Life in New Jersey
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11/14/2007
I became "stuck" in New Jersey once I got married, started a career and began a family of my own. After a certain point, it was too expensive to move away than to stay to retirement. I live in central New Jersey along the shore between Sandy Hook and Asbury Park. New Jersey--at least the northern half--is not a good place to live. It's very expensive (not much, if anything, left over after paying expenses!) And, NJ has its own way of doing everything! Usually, NJ's way of doing something does not conform to the real world's way. Every state politician I've seen elected has turned out to be a loose canon. All major projects or changes are done in the name of saving money, but--in the end--the taxpayers end up paying more. A good example is "gambling." It was well known that illegal gambling ran rampant in the state until several years ago when gambling was legalized in Atlantic City and the state lottery. The change in laws was pushed through the government and approved by the citizens because legal gambling would pay for education in this state. In fact, there was even talk that all residents would receive a "free" education, including college! Well, in true New Jersey fashion, not only didn't gambling pay for education, but school systems are now screaming for more money! In addition, insurance is sky-high, especially auto insurance! You'd never know it from the way the majority of people drive in the state. Poor driving habits, for the most part, are a result of little or ineffective motor vehicle law enforcement. Speaking of law enforcement, the system is totally reactive as opposed to proactive (crime prevention programs, etc.) I should know, I was a cop for almost 30 years! Space does not allow me to cover even a small percentage of negative features in NJ. You know it says something when the state charges you an "Exit Tax" if you sell your house and move out of the state within a year! People (and businesses) are leaving in droves because things are only getting worse. On the positive side. . .there's the shore, if you're into water from the New York harbor. And, there's the Big Apple itself. Only a short drive or train ride away. They say New York City has everything. . .that the town never sleeps. Except for plays and museums, it never had much appeal for me. . .and those people are moving "down to the shore." THAT part is O.K., it drives up the property values! All in all, New Jersey is a great place to be from . . . fa
Bruce | Long Branch, NJ