New Jersey is bordered by the states of New York and Pennsylvania in the north, Delaware and Delaware Bay in the west, and the Atlantic Ocean in the south. It is a small state with a storied history of industrialization, agriculture, and natural beauty. New Jerseyans are known for their tenacious work ethic and grit. The Garden State is home to numerous historic sites and has been a model for progressive economic, social, and political reform.
New York City lies to the south and Philadelphia to the north, making New Jersey part of a Northeast megalopolis with over 50 million people. As the most densely populated state in the nation, New Jersey is also one of its most diverse. Many people claim a connection to the State through family ties, a college or university education, or professional and recreational pursuits.
The state’s geography and its strategic location helped to shape the history of the United States, and it has been a place where ideas have spread, gaining influence beyond its borders. New Jersey’s people have a deep and abiding pride in their State. This can be seen in the designation of several State symbols that began as schoolroom civics lessons and have come to embody the special elements of life in New Jersey.
In the 19th century northern New Jersey became heavily industrialized, while southern New Jersey remained largely agricultural. A new constitution in 1947 strengthened the office of governor and streamlined a convoluted judicial system. It ordered desegregation in schools and the National Guard – progressive steps well before the civil rights revolution – and guaranteed the right of labor to organize and bargain collectively.
In modern times, the State has become a center for pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Other important sectors include finance, manufacturing, and transportation.
New Jersey is also a leader in environmental initiatives. The state has strict air and water quality standards that have led to innovative programs such as recycling, clean-up of toxic waste, and protection of wetlands and the Delaware River Basin.
Homeownership is a popular option in the state, where the median sale price of homes stands at $494,900. Buyers can find a wide variety of options, including single-family homes, townhomes, and adult community apartments.
The cost of living in new jersey is higher than the national average. The state’s high taxes and prices make it a challenge for many families, although New Jersey ranks highly for employment opportunities and the availability of affordable housing. The state’s diverse population includes a large number of immigrants, resulting in a wide diversity of faiths, races, and ethnicities. It also has a long tradition of representative self-government.