New Jersey (NJ)

Known as the "Garden State," New Jersey is a blend of beautiful beaches, bustling cities, and rich history. From the scenic shores of the Jersey Shore to the vibrant energy of Atlantic City and the cultural depth of Princeton, the state offers something for everyone. With world-class dining, diverse communities, and close proximity to New York and Philadelphia, New Jersey is a dynamic place to live and visit.

• Population: ~9.3 million
• Weather: Warm summers (70-85°F); cold winters (25-40°F).
• Famous Sites: Atlantic City Boardwalk, Liberty State Park, Cape May, Princeton University, Six Flags Great Adventure.
• Top Activities: Beach trips, casino gaming, hiking, historical tours, amusement parks, dining experiences.

New Jersey offers a diverse job market with high-paying careers in healthcare, technology, finance, and education. These industries provide excellent job opportunities with competitive salaries. Here are the top five in-demand jobs in New Jersey based on salary and job availability. Click on the job titles to view more details from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

New Jersey cities are lively centers featuring high populations and active college communities. Many cities host well-known educational institutions, drawing many students annually. The table below lists New Jersey's ten largest cities, their estimated populations, and approximate student enrollment numbers.

New Jersey is home to top public and private universities, offering excellent programs in business, healthcare, technology, and liberal arts.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in New Jersey

• Rutgers University–New Brunswick – The state's flagship university, known for strong research programs in business, medicine, and engineering.
• New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) – A leading public polytechnic university with top programs in engineering, computer science, and architecture.
• Rowan University – A growing research institution offering strong programs in business, healthcare, and engineering.
• Montclair State University – One of the largest public universities in New Jersey, known for education, business, and the arts.
• The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) – A highly ranked public college offering strong academic programs in education, science, and business.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in New Jersey

• Princeton University – One of the most prestigious Ivy League institutions, known for its excellence in research, humanities, and sciences.
• Stevens Institute of Technology – A top private research university with strong engineering, technology, and business programs.
• Seton Hall University – A prominent Catholic university, offering top programs in law, healthcare, and business.
• Fairleigh Dickinson University – The largest private university in New Jersey, known for global education and business programs.
• Drew University – A liberal arts college with a strong focus on humanities, social sciences, and business.

New Jersey is home to some of the best public and private high schools in the country. These schools are known for their strong academic programs, college preparation, and extracurricular activities. Whether public or private, these institutions provide students with excellent learning opportunities and a pathway to success.

Top Public High Schools in New Jersey

• Bergen County Academies, Hackensack – A highly selective magnet school offering specialized programs in science, engineering, medical science, and business.
• Princeton High School, Princeton – Known for its rigorous academics, strong arts program, and successful college admissions record.
• Union County Magnet High School, Scotch Plains – Offers a challenging STEM-focused curriculum and has a high college acceptance rate.
• Academy for Information Technology, Scotch Plains – A top-ranked school with advanced coursework in computer science, business, and engineering.
• Millburn High School, Millburn – Recognized for its high academic achievements, advanced placement courses, and competitive athletics.

Top Private High Schools in New Jersey

• The Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville – An elite preparatory school with a strong academic and leadership-focused curriculum.
• Pingry School, Basking Ridge – Known for small class sizes, exceptional faculty, and a demanding college prep program.
• Delbarton School, Morristown – A prestigious Catholic school offering excellent academics, arts, and athletics.
• The Hun School of Princeton, Princeton – Offers personalized education with strong college preparation and leadership programs.
• Newark Academy, Livingston – A highly regarded school with a rigorous academic curriculum and outstanding extracurricular activities.

New Jersey is home to several major league professional sports teams as well as minor league and semi-pro teams across various sports. While some teams represent New Jersey directly, others share affiliations with New York but play their games in the state.

The state's most prominent professional sports teams include:

• New Jersey Devils (NHL) – A three-time Stanley Cup-winning hockey team based in Newark.
• New York Giants (NFL) – Though named after New York, the Giants play their home games at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
• New York Jets (NFL) – Like the Giants, the Jets play in MetLife Stadium but represent New York.

In addition to these major league teams, New Jersey has strong representation in minor league and semi-pro sports.

Minor League & Semi-Pro Teams in New Jersey

Baseball 🏟️

• Trenton Thunder (MLB Draft League) – A well-loved team that previously served as an affiliate for MLB teams.
• Jersey Shore BlueClaws (High-A – Philadelphia Phillies affiliate) – A popular team known for developing future MLB talent.
• Somerset Patriots (Double-A – New York Yankees affiliate) – A competitive minor league team producing top prospects.

Soccer ⚽

• New York Red Bulls (MLS) – Based in Harrison, they are one of Major League Soccer’s top teams.
• NJ/NY Gotham FC (NWSL) – The state’s top professional women’s soccer team, competing at the highest level in the U.S.

Hockey 🏒

• Adirondack Thunder (ECHL – New Jersey Devils affiliate) – A minor league hockey team developing future NHL players.

Basketball 🏀

• New Jersey Titans (ABA) – A semi-pro team competing in the American Basketball Association.

New Jersey has a rich sports culture, offering fans exciting action across multiple leagues and levels of play.

1. The First-ever Boardwalk 🎡 – Atlantic City built the world’s first boardwalk in 1870 to help keep sand out of hotel lobbies. It’s now one of the most famous boardwalks in the world!
2. Home of the Iconic “Jersey” Tomato 🍅 – New Jersey is famous for its delicious, juicy tomatoes. Many say they are the best in the country because of the perfect soil and climate.
3. Diner Capital of the World 🍽️ – New Jersey has more diners than any other state, with over 500 classic eateries serving up pancakes, burgers, and milkshakes.
4. The Birthplace of FM Radio 📻 – Edwin Howard Armstrong invented FM radio in New Jersey, revolutionizing the way we listen to music and news.
5. The Garden State’s Blueberries 🫐 – New Jersey is the birthplace of the commercial blueberry industry, thanks to Elizabeth White, who cultivated the first crop in 1916.
6. Has Its Own “Loch Ness Monster” 🐉 – The Jersey Devil, a legendary creature said to haunt the Pine Barrens, has been part of local folklore for over 250 years.
7. Invented The Lightbulb 💡 – Thomas Edison created the first practical electric lightbulb in his Menlo Park laboratory, earning the area the nickname “The Invention Factory.”
8. Home of the First Baseball Game ⚾ – The very first recorded baseball game took place in Hoboken, New Jersey, in 1846.
9. The Statue of Liberty Calls It Home 🗽 – While the Statue of Liberty is associated with New York, it actually stands in New Jersey waters!
10. America's First Drive-in Movie Theater 🎬 – The first-ever drive-in movie theater opened in Camden, New Jersey, in 1933, changing the movie experience forever.