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  • Six Towns to Consider Living in When Moving to New Jersey

    Big cities offer plenty of benefits in life – whether it’s career opportunities, food options, hobbies, or entertainment. However, the environment can get quite hectic, expensive, stressful, and suffocating. That’s why many city dwellers say they’d rather live in a humble home in a small town. If you’re looking for peaceful living, today is your […]

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  • 5 Signs It’s Time to Move Out of New York City

    New York City goes by many names. The City of Dreams. Big Apple. The City That Never Sleeps. The Capital City of the World. Looking closely, all of these are just variations to emphasize NYC’s greatness. You can only imagine the number of people who want to live here. But behind every amazing thing about the city, […]

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  • What to Know When Planning a Move from New York City to New Jersey

    Many people dream of living in New York City. It’s not surprising with all the unlimited opportunities it offers, vibrant nightlife, awe-inspiring skylines, and glamorous attractions. But life isn’t this easy for some New Yorkers. There’s more to the Big Apple than meets the eye with its terrible traffic, high taxes, pollution, steep expenses, and fierce competition. Whether or not it’s the right call to move out is up to you. But if you’re escaping to New Jersey, you’re not making a bad decision. Here are things you should know before moving from NYC to NJ.

    Apartment Living vs. Residing in a House

    While you need a pretty crazy salary to afford a house in NYC, New Jersey offers budget-friendly friendlier housing. The median home cost is 63% lower, with a whopping $400,000 difference. Good news, right? It’s the perfect time for you to own a cozy home and say goodbye to suffocating apartments! But before getting too caught up with the celebration, there are new responsibilities to keep in mind. You’ll have to deal with maintenance, managing utilities, and paying property taxes as a homeowner. It might be overwhelming at first, but you’ll likely find that it’s worth it to have a place of your own.

    New Jersey offers more affordable housing options.

    Enlist the Help of a Good Moving Company

    Moving doesn’t have to be stressful if you can leave it to the professionals. Almost 70% of your relocation’s success can be attributed to your movers. With scams becoming more rampant nowadays, make sure you hire a licensed, bonded, and insured NJ moving company that offers exceptional service that previous New Yorkers have vouched for. You’ll want a team that specializes in moving out of apartments, who’s also transparent with pricing, careful, efficient, and knows how to navigate both the Big Apple and the Garden State.

    Job Hunting in New Jersey

    Everyone loves New York City for its booming economy. That’s already given. Of course, you can’t expect New Jersey to beat a finance giant like NYC. However, it does have its own patch of green pastures with plenty of lucrative opportunities.

    First things first, New Jersey’s unemployment rate sits at 3.5%, only 0.2% but still lower than the US average of 3.7%. Considering your previous experience and competition, it won’t be difficult for you to land a decent position within a few months.

    Some of the major industries that drive the state’s economy include pharmaceuticals, financial services, manufacturing, tech, and education. New Jersey also boasts a large number of scientists and engineers who work to advance biomedical research. According to bestplaces.net:

    • The average income of a New Jersey resident is $36,359 a year. The US average is $28,555 a year.
    • The Median household income of a New Jersey resident is $72,062 a year. The US median is $53,482 a year.

    Judging from these numbers, it’s safe to say that the Garden State is pretty well-off compared to other regions in the country. But of course, you’ll still have to hustle to make a living.

    New Jersey does have plenty of lucrative job opportunities.

    New Yorkers vs. New Jerseyites

    There has long been a rivalry between New Yorkers and New Jerseyites. It’s been an ongoing thing for years. You might have heard or experienced it yourself as a New Yorker. However, don’t worry about being discriminated against at your new workplace as someone from New York. There’s also no need to feel intimidated by your new neighbors. Where does this NYC – NJ feud stem from?

    The answer’s pretty simple. It’s all just a stereotypical impression of both places. Some New Yorkers see New Jersey as a place overwhelmed with smoke, factories, and people who can’t drive. On the other hand, several New Jerseyites view NYC as a city of arrogant people and vacationers who only come to NJ to litter its beaches. It does sound quite dramatic and off-putting but know that this idea is no more than an exaggeration for most residents.

    Don’t worry about age-old feud between NY and NJ residents.

    Best Places to Live in New Jersey

    If you haven’t decided yet on which part of the Garden State you want to reside, there are numerous options for you to choose from:

    • North Arlington: Want to enjoy small-town vibes while enjoying big city amenities? Considering checking this suburb out! Facing the Big Apple to the East, it’s only 15 miles from NYC’s Financial District (so you can still commute to NYC for work). North Arlington is impressive on its own, with an excellent school district, diverse neighborhoods, and low crime rate that guarantees a quality living.
    • Princeton: Yep, you’ve guessed right. This town is home to the world-famous Princeton University. Home prices can be a bit steeper here, but it’s all worth it with the town’s elegant surroundings, prestigious establishments, historic landmarks, millennial workforce, and high-income opportunities.
    • Montclair: If you wish to escape the urban pollution and noise, Montclair will welcome you with open arms. This gorgeous hillside community radiates with a history dating back to the Revolutionary War, vibrant scenery, museums, and art galleries — surely a perfect place for retirement or to raise a family! 
    • Trenton: Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Garden State’s lively capital. With over 80,000 residents, the city brims with festivities, restaurants, boutiques, museums, and many unforgettable attractions. It also offers competitive housing costs as well as affordable day-to-day expenses.
    • Cape May: Love the idea of waking up with the sea within your reach? Cape May is a popular beach town featuring dozens of resorts, shores glistening with white sand, refreshing drinks, volleyball, and perfect waves where you can surf all day! Brace yourself during summers, though, since everyone wants to have a taste of Cape May fun! 

    Cape May is a popular beach town featuring dozens of resorts and shores.

    Taxes

    Taxes are no fun to talk about, but they’re definitely a crucial topic to cover. Good news! Most of NJ’s tax rates are not as high as New York’s. Bad news! It’s still high compared to the rest of the country. Here’s a little table to illustrate:

      New Jersey New York
    Avg. Sales Tax 2.47% 3.44%
    Avg. Income Tax 2.4% 4.4%
    Avg. Property Tax 5.01% 4.44%
    While NY has the highest tax burden in the country, NJ comes in 7th place.

    Top Things to Do in NJ

    Alright. Enough with the boring stuff. It’s time to have some fun! Unlike New York, where you’ll seem to drown in a jungle of concrete, New Jersey offers more outdoor freedom. You can start by visiting the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park in Paterson. Prepare to be mesmerized by the sound of water crashing at the bottom of the 77-foot waterfall that powers most of the surrounding area. If you want a more arduous adventure, conquer one of the five trails found in the 3317-acre Ramapo Valley County Reservation. Consider it not only a challenge but also a chance to gaze at the picturesque views of the beautiful Mahwah landscape. Getting exhausted? Not yet! You still have to explore the immersive boardwalk and golden sand beaches of Ventnor City. Got extra cash? Hop on a yacht and have dinner on the Hudson River while you enjoy the dazzling lights of Downtown Jersey City. There’s so much more to see but to end your tour on a good note, have a picnic at Liberty State Park with your family, etching the Jersey City skyline into your memories.

    There’s no denying that New Jersey has plenty of entertainment.

    In a Nutshell

    Living in New Jersey can be an upgrade or downgrade from NYC, depending on your perspective. Yet there’s no denying that it can bring you great joy to see new eye-catching sights and finally escape the suffocating Big Apple atmosphere. And the best thing about it? You’re not actually compromising your access to NYC at all! Whatever your decision may be, make sure you do your research and hire reliable movers. Good luck with your relocation!

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  • 7 Moving Tips to Keep in Mind During COVID

    Life before the coronavirus outbreak is nothing but yesterday’s dream. Gone are the days where you can pack a ton of people in at a small house party, go out without having to wear masks, and relocate swiftly without worries. Unfortunately, this is life now. Although the vaccine provides a ray of hope, it will […]

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  • Questions to Ask When Hiring a New Jersey Moving Company

    Moving is often met with a bit of eagerness and a load of stress. The idea of having to adjust to a new workplace, make new friends, and get used to a new community can be more daunting than exciting. But don’t worry. Part of what makes a move tolerable is hiring a good moving company. So if you’re relocating in or out of New Jersey, it’s best to have a basic understanding of your movers. Knowing this, here are some essential questions to ask before scheduling a move.

    How Long Have You Been in the Moving Business?

    In any profession or industry, having experience is important. It’s a measure of how much someone has applied their skills and knowledge in real-life situations. That said, a 20-year old moving company will most likely perform faster and better than a company that just started its operations. It’s the reason that most of these top-ranked NJ movers have been in operation for a long time. 

    But of course, this doesn’t always have to be the case. Startups often recruit fresh talent that is eager to prove its capabilities. As a result, you can still have a great experience comparable to a company that has been around for decades. 

    In the end, it all comes down to your discretion. Remember that years of experience aren’t the only determining factor, but it’s definitely a crucial one. A veteran moving company with a proven track record is always the safer option.

    Do You Have Experience With My Type of Move?

    Not all moving companies are created equal. Some provide versatile offerings that make relocating a typical household easy. But suppose you have particular concerns regarding your move, like moving a piano, transporting a precious art collection, or the need for trusted storage services. In that case, it’s a good idea to ask your potential movers if they can meet your demands. It’s also worth asking if they have moved people between states or locally. Sign the deal only when they can assure you that they can complete your move satisfactorily.  

    Always double check if the mover you are hiring is experienced in the type of moving that you need.

    Is Your Company Licensed and Insured?

    This is the most important question of all. Who knows? You could be working with fraudulent people looking to rip you off at the end of the move. Make sure you ask your potential movers to show their licenses and credentials. Examples of what you should be looking for include:

    • USDOT Number: This is the most valid proof that shows a company has complied with the Department of Transportation. To check, run the number on the FMCSA mover search tool. 
    • BBB accreditation or ProMover title: The Better Business Bureau and American Moving & Storage Association are nonprofit organizations dedicated to fighting rogue movers. You can trust that any company vouched for by these two organizations has a clean record.
    • State License: Local movers are required to obtain a license to operate from their respective states. In the Garden State, NJ movers are regulated by the New Jersey Division of Public Affairs.

    In addition to being licensed, your company must also provide some sort of liability coverage for your belongings. The most basic insurance provided by movers is released value protection, covering only 60 cents per pound of the item’s weight. This means that they will only pay $108 for an expensive 180-pound refrigerator if it gets damaged. Scary, isn’t it?

    That’s why it is best to get full-value protection coverage. Yes, you’ll have to pay a premium upfront, but it will allow you to name the value of your belongings, and movers will have to return the item’s actual value if it sustains damage, one way or another. This assures you that they will handle your belongings with great care since it’s a huge liability on their part.

    How Well Do You Know New Jersey?

    This should be pretty obvious. A San Francisco moving company will have a hard time executing a move in New Jersey. Since you’re moving to the Garden State, you’ll want movers who breathe the NJ air and knows every nook and cranny of the place by heart. You can tell if your potential movers are the real deal by how they respond to your questions. Are they confident enough? Do they provide practical answers? Do they make you feel comfortable when talking about specific topics like the price? 

    New Jersey is just as unique as the other states. Take note that the movers should know their way around the place.

    Can You Provide a Complete List of Your Services?

    There’s no need to ask this if you’ve opted for a full-service move. If not, you could always ask your movers for a full copy of their services. By doing so, you can choose which ones to enlist, such as packing, furniture assembly, or white-glove moving. This helps cut down the cost since you’ll do some of the tasks yourself.

    Do I Need to Tip the Movers?

    Everyone knows that moving is already expensive in its own right, but tipping movers is always a nice gesture, especially if they’ve done a great job. It won’t hurt to give a mover an extra $4-5/ hour. See, suppose you’ve hired three movers, and they finished your move in 4 hours. That would be $20 extra for each person. Not that bad considering they satisfied your need, right? 

    Knowing the company a bit more can give you even more confidence that you are hiring the right people.

    Wrapping Things Up

    Knowing a little bit of something is better than knowing nothing at all. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or bring up concerns to your movers. You’re hiring them, so that means you’re the boss, after all.

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  • 5 Reasons to Move Out of Manhattan

    For many people around the world, living in New York City is the ultimate dream come true. With exciting Broadway shows, tall skyscrapers, Times Square, and famous celebrities walking the streets, Manhattan can seem like the perfect environment to live in. However, there are several downfalls to staying in NYC for more than just a […]

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  • Best Places to Eat Lunch in Westfield, NJ

    The town of Westfield, NJ, is full of delicious restaurants that serve everything from classic diner food to gourmet burgers. While some of these spots are well known and frequented by locals and visitors, others are a little harder to find if you’re not familiar with the area. For a list of the perfect places […]

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  • NY Storage Company Shares Tips for Spring Cleaning

    The spring season is a time for renewal, especially when it comes to cleaning and organizing a home. While it may seem like a daunting task to de-clutter your entire house and spruce things up, it’s really not as hard as it looks. For a few things to help you get started, read our guide […]

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  • Things to Know About Living in Westfield

    The small town of Westfield, New Jersey is attracting more and more residents from the Big Apple. With safe, family-friendly suburbs, a charming downtown district, and great commute options into neighboring cities, it’s an excellent home for first-time homebuyers and families of all ages. And if you’re thinking of moving into the Westfield area, here […]

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