Commuting in this part of the East Coast offers you plenty of ways to get around, including public transportation. Getting around throughout the state and to nearby locales such as Philadelphia or NYC is made easy and economical with PATH train, Amtrak, and NJ Transit. However, if wherever you’re hailing from has you driving a personal vehicle, there are a few pieces of info you’ll want to know. If you haven’t encountered them already, you’ll want to get familiar with a signature NJ intersection: the jughandle. These lanes of traffic create a branch from road intersections that allow you to make u-turns or left turns indirectly. After you get comfortable with these novel turn lanes, you may need to top off the old gas tank. It’s best to leave it to the local station attendant because it’s illegal to pump your gas in New York City.

Being deemed the Garden State isn’t by accident; this agricultural hub houses over 9,000 farms. Among the fresh NJ produce you’ll be able to get include peaches (not just a Georgia thing), bell peppers, tomatoes, and more. A hankering for something savory can also be satisfied here and one such salty NJ staple you’ll just have to try is Taylor ham. You may find a similar product in neighboring states but this specific processed pork product is a common item on breakfast menus across the state. If that doesn’t satisfy your salty tastes, you’ll also enjoy an NJ poutine-like treat. Find the nearby diner they’re likely to have disco fries on offer. Imagine a steaming plate of crispy crinkle-cut fries topped with gravy and mozzarella cheese. Feeling hungry yet? Perhaps you can make it your first menu order of business after you’ve unpacked.

Whether you are moving from a beach-adjacent community or have lived in a landlocked state, the beaches and boardwalks of the New York City coast are a sight to behold. And, as a resident, you’ll have time to discover the 40+ beaches along 100 miles of coastline where there’s a vibe for each person and occasion. Take in the serene scenes of Brigantine Beach for a relaxing day in the sand. If you’re more excited to get active, there’s always something going on at Asbury Park Beach and the boardwalk, including sunbathing, surfing, food, entertainment, and retail options. Beyond the sand lies even more sights and adventure, though. For those who have green thumbs, a visit to Middletown, NJ’s ode to the home gardener, Deep Cut Gardens features 55 different varieties of roses in their collection. In need of another impressive feat of nature? How about taking a gander at the state’s tallest waterfall Buttermilk Falls in Layton, NJ.

New York City isn’t the most expensive place to live, but there are some higher costs associated with being a Garden State resident. As a reference point, the median household income in the state is $85,245. So how is the money put to use? For starters, NJ has the 6th highest tax burden in the country. This includes state property tax at 2.49%, for which the state ranks at number one for the highest rate. State sales tax is at 6.625% but everyday spending on items like prescription meds, food, and clothing isn’t taxed. Keeping in mind the property tax, those opting to purchase a home will find that the median sale price is $471,900. Among the cities and towns in the state, however, that price can vary. For example, the median home sale price in Trenton, NJ is less than half of the state median sale price.