This review comes after a long gap of a year. Though I have been regular at mouthshut, I struggled to find time to put my views here due to frequent travels.
Well now that I am in NJ, US and have settled here I think its a good time to write one.
New Jersey for me is a green north-east state in USA. You hardly miss greenery once you are here. I will try to justify my writeup with some points on the state:
- Very Indian- NJ is famous for being Indian though I dont agree with it completely. I stay in Clifton which falls under passaic county of the state and you wont find a lot of Indian stores or Indians around here. Grossly though many parts of the state is in fact Indian. The area which is closer to New York(new york downtown) is very much Indian. These places include Jersey City, North Bergen, Union City, Hoboken, etc. Anybody who plans to work in NY should consider living here. Right from tandori chicken to wada sambhar. you will find it all here. Walk on the Newark Avenue, Jersey City and you might get spices which you might not have got in your local grocery.
For those living in south of the state, Edison is the town to be. The town has all indian items you wish to have. Though at the same time its famous for chaos. but then again which Indian habitat isn’t.
Rest of the state isnt Indian and the one I stay is not for sure. Though I like the way it is and its always good to be one with all communities.
Affordable- NJ is a lot affordable than NY. Those who have lived in NY will agree to that. NY offers busy life, good transportation but at the same time high cost of living. Pennsylvania is cheaper though than NJ.
Good Connectivity- NJ has excellent connectivity. Airport at Newark, NY- JFK airport and Laguardia connects one to any part of the world. There are lots of flights which takes off and lands from India in these airports daily across the clock. NJ also has lots of domestic airports and private airports for jets, private airliners, etc.
4. Irregular /errant weather- NJ is north-east of US and has a big coastline to its east. This results in windy days, irregular rains, cold winters and mild to hot summers. Winters can be scary here with inches of snow on the road. Special attention needs to be given once you plan to drive here during winters. Cars move at around 10 MPH during these days on freeways/ highways while its 55-65MPH during other days.
When in NJ, always travel with an umbrella. Its also a word of mouth here. After all who hates a romantic evening shower.
- Security- Security has been beefed up in the state after the 9/11 aftermath. Most of the miscreants were from this state and they planned there plot here. The reason being its closer to NY.
Its suprising to note that the miscreants carried a NJ driving licence. For those who are new to the ways in US, a DL in US is all you need to have to prove that you are who you claim to be. So DL is a big thing here.
State police after this aftermath has taken drastic steps to beef up security. Now a DL is a pain to get in NJ. I got mine after a written test, then a vision test, and finally a road test followed by some running around office counters. But its Ok. Afterall we all want to be secure.
- Closer to Scenic beauty- NJ is very close to lots of local attractions. Due to its vast coastline, Nj offers some very good beaches. Atlantic beach is one of them. On a sunny day you can hop around bars on the beach and do a lot of window shopping in the area.
Niagra falls is at a drivable distance with just 6 hrs of drive. Miami and Hollywood is also a short flight from NJ. Those who want to visit NY, Washington DC, Pennsylvania can catch a Bus(called NJ transit) or a train within short commute.
Once in NJ(in general US I guess) be ready to drive and drive.
If you are good behind the wheels, there is no stopping you from Uncle Sam’s gems.
Enjoy your stay!