What to know as new resident in New Jersey: State taxes and property taxes. Commuter options and transit systems. Local job market trends. School systems and education quality. Recreational activities and attractions. Weather patterns and seasonal changes. New Jersey's diverse cuisine. Healthcare facilities and hospitals. Local government and community services. Recycling and environmental policies.
State taxes and property taxes
In New Jersey, state income taxes follow a progressive system with rates ranging from 1.4% to 10.75% based on filing status and adjusted gross income. Meanwhile, property taxes are determined by the assessed value of the property, municipal and county budgets, and local school district costs. The taxes are due in four installments annually. For more detailed information, you can visit the official website of H&R Block.
Commuter options and transit systems
As a new resident in New Jersey, you can rely on NJ Transit for extensive commuter options, including numerous bus routes, commuter rail lines, and light rail services. You can use the NJ Transit mobile app to purchase tickets, check real-time schedules, and navigate between destinations, including connections to New York City and Philadelphia. For more insights, explore the guidance offered by the New Jersey Metro Tips: A Beginner's Guide on maximizing your commute efficiency and mastering the transit system.
Local job market trends
As a new resident in New Jersey, you should be aware that the local job market has added 43,500 nonfarm jobs over the past twelve months, with significant gains in private education and health services, trade, transportation, and utilities, and construction. However, some sectors like professional and business services, leisure and hospitality, and manufacturing have experienced job losses, and the state's unemployment rate remains at 4.7% as of October 2024. For more detailed insights, you can visit the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development website.
School systems and education quality
New Jersey is recognized for having one of the best school systems in the U.S., ranking fourth nationally. The state excels in overall quality, safety, and funding, with a balanced approach that prioritizes academic excellence, student well-being, and effective use of resources.
Recreational activities and attractions
As a new resident in New Jersey, you can explore a wide range of recreational activities and attractions, including 127 miles of free beaches, numerous theme parks, over 400 publicly accessible lakes and ponds for fishing, various campgrounds, and historic sites such as those on the Revolutionary War Trail. The VisitNJ.org website also offers customizable trip itineraries and a list of festivals, museums, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Weather patterns and seasonal changes
New Jersey experiences a variable climate with significant seasonal changes: winters are cold and snowy, summers are hot and humid, spring and autumn are mild but can be rainy. Temperature and precipitation vary across the state, with the northern highlands having the shortest growing season and the coastal areas having a longer growing season due to the moderating effect of the ocean. For more comprehensive information about New Jersey's climate, visit the detailed New Jersey Climate Overview page.
New Jersey's diverse cuisine
New Jersey's diverse cuisine reflects the state's multicultural population, offering a wide range of international flavors, including authentic Italian, Indian, Korean, Brazilian, Latin American, Greek, and more. With various restaurants across different communities, you can explore unique culinary traditions and local ingredients. The rich tapestry of international flavors can be seen with [Cultural Cuisine: Diverse Food In NJ](https://vuenj.com/cultural-cuisine-diverse-food-in-nj/) highlighting how each culture brings its own distinctive dishes to the table, creating a gourmet voyage for food lovers across the state.
Healthcare facilities and hospitals
Central Jersey is home to several world-class hospitals and healthcare facilities, including Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Saint Peter's University Hospital, and specialized centers like Bristol-Meyers Squibb Children's Hospital and Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, offering a wide range of medical services and specialized care. For more detailed information about these facilities, you can visit the Area Hospitals website where you will find comprehensive resources about Central Jersey's healthcare options.
Local government and community services
NJ 211 is a comprehensive resource for new residents in New Jersey, providing information and referral services for vital community needs such as housing, food assistance, healthcare, and disaster support. The platform connects individuals and families with essential services and resources across the state. More information can be accessed through the NJ 211 website.
Recycling and environmental policies
New Jersey is implementing stringent recycling and environmental policies, including a bill to make all packaging materials recyclable or compostable by 2034, and fees on manufacturers to fund recycling and reduce solid waste. The state has also adopted landmark Environmental Justice rules to protect overburdened communities from additional pollution and ensure meaningful community engagement in pollution control.