OT: RU grads that relocated to another state
- Thread starter RUinPAC10land
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Re: Your last sentence. When that good stuff starts to happen I feel assured that you will figure a way to make it work for you.
Re:Last sentence. You don't say,Mr Fullah?(rising inflection,from Percy McBride)
Lived in Fairfield CT for 5 years and 6 years in Illinois about a half an hour from Jerry Kill's old stomping grounds NIU. On a cold Saturday one day I told my wife I had developed a plan to move us back to NJ within 18 months which caused her to immediately develop tears of joy.
It took us close to 3 years to make it home but best decision we ever made... we live in Hunterdon County and love every minute of it.
It took us close to 3 years to make it home but best decision we ever made... we live in Hunterdon County and love every minute of it.
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I was the Supervisor of the Coconino National Forest based. In Flag 98 thru 03! Loved it!
That is awesome! Some beautiful country! We love going to Flag in the summer time to escape the heat. It took us years of going there, but we also found the lava tube, which is truly a "cool" place to go to in the summer. Slide Rock State Park is another favorite, but they recently jacked up the prices.
To say that is all NJ has is the most dishonest, ******** comment. I love living in NJ, but saw the appeal of other states where I lived. So sorry for your affliction.
Nice! Been going there every year for the past few. Sedona, Mogollon Rim, Mormon Lake Lodge ...great forest to explore!
Can't imagine growing up anywhere else but in NJ! As stated, it prepares you for life beyond the Garden State. I've lived in California, Colorado, Utah, Texas, New York, Europe, and now Florida. And, I can honestly say that they are all unique and attractive in their own way. New Jersey will always be home. But, sometimes leaving expands reality, like home never could.
We took the ski lift up to the top of one of the mountains--12,400 ft was 52 degrees while it was in the 90's in Sedona.
We also found the top of Mingus Mountain on our last trip at the end of April. It was a good 20 degrees cooler on the top of Mingus and there was still snow on the ground in the shade. Someone mentioned missing the beach. I have lived within a bike ride from the beach for most of my life, but I don't think I would miss the beach if we permanently moved from the coast.
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Moved to Washington in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Have never regretted it.
New Jersey has a lot going for it due to its location. Great beaches, Nice mountains in its NW corner. It sits between 2 major cities.
The problem is that it has all gone to waste by decades of awful and very corrupt leadership from both parties. It is not just a question of the leadership at the top. The corruption extends through the state legislature ,counties, cities, towns. school districts municipal authorities. I know that corruption exists everywhere but nowhere is it more entrenched at every level of government then it is in NJ.
I left NJ in 2012 after the property taxes on my house that sold for less then 300k got to 13.5K. I now live in Florida and could not be happier with my decision.
The problem is that it has all gone to waste by decades of awful and very corrupt leadership from both parties. It is not just a question of the leadership at the top. The corruption extends through the state legislature ,counties, cities, towns. school districts municipal authorities. I know that corruption exists everywhere but nowhere is it more entrenched at every level of government then it is in NJ.
I left NJ in 2012 after the property taxes on my house that sold for less then 300k got to 13.5K. I now live in Florida and could not be happier with my decision.
I miss NJ all the time, but I can live so much better in Las Vegas on a similar salary. For the same job I had in NJ (although with less responsibility), I make about $5,000 less but live so much better. I rent a two-bedroom condo that costs more than $250 a month less now than my one-bedroom apartment build in the 1970s in Hillsborough cost six years ago. The worst electric bill in summer (with 110 degree-plus heat 10 days straight recently) is about $100 less here than my worst electric bill of winter in NJ. And on and on and on.
BUT ... I love to go for drives, just to hit the road and relax a bit. In NJ, the Sourlands were right down the road, and heading west out of Hillsborough was always a nice drive. Small crossroads towns, farms, etc. Here, you drive for hours in any direction before you see any color besides every shade of tan.
Another BUT ... I lived in Maine for a year before moving out here, and I miss Maine more than I miss NJ. Blue and green everywhere you look, small towns everywhere, the biggest city was a manageable size, the coast was stunning, the food awesome (between the seafood and the wild blueberries ... DAMN) and people left you alone. (And like to be left alone, so that worked.)
So yeah, I miss New Jersey. But if I won Mega MIllions tomorrow, my second home would be in Maine, not NJ. My mom is paying almost $11,000 in property taxes for a fairly standard three-bedroom house, and somehow they found even more land near her to build townhouses and retail on. So I'll stick to defending it to yahoos out here rather than return home myself.
And yes, I found a store that sells pork roll. And Tastykakes and Herr's, too.
BUT ... I love to go for drives, just to hit the road and relax a bit. In NJ, the Sourlands were right down the road, and heading west out of Hillsborough was always a nice drive. Small crossroads towns, farms, etc. Here, you drive for hours in any direction before you see any color besides every shade of tan.
Another BUT ... I lived in Maine for a year before moving out here, and I miss Maine more than I miss NJ. Blue and green everywhere you look, small towns everywhere, the biggest city was a manageable size, the coast was stunning, the food awesome (between the seafood and the wild blueberries ... DAMN) and people left you alone. (And like to be left alone, so that worked.)
So yeah, I miss New Jersey. But if I won Mega MIllions tomorrow, my second home would be in Maine, not NJ. My mom is paying almost $11,000 in property taxes for a fairly standard three-bedroom house, and somehow they found even more land near her to build townhouses and retail on. So I'll stick to defending it to yahoos out here rather than return home myself.
And yes, I found a store that sells pork roll. And Tastykakes and Herr's, too.
Moved out of NJ in 1980 to So Califonia with intent to stay a few years, experience living in a different part of the country. Life being unpredictable, it's 37 years later and I'm still here. I don't even remember if it's Taylor ham or pork roll. Although you can't beat the weather out here, do I miss NJ, absolutely. It's funny, the older I get, the more I miss the garden state. Constantly annoying wifey by pointing out how much better things like pizza and bagels are back east. But most importantly, the people are just so much more authentic ,genuine and more likely to help you out in a jam. Lately I've come back every autumn for a Rutgers game .
It's funny, but my son also lives in Vegas, and I was just there in May. In twelve years, he has never found a decent job. This is a gross generalization, but many people I met in residential areas seemed like they fled to Vegas because they couldn't make it elsewhere, so go where a FEW things are cheaper. I have thought of moving to a warmer climate, but a basic one bedroom apartment I saw was over $900. There is a two bedroom in my Jersey community that rents for $1200. Minimal savings.
I lived in the Great Pacific Northwest many years ago, and the sky was almost always gray. And, don't go anywhere without an umbrella. I found it very depressing. Different strokes for different folks.
I lived in the Great Pacific Northwest many years ago, and the sky was almost always gray. And, don't go anywhere without an umbrella. I found it very depressing. Different strokes for different folks.
Been in Europe for 3+ years now. I miss all the ancillary things about NJ, specially friends and being able to attend Rutgers events. But the quality of life here is too great compared to anything in the U.S - so I'll just use some of my 5+ weeks of vacation to fly back once in a while.
Born & raised in CNJ, graduated from RU & married an RU grad. Moved from NJ 34 years ago and live in Massachusetts. Family is all still in NJ.
NJ will always be a draw and two of my four children live in NJ, both with RU degrees. And I agree 100% with the opinions that NJ & RU prepares you well for life...better be aggressive or you'll get left behind.
On the other hand, after living elsewhere, some things about NJ really do stick out. The traffic sucks and people drive like ********. Everybody's got an opinion about everything and there's a disproportionate amount of pretentious blowhards.
On the other hand, it's pretty hard to beat the whole area along the Delaware for history and tremendous scenery...
No doubt, it's still a draw...but I find myself so happy I'm not in the rat race...
I left NJ in 1977. Since then I have lived in Dallas, Chicago, Denver, Pittsburgh, Santa Fe and now Albuquerque. I work in Indianapolis and commute home to New Mexico every weekend. Even though I was born and lived in Queens until I was 13, I consider NJ my home state. I had the good fortune of visiting my Dad who lived in East Brunswick and then Cranberry, until he passed away 4 years ago. So even though I moved away, I always had a connection to NJ, a place to stay and good reasons to visit. In a couple of years, when I finally retire for good, NJ is in my top 5 of places to live. I crave the pizza, Italian sausage with peppers and onions, the shore, the proximity to NYC, and of course RU.
You live in Massachusetts and think there is no traffic? My company is just outside Boston and I'm up there most weeks of the month. Boston traffic is worse than northern New Jersey where I live.
Been in PA for over a decade and while I am fond of the all the pop culture that defines Jersey (pork roll v. Taylor Ham debates), I would say no, I don't miss NJ. In fact when I go to RU games, I experience a little culture shock, even though I live outside Philly.
The one thing that I never get used to is that you don't have to go that far north and west into PA to feel distant from ocean and feel landlocked, something I never felt in NJ even though I was probably an hour away from the shore growing up.
The one thing that I never get used to is that you don't have to go that far north and west into PA to feel distant from ocean and feel landlocked, something I never felt in NJ even though I was probably an hour away from the shore growing up.
I grew up in upstate NY. I never visited NJ before I was accepted at Rutgers for grad school. Had I visited 1st I may have opted not to go. I spend 2 1/2 years in NJ & dont miss it at all. Ive lived all over the world, London, St Petersburg Russia, Barcelona Spain, San Diego, Denver, Mount Dora Florida, Key West Florida and Cartego Costa Rica.To this day when I miss "home" its Ithaca NY on a fall day ......but the rest of the time I am happily retired on my houseboat near Key West.
Agree with much of this.
Lived in Indiana, Chicago, and now Minnesota for the last six year.
Like it in Minnesota quite a bit, but there is a ton of great things about New Jersey and it is the only place where I truly feel at home. For sure, NJ can be a pain in the *** at times (traffic, taxes, overall grind), but people have personality, there is access to all the places and people and experiences you could ever want, and there is something about the people that are unique.
Funny-ish story. A few weeks ago, I was craving some Jersey Mikes. So I walk in and the guy behind the counter actually has some personality (a rarity in Minnesota). I briefly mention how I'd been getting Jersey Mike's since I was a kid (I'm almost 40) and he points to the map of Jersey on the wall and asks which one. I say Middletown. He says he is from Spring Lake Heights and moved out here to be with his girlfriend. Just struck me that the Jersey guy really stood out personality-wise in a very good way, and that for me, Jersey people are my people and while I'm not desperate to move back, NJ still has a very special place in my heart.
I've lived in Asia, Africa, California, Nevada, Texas, Florida, Connecticut and finally, New Jersey. New Jersey is by far the best. I honestly don't get the hate for New Jersey. Jersey shore, arm pit of America, blah blah blah. Stupid clueless comments.
This is what I like about New Jersey - and I can honestly say, there is NO PLACE in the entire planet that offers this - we have everything here! That's right - New Jersey has everything. City life, farm life, beach life, forest life, mountain life, you name it we got it.
Even the weather. I've heard people who say they moved to Texas, Florida or NC because of the weather. What?! 90 degree weather is good weather? You can always do something about the cold, wear a sweater, wear a jacket, whatever. On the other hand, you can't do anything about the heat. You can be butt naked and it would still be hot. So, unless you live in San Diego where it's 70 everyday or Hawaii, or you really like 90 degree weather, sorry the weather in New Jersey is simply better.
And lastly, food. We have everything here. You can get steak from Peter Luger in the city or hit Amish country for apple pie or cider donuts. Go to Reading Terminal in Philly or hit the shore for some seafood. From where I live, I can get paella, pho, soup dumplings, lamb rogen josh, tika masala, lomo soltado, empanada, kebab, ethiopian and authentic Italian - all within a 10 mile radius. We were drinking boba tea in NJ long before it became fashionable in Disney. Oh what's that you prefer good old fashion burgers - well, 25 burgers, smash burgers, shake shack, and any local burger joint are all within 10 miles too.
Now if you left because of property taxes, ok that I can understand. But other than that, New Jersey is simply the best. :sunglasses:
This is what I like about New Jersey - and I can honestly say, there is NO PLACE in the entire planet that offers this - we have everything here! That's right - New Jersey has everything. City life, farm life, beach life, forest life, mountain life, you name it we got it.
Even the weather. I've heard people who say they moved to Texas, Florida or NC because of the weather. What?! 90 degree weather is good weather? You can always do something about the cold, wear a sweater, wear a jacket, whatever. On the other hand, you can't do anything about the heat. You can be butt naked and it would still be hot. So, unless you live in San Diego where it's 70 everyday or Hawaii, or you really like 90 degree weather, sorry the weather in New Jersey is simply better.
And lastly, food. We have everything here. You can get steak from Peter Luger in the city or hit Amish country for apple pie or cider donuts. Go to Reading Terminal in Philly or hit the shore for some seafood. From where I live, I can get paella, pho, soup dumplings, lamb rogen josh, tika masala, lomo soltado, empanada, kebab, ethiopian and authentic Italian - all within a 10 mile radius. We were drinking boba tea in NJ long before it became fashionable in Disney. Oh what's that you prefer good old fashion burgers - well, 25 burgers, smash burgers, shake shack, and any local burger joint are all within 10 miles too.
Now if you left because of property taxes, ok that I can understand. But other than that, New Jersey is simply the best. :sunglasses:
Not from what we see in the media reports ....quality of life in France , Great Britain etc. is certainly not what it was 15-20 years ago...I know several people who make just the opposite claims ...when was the last time New Jersey had armed military and police patrolling the streets ?...New Jersey certainly has many things I and others don't like but making a statement about the European quality of life in 2017 and how good it is?...do us all a favor stay and enjoy it...keep turning a blind eye to the issues Europe faces let alone the USA...
I grew up in upstate NY (but not so far upstate, still served by Metro-North), then spent 4 years in Charlotte, NC for college, then 10 years in NJ (New Brunswick for 3, 7 in Hoboken), now the last 5 years in Brooklyn NY. As someone who didn't grow up in NJ, it was always hard for me to understand the love many NJ folks had for the place, but I am sure many could say the same thing for the area I grew up in too. Although, I had an affinity for Route 17 from my trips to Giants Stadium for Jets games as a kid. My 10 years in NJ served me well, but professionally and personally it didn't really make sense to remain.
While I love NYC, I don't really care for the suburbs of NYC (NJ, Westchester, or Long Island). I find living in NYC to be great and unique that helps justifies the cost of living. If I want the burb experience I would relocate to Charlotte, NC. I can't justify the high NYC suburb cost for an experience that can be replicated in other parts of the country at a significant discount without all the hassle.
While I love NYC, I don't really care for the suburbs of NYC (NJ, Westchester, or Long Island). I find living in NYC to be great and unique that helps justifies the cost of living. If I want the burb experience I would relocate to Charlotte, NC. I can't justify the high NYC suburb cost for an experience that can be replicated in other parts of the country at a significant discount without all the hassle.
In grad school Chapel Hill and Carborro NC. Back to NJ for three years. After NJ, six different locations in DC and NoVA. Then two places in Madison WI. Now in Hilton Head Island SC. Chosen because growing up in NJ I spent lots of time at the shore but after 10 years in Madison the thought of being any place where it was cold, like NJ, filled me with fear and loathing.
I still have a sister in NJ and lots of nephews, grand nephews and nieces, and cousins. I'm a pretty restless person so I don't know if HHI is where we will wind up. Our son is on LA, a place I don't really care for,
but the west coast is a possible final destination.
I still have a sister in NJ and lots of nephews, grand nephews and nieces, and cousins. I'm a pretty restless person so I don't know if HHI is where we will wind up. Our son is on LA, a place I don't really care for,
but the west coast is a possible final destination.
Left for Houston in 1993 at 26 years old. I was working for Continental Express that year and hated Houston. Hated it. I flew back home 26 times that year and twice to Florida (to visit Mom.) I hated everything about Texas. I tried getting a new job at Teterboro (where my skills really didn't fit in...) and almost got a job working for a Delta commuter out of Westport, CT. Anything but Houston!
I got transferred back into big Continental in 1994 in Houston as a Dispatcher (big pay bump) and then met my wife (of 22 years) and all of a sudden, I loved Houston! (Getting a fresh perspective from a local helped...) But....
It ain't Jersey. I still miss it some but not as much as I used to. I missed much of what has been said, especially the little things people from Jersey might take for granted: Taylor Ham, good Chinese, real Subs, etc. Proximity to NYC (and my relatives in Brooklyn and The Bronx)....
Moved to Chicagoland in 2012 for the United/Continental Merger and hated it. Love visiting Chicago, but hated paying for it. It's NOTHING like NJ/NY (which most here know)...got lucky and got on with Southwest in Dallas in 2014. Best move ever. Dallas is great! Still ain't Jersey though.
I can get Taylor Ham in most grocery stores now (the wife doesn't get why that's a big deal) and the bagels are 'meh.' Finally found a decent Chinese restaurant. One of the best food types Texas has over Jersey is BBQ but that's about it for food. (At least Jersey Mike's comes close to helping in the Sub department...)
Lastly, but far from least, is missing dear ol' Rutgers! I miss going to games, miss fellow alumni, miss the band (even when butthead was director...) It's not the same watching on TV. Not close. Though the miracle of the internet has been a great help AND being in the B1G for TV, it's no substitute for being in New Jersey.
And for that very reason alone it makes being away from Jersey a sad thing....
I got transferred back into big Continental in 1994 in Houston as a Dispatcher (big pay bump) and then met my wife (of 22 years) and all of a sudden, I loved Houston! (Getting a fresh perspective from a local helped...) But....
It ain't Jersey. I still miss it some but not as much as I used to. I missed much of what has been said, especially the little things people from Jersey might take for granted: Taylor Ham, good Chinese, real Subs, etc. Proximity to NYC (and my relatives in Brooklyn and The Bronx)....
Moved to Chicagoland in 2012 for the United/Continental Merger and hated it. Love visiting Chicago, but hated paying for it. It's NOTHING like NJ/NY (which most here know)...got lucky and got on with Southwest in Dallas in 2014. Best move ever. Dallas is great! Still ain't Jersey though.
I can get Taylor Ham in most grocery stores now (the wife doesn't get why that's a big deal) and the bagels are 'meh.' Finally found a decent Chinese restaurant. One of the best food types Texas has over Jersey is BBQ but that's about it for food. (At least Jersey Mike's comes close to helping in the Sub department...)
Lastly, but far from least, is missing dear ol' Rutgers! I miss going to games, miss fellow alumni, miss the band (even when butthead was director...) It's not the same watching on TV. Not close. Though the miracle of the internet has been a great help AND being in the B1G for TV, it's no substitute for being in New Jersey.
And for that very reason alone it makes being away from Jersey a sad thing....
Thank you all for your insight and experience. To be honest with you, the things that bother people about NJ is even worse in here in Los Angeles. People in NJ are the safest drivers in the world compared to LA county. Don't even get me started about Glendale, CA drivers. The word as#ho1e would be an insult to the word as#ho!e. It's hard to leave Costco or Disneyland without a feeling that you want to punch at least one person in the face. (Perhaps, that's why martial arts schools do so well here. lol)
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/LA-Drivers-Are-Among-the-Worst-Allstate-431430173.html
The real estate prices in La Canada, CA are insane. I am working arse off to stay in this town. I can pretty much sell my house and live in a similar house in Tenafly, NJ with pretty much no mortgage. Tenafly High also is probably even better than La Canada High School. They have done better with college placement. (OK, there is a little hearsay in the latter sentence but there is no reason for my sources to lie.) Check out zillow or redfin.
Although this is a big generalization, it just seems to me that students in NJ just work harder than students here in CA. The weather is too good for the spirit of laziness not to hit. During my sophomore and junior years at Rutgers, I also remember a transfer student from UCLA and one from Berkeley. They both said the same thing. Girls would show up to the library with halter tops and sports bras. They just could not study there and almost failed out.
Right now, my kids are small but I still have the feeling that it would be better to raise them in NJ than CA. I worry a little for my daughter because it's a better place for guys. However, I am not asking for any sympathy because my town is one of the best places to raise a family although I feel like I am killing myself to live here.
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/LA-Drivers-Are-Among-the-Worst-Allstate-431430173.html
The real estate prices in La Canada, CA are insane. I am working arse off to stay in this town. I can pretty much sell my house and live in a similar house in Tenafly, NJ with pretty much no mortgage. Tenafly High also is probably even better than La Canada High School. They have done better with college placement. (OK, there is a little hearsay in the latter sentence but there is no reason for my sources to lie.) Check out zillow or redfin.
Although this is a big generalization, it just seems to me that students in NJ just work harder than students here in CA. The weather is too good for the spirit of laziness not to hit. During my sophomore and junior years at Rutgers, I also remember a transfer student from UCLA and one from Berkeley. They both said the same thing. Girls would show up to the library with halter tops and sports bras. They just could not study there and almost failed out.
Right now, my kids are small but I still have the feeling that it would be better to raise them in NJ than CA. I worry a little for my daughter because it's a better place for guys. However, I am not asking for any sympathy because my town is one of the best places to raise a family although I feel like I am killing myself to live here.
If you "feel like" you're killing yourself, my SN friend, then you are killing yourself. Life's short enough. Don't make it shorter.
18 years in south jersey, then 4.5 in New Brunswick. Moved to philly area and now in Montgomery county burbs, taxes are crazy in New Jersey. But a lot to do I. A short drive, 2 hours or less to ski and surf, can do that many places around the USA
80 minutes to Rutgers football, so no complaints here
80 minutes to Rutgers football, so no complaints here
The Rutgers Club of The Marina (SF) imports Pork Roll at the start of each football season and Kaiser Rolls every week. It takes the edge off of missing the Blue Lot.
NJ mountain and forest life = knoll and tree life. C'mon man - you lived enough places with real mountain and forest life to know this!
Agree it has a unique mix, but keep it real.
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