Living in New Jersey comes with its own unique set of benefits and challenges. From picturesque shorelines to mouthwatering dining options, there’s a lot to love about the Garden State. But even the most die-hard New Jerseyans have a list of pet peeves that irk them to no end. Let’s delve into some of these peculiar quirks and habits that seem to get under the skin of folks in New Jersey.
Traffic Jams and Congestion
Ah, the Garden State’s greatest irony: beautiful landscapes marred by snarled traffic and jam-packed highways. If you’ve ever been stuck on the Garden State Parkway during rush hour or had the misfortune of navigating through Route 22, you’ll understand why traffic woes top the list of New Jersey pet peeves.
The ‘Which Exit?’ Question
If you’re a New Jerseyan, you’ve probably been asked this question when you reveal where you’re from. It may have been amusing the first time, but hearing “So, which exit?” for the thousandth time is bound to get annoying. Contrary to popular belief, not everyone in New Jersey lives off a highway exit.
“You’re from ‘Joisey’?”
The moment a New Jerseyan steps out of state, this comment is almost inevitable. No, not everyone from New Jersey pronounces it that way. And yes, it gets old pretty quickly.
Comparisons to New York
There’s a reason it’s called the Garden State and not “New York’s Lesser-Known Neighbor.” Yet, New Jersey often finds itself compared to the Big Apple in one way or another. While proximity to NYC is a perk for many, the constant comparison can be a thorn in the side for proud New Jerseyans.
Property Taxes
New Jersey is notorious for having some of the highest property taxes in the nation. So naturally, when tax season rolls around, grumbles and groans can be heard across neighborhoods. High property taxes are more than just a pet peeve—they’re a significant grievance for many residents.
‘Bennies’ and ‘Shoobies’
If you’re a local from the Jersey Shore, you’ve probably had mixed feelings about the influx of beachgoers each summer. While tourism is essential for the local economy, the crowds and traffic caused by ‘Bennies’ (from northern counties) and ‘Shoobies’ (from out of state) can become an irritant for locals looking to enjoy their own beaches.
Pumping Your Own Gas
Though it might be seen as a luxury by people from other states, New Jerseyans are so used to not pumping their own gas that having to do so becomes an actual pet peeve. It’s a quirk unique to New Jersey and many New Jerseyans would like to keep it that way.
The Taylor Ham vs. Pork Roll Debate
Even the mention of this topic is enough to start a civil war among New Jerseyans. Is it Taylor Ham? Or is it Pork Roll? Whichever side you’re on, you’re bound to get into a spirited debate with someone who disagrees.
Sports Rivalries
Jets or Giants? Devils or Rangers? Phillies or Yankees? In New Jersey, sports loyalties are a serious matter. And if you’re a fan caught in enemy territory, prepare for some good-natured ribbing—or perhaps not so good-natured, depending on the stakes of the game.
Though these pet peeves are common across the state, it’s also these idiosyncrasies that make New Jersey what it is. They’re the small annoyances that residents love to hate, yet they’re also part of the tapestry that makes New Jersey unique. So go ahead and vent; we’re all in this together, navigating the quirks and peculiarities of life in the Garden State.