New Jersey, the Garden State. It may be one of the smallest states in the U.S., but it’s divided into two distinct regions: North Jersey and South Jersey. Whether it’s the accent, the sports teams, or the way they describe a simple sandwich, someone from New Jersey can usually tell where another Jerseyite is from within minutes of meeting them.
While New Jersey has officially recognized Central Jersey as a real thing, Central Jersey is essentially the melting pot where North Jersey and South Jersey come together, so you will find a bit of both cultures here.
The Accent
You live in New Jersey, so might think ‘I don’t have an accent.” Guess what, you do. If you go anywhere else in America and start talking, they will instantly recognize you as being from New Jersey. You talk fast, you have a slight Philly or New York accent and you say things they just don’t say down south.
- North Jersey: The North Jersey accent leans towards a New York influence. Listen for a slightly nasal ‘a’ and hard ‘r’.
- South Jersey: South Jersey accents have a Philly influence, where “water” can sound more like “wooder.”
Sports Team Allegiance
This is one of the biggest differences between north and south Jersey. You can see where the Yankees and Mets banners and bumper stickers stop and where the Phillies gear starts popping up.
- North Jersey: You’ll see more New York Giants, Jets, and Yankees fans.
- South Jersey: Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies, and 76ers fans dominate here.
The Great Pork Roll vs. Taylor Ham Debate
This is one of the most contentious debates between north and south Jersey. If you know, then you know.
- North Jersey: It’s “Taylor Ham,” end of story.
- South Jersey: It’s “Pork Roll,” and don’t you forget it.
Vocabulary for a Sandwich
You can tell where a New Jersey resident is from by how they order their favorite deli cold cut sandwich. By the way, New Yorkers usually say hero.
- North Jersey: It’s a “sub.”
- South Jersey: They refer to it as a “hoagie.”
Wawa or QuickChek
The great war between QuickChek and Wawa is one with fierce fans on either side.
- North Jersey: QuickChek is more commonly spotted.
- South Jersey: Wawa is practically a religion.
The Shore
Most New Jerseyans from the north vacation in places like Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant and for those more adventurous and how can we say, ‘elitist’, there’s LBI.
- North Jersey: The Shore means places like Asbury Park or Sandy Hook.
- South Jersey: Think Ocean City, Wildwood, or Cape May.
Traffic Circles
For many in North Jersey traffic circles and jughandles are about as foreign as they are to out of state visitors.
- North Jersey: A bit more accustomed to traffic circles or rotaries.
- South Jersey: Less common down here; they prefer good old-fashioned intersections.
Diners
You know you’ve entered south Jersey when it’s midnight and you can’t find a good diner to eat at. We’re not quite sure where that line is, but it is a thing. Most south Jersey diners are not 24/7.
- North Jersey: Diners are open 24/7 and serve breakfast all day.
- South Jersey: Diners are less common and may have more limited hours.
Attitude
As the demographics in South Jersey shift and the lines of attitude become blurred, you can still spot a person from North Jersey versus one from South Jersey based on their attitude.
- North Jersey: Faster-paced, a bit more in-your-face.
- South Jersey: Laid-back and friendlier, with a strong sense of local community.
So, next time you meet someone from New Jersey, pay attention to these cues, and you’ll likely be able to place them in their proper Jersey region. Just remember, whether from the North or the South, everyone in New Jersey shares a unique bond that outsiders just can’t quite understand. Happy spotting!