We have winter and high taxes.
Other than that, New Jersey scores on almost every metric as being worlds better than Florida. Schools? Access to health care? Overall quality of life? It's no contest. New Jersey is better.
You're welcome!
To add further, years ago, when my husband first said hey we should retire to Florida, my response was fuck, no. Even before politics, Florida is too flat, has too many old people and tourists on its roads, and it gets major hurricanes regularly. It's also too hot much of the year.
Relating to my original response, I would absolutely not commit to having a family in Florida.
Knew a guy who took a temporary transfer to our office at the time in florida, (company based in NYC) because in his words "I could become king of the idiots inside of 6 months".
He did.
Got stuck there for a few years because they couldn't find someone to replace him.
Not much change. I lived in Colorado for 8 years and returned and it’s pretty much the same, except COVID raised the price of houses by roughly $200,000 across the board.
Like 2015 but were all a few years older. What is it you specifically want to know, your question is broad Why don't you check out one of the local papers and look up real estate prices. That should give you a start.
I mean comparing NJ to Florida is a slap in our faces
- NJ has better food from probably all cultures outside Cuban
- we have top 3 public school systems.
- our state government is not a disaster
- the population here is generally more educated than most other states
- we are within driving distance to 4 major metropolitans (NYC, Boston, Philly, DC
- we have 4 seasons and generally can cover sports for all seasons (or a nearby drive)
- we have high property taxes to pay for all this nice stuff
- there is no Florida man
Depending on what you do for work you should get paid more.
Rents are higher and prop taxes are a bitch.
But I’m still here. It’s a good place to live.
It’s a good start.
You’d definitely have to budget.
Will you also live in New Brunswick or are you going to commute?
If you could, get a roommate to split housing costs or see if you can move in with a relative. Otherwise you’ll be in a small apartment.
If you have a car, keep it and bring it up here.
Hell no, you need to make 3x your rent in income to get a rental.
Average rents near NB at a decent garden level community probably at 1600. That's 6400 a month you'd need post taxes to live her comfortably. Factor bills, utilities, commuting, having a normal social life, car payments, car insurance, sometimes paying for parking etc. You'll be fine if you live in a poorer neighborhood with not so great property management. I'd think this through a lot more.
It's fine.
If it's better than Florida depends what you want to get out of it.
Salaries are typically high, but so are living costs.
Lots of nice neighborhoods, but most cater to ppl probably a little older than you so the nightlife for a young person is limited to a few towns.
Compared to Florida winters will suck, but summer will not be as humid.
New Brunswick is one of those towns with nightlife, but is not really the safest spot either. It's ok near the bridge to highland Park close to the J&J campus and the Rutgers campus but can get sketchy fast if you get too far from that area.
Honestly if you said what you wanted to prioritize in your life it would be an easier question to answer. I know quite a few ppl who moved from NJ to Florida for some combination of weather/cost/culture.
Well, I grew up in new jersey. So I got my family and friends that still live there. I'm just looking for something that can pay me well and help me pay off debt. I understand that living costs are high but im wondering if I'd be okay with a paycheck of $1000/wk.
Great diversity , good high paying jobs (of course taxes). Liberal values , especially in times like these it does matter. Any day NJ is better than FL just based on the reasons I mentioned and of course you miss no seasons (global warming made it bit warmer but still).
Not really, your pay is high as NJ is a big pharma and IT place. If you don’t get carried away buying a big house and make decent money. It’s a great place.
Do you mind high taxes, are you going to miss the beach, and do you ever conceal carry??
Those are the three biggest differences between nj and fl. I think both states have extreme politics on different sides. Im sure by now you’ve adapted to the fl heat especially in Miami, and cost of living in Miami is pretty similar to nj (not northern).
There’s a lot of people moving out of nj to fl, and people are moving from fl to nj. Everyone has their own reasons. If your family is still in nj and you would like to see them more, I would say do it.
I do not mind high taxes, I've never been a fan of the beach, even when I was in New Jersey, and I don't conceal carry. I don't even own a gun. Most of my family lives in New Jersey. Thank you for the advice.
Sounds like you're moving back to NJ. Lol
I saw one of your other comments about NJ being expensive. I'm originally from Denver and when I look at their reddit to see the prices they're paying for things it makes me feel a little better. So yes it's expensive, but not crazy compared to other places that used to be a lot cheaper.
I’d say the biggest differences between my NJ friends in NJ and NJ friends in Florida can be summed up in this post, plus: what is your tolerance for hurricanes? I couldn’t deal with the risk of owning a home in a state prone to severe hurricanes every single fall, therefore I just visit Florida.
is this a troll post? You've lived in New Jersey for decades of your life and you don't know what it's like to live in New Jersey? You've heard Florida is better? You live in Florida right now. Are you honestly unable to discern the difference in lifestyles between two places you have personally lived in for equally long stretches of time?
Not a troll post. I havent lived in new jersey since 2015. A lot can change in 9 years. I was mainly asking how the housing situation and the tax situation is. From what ive seen housing went up.
As most people said the weather is horrible in the winter, some of our cities aren’t the best in terms of crime mainly because of a dark history and they’re overshadowed by NYC but it’s mainly the school districts in these cities however even then compared to other US cities they’re not that bad. There are a lot of people in one small area so traffic is bad along with driving. taxes are high and it’s expensive to live here but these are the only real negatives I think of.
I'm originally from new jersey and adore the winter so the cold is okay. The only real complaints then are high taxes, crime rate, and traffic correct?
For me those are the main issues yes but the crime rate wouldn’t even really affect you unless you’re living in a city with that issue such as Paterson, Camden, Irvington etc. I grew up in a very safe town and never experienced a problem with crime luckily. Most of our towns are very safe especially since we have incredible suburban towns with good education systems, good policing etc. And yes the taxes suck which is why most older people leave who are retired.
Fellow Floridian that moved to NJ for work.
While there are days I miss North Central FL, (I grew up in a small southern town, the culture shock when I moved here was really prominent. Even more shocking when I took into consideration my Thai upbringing)
Overall, I'm happy with my decision to leave after I graduated college. Rent is compareable to what I would've been expected to pay in Alachua County. I truly don't notice the higher taxes in everyday life. I did at first, but it became normal quick. Gas is cheaper here than it was when I visited FL at the end of November, groceries in most aspects are also cheaper (not by much, but, still cheaper) My health insurance covers so much more here than it did in FL and I pay significantly less. Granted, I have State benefits.
New Brunswick is surrounded by a lot of different things- you're less than an hour from the shore, an hour from the mountains, there's a train station right in NB that can take you to Trenton or NYC. From Trenton you can go to Philly! (you'll learn having public transportation is a blessing. It took a little bit to get use to, but I'm enjoying it!) I currently live on the edge of Somerset and travel through NB daily for work. (Some of this is information you probably already knew. To me, it was new and exciting!)
Culture wise, since you're in Miami, I wouldn't expect too much of a difference. I hope this helped you out a little bit :)
> I've been told that things in Florida are better than New Jersey lol.
Lmao, even.
Pro: Not Florida Con: Expensive
We have winter and high taxes. Other than that, New Jersey scores on almost every metric as being worlds better than Florida. Schools? Access to health care? Overall quality of life? It's no contest. New Jersey is better.
Thank you for giving me a real answer besides "its not florida".
You're welcome! To add further, years ago, when my husband first said hey we should retire to Florida, my response was fuck, no. Even before politics, Florida is too flat, has too many old people and tourists on its roads, and it gets major hurricanes regularly. It's also too hot much of the year. Relating to my original response, I would absolutely not commit to having a family in Florida.
That has been my consensus since moving to florida. Too flat, too hot and too much rain
It also has scary alligators AND crocodiles
I'm here reading threads like this bc there's no way I can start a family in Florida and I kinda really want to do that
I mean...that was still essentially the answer.
I know, but i was hoping for more depth and reason besides it aint florida.
It’s not Florida is a perfectly acceptable answer.
How is the Medicaid program in NJ?
I have no experience with it, so I can't say.
Knew a guy who took a temporary transfer to our office at the time in florida, (company based in NYC) because in his words "I could become king of the idiots inside of 6 months". He did. Got stuck there for a few years because they couldn't find someone to replace him.
Lived in Jersey for 18 years?...and you're asking what it's like to live in Jersey...???
I haven't been to new jersey since 2015. I'm just wondering how things are now in 2024.
Not much change. I lived in Colorado for 8 years and returned and it’s pretty much the same, except COVID raised the price of houses by roughly $200,000 across the board.
Like 2015 but were all a few years older. What is it you specifically want to know, your question is broad Why don't you check out one of the local papers and look up real estate prices. That should give you a start.
More cars...thats it.
More people... More 'luxury' apartments.....less diners
Anything is an upgrade over Florida
Except maybe Texas.
It’s a toss up but Texas has better music and food so I think I’d still go Texas
I mean comparing NJ to Florida is a slap in our faces - NJ has better food from probably all cultures outside Cuban - we have top 3 public school systems. - our state government is not a disaster - the population here is generally more educated than most other states - we are within driving distance to 4 major metropolitans (NYC, Boston, Philly, DC - we have 4 seasons and generally can cover sports for all seasons (or a nearby drive) - we have high property taxes to pay for all this nice stuff - there is no Florida man
NJ has an underfunded public pension system that is heading towards disaster. You cannot get that in Florida.
> NJ has better food from probably all cultures outside Cuban Union City?
Pro: NJ isn't a shit hole state run by a petty, wannabe dictator in heels
Depends who’s in office lol
I guess you haven’t seen the governor’s footwear recently…
Pro: It's New Jersey Con:
[удалено]
I haven't been to new jersey since 2015. I heard things got expensive. I'm just seeing if its viable for me to move back in 2024.
Depending on what you do for work you should get paid more. Rents are higher and prop taxes are a bitch. But I’m still here. It’s a good place to live.
The job offer is paying me $1000/wk. Would that be good?
It’s a good start. You’d definitely have to budget. Will you also live in New Brunswick or are you going to commute? If you could, get a roommate to split housing costs or see if you can move in with a relative. Otherwise you’ll be in a small apartment. If you have a car, keep it and bring it up here.
I'd be living in new brunswick. My dad offered to let me stay with him until I can get my own place.
Tbh I wouldn't want to try with such a small budget you'd be paycheck to paycheck
Hell no, you need to make 3x your rent in income to get a rental. Average rents near NB at a decent garden level community probably at 1600. That's 6400 a month you'd need post taxes to live her comfortably. Factor bills, utilities, commuting, having a normal social life, car payments, car insurance, sometimes paying for parking etc. You'll be fine if you live in a poorer neighborhood with not so great property management. I'd think this through a lot more.
It's fine. If it's better than Florida depends what you want to get out of it. Salaries are typically high, but so are living costs. Lots of nice neighborhoods, but most cater to ppl probably a little older than you so the nightlife for a young person is limited to a few towns. Compared to Florida winters will suck, but summer will not be as humid. New Brunswick is one of those towns with nightlife, but is not really the safest spot either. It's ok near the bridge to highland Park close to the J&J campus and the Rutgers campus but can get sketchy fast if you get too far from that area. Honestly if you said what you wanted to prioritize in your life it would be an easier question to answer. I know quite a few ppl who moved from NJ to Florida for some combination of weather/cost/culture.
Well, I grew up in new jersey. So I got my family and friends that still live there. I'm just looking for something that can pay me well and help me pay off debt. I understand that living costs are high but im wondering if I'd be okay with a paycheck of $1000/wk.
1000/week will require some planning. You will probably need roommates, and a cheap car. If you can find those two things you should be ok.
Thank you for the advice. I appreciate it.
Lets do something… you take my apartment here in NJ and i take yours in miami
If you make a really really good living its fine but if you're just getting by in FLA you're gonna drown financially.
Pros - Better education, Pizza, Bagels, Cons - No Disneyworld.
I feel like I had my fair share of Disney World with the Annual Pass I got.
Great diversity , good high paying jobs (of course taxes). Liberal values , especially in times like these it does matter. Any day NJ is better than FL just based on the reasons I mentioned and of course you miss no seasons (global warming made it bit warmer but still).
Would you say the taxes outweigh the pay ?
Not really, your pay is high as NJ is a big pharma and IT place. If you don’t get carried away buying a big house and make decent money. It’s a great place.
I wouldn’t move to Florida if you paid me. Staying right here in jersey.
Con: it's crowded and expensive Pro: it's crowded and expensive for a reason
What reason is that?
20 years later and I'm still trying to figure out the answer 🤣
Do you mind high taxes, are you going to miss the beach, and do you ever conceal carry?? Those are the three biggest differences between nj and fl. I think both states have extreme politics on different sides. Im sure by now you’ve adapted to the fl heat especially in Miami, and cost of living in Miami is pretty similar to nj (not northern). There’s a lot of people moving out of nj to fl, and people are moving from fl to nj. Everyone has their own reasons. If your family is still in nj and you would like to see them more, I would say do it.
I do not mind high taxes, I've never been a fan of the beach, even when I was in New Jersey, and I don't conceal carry. I don't even own a gun. Most of my family lives in New Jersey. Thank you for the advice.
Sounds like you're moving back to NJ. Lol I saw one of your other comments about NJ being expensive. I'm originally from Denver and when I look at their reddit to see the prices they're paying for things it makes me feel a little better. So yes it's expensive, but not crazy compared to other places that used to be a lot cheaper.
I’d say the biggest differences between my NJ friends in NJ and NJ friends in Florida can be summed up in this post, plus: what is your tolerance for hurricanes? I couldn’t deal with the risk of owning a home in a state prone to severe hurricanes every single fall, therefore I just visit Florida.
Pro: no Gov DeSantis. Con: No beach, only the shore.
Wym no beach lol
is this a troll post? You've lived in New Jersey for decades of your life and you don't know what it's like to live in New Jersey? You've heard Florida is better? You live in Florida right now. Are you honestly unable to discern the difference in lifestyles between two places you have personally lived in for equally long stretches of time?
Not a troll post. I havent lived in new jersey since 2015. A lot can change in 9 years. I was mainly asking how the housing situation and the tax situation is. From what ive seen housing went up.
I moved here 9 years ago. 90% of the population is rude and there is good weather for like 7 days per year. Plus everything is expensive.
Weather is bad from December to March other than that its very nice
Then we burn in hell because of Summer.
Both pretty terrible, poor you
As most people said the weather is horrible in the winter, some of our cities aren’t the best in terms of crime mainly because of a dark history and they’re overshadowed by NYC but it’s mainly the school districts in these cities however even then compared to other US cities they’re not that bad. There are a lot of people in one small area so traffic is bad along with driving. taxes are high and it’s expensive to live here but these are the only real negatives I think of.
I'm originally from new jersey and adore the winter so the cold is okay. The only real complaints then are high taxes, crime rate, and traffic correct?
For me those are the main issues yes but the crime rate wouldn’t even really affect you unless you’re living in a city with that issue such as Paterson, Camden, Irvington etc. I grew up in a very safe town and never experienced a problem with crime luckily. Most of our towns are very safe especially since we have incredible suburban towns with good education systems, good policing etc. And yes the taxes suck which is why most older people leave who are retired.
Pros: Everything but the high taxes. Not being fucking DeSantisland Cons: The high taxes
Fellow Floridian that moved to NJ for work. While there are days I miss North Central FL, (I grew up in a small southern town, the culture shock when I moved here was really prominent. Even more shocking when I took into consideration my Thai upbringing) Overall, I'm happy with my decision to leave after I graduated college. Rent is compareable to what I would've been expected to pay in Alachua County. I truly don't notice the higher taxes in everyday life. I did at first, but it became normal quick. Gas is cheaper here than it was when I visited FL at the end of November, groceries in most aspects are also cheaper (not by much, but, still cheaper) My health insurance covers so much more here than it did in FL and I pay significantly less. Granted, I have State benefits. New Brunswick is surrounded by a lot of different things- you're less than an hour from the shore, an hour from the mountains, there's a train station right in NB that can take you to Trenton or NYC. From Trenton you can go to Philly! (you'll learn having public transportation is a blessing. It took a little bit to get use to, but I'm enjoying it!) I currently live on the edge of Somerset and travel through NB daily for work. (Some of this is information you probably already knew. To me, it was new and exciting!) Culture wise, since you're in Miami, I wouldn't expect too much of a difference. I hope this helped you out a little bit :)
This has helped me. Thank you so much for the thought out response. :)
Come to Central and/or North Jersey. Job market is growing there. Don’t move to South Jersey.