Jersey a Good Idea?
Yes, moving to New Jersey can be a great opportunity! The state offers plenty of job options, top-rated schools, and exceptional healthcare. Whether you prefer lively suburbs or peaceful beach towns, the Garden State has something for everyone.
While moving can be challenging, planning ahead will make it easier. Make sure to do your research and budget adequately to make your move as smooth as possible.
Browse Homes For Sale in New Jersey by Price and Type
Frequently Asked Questions
How much would it cost to move to New Jersey?
The average moving cost in NJ can go up to $4,439. However, this depends on the quantity you're moving and how far you're moving.
Is New Jersey cheaper than New York?
Yes, New Jersey is significantly cheaper than New York. The cost of living in NJ is 64% lower than in New York.
>> Cheap homes for sale in New Jersey: Find affordable houses to buy in the Garden State.
What to know before moving to New Jersey?
A few things to know before moving to NJ include an understanding of your tax burden, the extreme weather and traffic congestion.
What are some of the good places to live in New Jersey?
Montclair, Toms River, and Jersey City are some of best places to live in New Jersey. Jersey City is known for its modern city life, historic charm, and beach access. Monmouth County is often considered an excellent place to live, work, vacation, and raise a family.
What are some cheap places to live in New Jersey?
Camden and Vineland are some of cheapest places to live in New Jersey. The median home price in Camden and Vineland is $128K and $300K, respectively. Living costs are 5.8% and 14.4%% below the national average.
