If You Can Relate to These 7 Things, You’ve Definitely Lived in New Jersey Too Long

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New Jersey often gets a bad rap, but if you’ve spent enough time in the Garden State, you know there’s no place quite like it.

Whether it’s the fast-paced lifestyle, the unique quirks, or the undeniable pride of being a Jersey native, there are certain things you can’t help but experience when you’ve lived in New Jersey for an extended period. If you can relate to any of these seven things, you’ve definitely lived in New Jersey too long—and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

1. You’ve Got an Opinion About the Jersey Shore

It doesn’t matter if you’ve never set foot on a beach in the state—The Jersey Shore is still part of your identity. Whether you love it or hate it, you’ve definitely formed an opinion about the shore towns, the boardwalks, the seagulls, and, of course, the infamous reality TV show. If you’ve ever found yourself defending (or mocking) the shore culture with passion, then you’ve definitely been in New Jersey long enough to have absorbed that Jersey Shore energy.

2. You Know What a “Jughandle” Is (And You Hate It)

Navigating a jughandle intersection is a rite of passage for any Jersey driver. It’s one of those strange quirks that makes New Jersey’s traffic system uniquely maddening, but if you’ve lived here long enough, you’ve mastered it (or at least learned to swear under your breath every time you have to use one). Jughandles are that weird highway offshoot you use when you need to make a left turn, and chances are, they’ve caused you to wonder how this bizarre road design became a thing in the first place.

3. You’ve Been “Parked” at a Diner at 2 a.m.

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If you’ve lived in New Jersey for long enough, you’ve definitely experienced the magic of a late-night diner run. New Jersey diners are a cultural institution, and they never disappoint—whether you’re craving a classic bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, or something more adventurous at 2 a.m. When you walk in and the waiter says, “What’ll it be, hon?” you know you’re in the right place. It’s not just about the food, it’s about the experience of gathering with friends and neighbors, where everyone can find something to eat, no matter how odd the hour.

4. You’ve Used “What Exit?” as a Legitimate Question

The New Jersey Turnpike is one of the most famous highways in the United States, and if you’ve lived here long enough, you’ve definitely asked (or been asked) the question, “What exit?” Whether you’re giving directions or trying to figure out which part of the state you’re in, this phrase is more than just a question—it’s a New Jersey staple. You know that the Turnpike’s exits are a code that locals understand, and you’ve likely had more than one conversation where “What exit?” was the starting point.

5. You’re Not Afraid to “Tell It Like It Is”

Jerseyans are known for being direct, and it’s something you’ve certainly picked up over the years. If you’ve lived in New Jersey too long, you’re not afraid to speak your mind. Whether it’s complaining about the weather, offering unsolicited driving advice, or telling your server exactly how you like your sandwich, you’ve mastered the art of honesty. People might mistake your bluntness for rudeness, but in New Jersey, it’s just how we roll. No sugar-coating, just the truth.

6. You’ve Developed a Deep, Almost Spiritual Attachment to Wawa

While this might be hard for non-Jersey residents to understand, if you’ve lived in New Jersey long enough, you have a profound connection to Wawa. Whether it’s for coffee, hoagies, or the occasional quick snack, Wawa is more than just a convenience store—it’s a lifeline. If you’ve ever found yourself planning your route just so you can stop at a Wawa, or if you’ve had a heated debate over which gas station offers the best food, you know the importance of this iconic chain.

7. You’ve Got Opinions on Taylor Ham (Or Pork Roll)

The debate over whether it’s called Taylor Ham or pork roll is one that divides families, friendships, and entire towns. If you’ve lived in New Jersey for any length of time, you know which side you’re on in this great debate, and you’ve probably participated in more than one argument about it. Whether you call it Taylor Ham or pork roll, one thing’s for sure: You’ve eaten it on a sandwich with egg and cheese and proudly declared it the best breakfast sandwich in the world. The fight may never end, but it’s one of the many things that makes New Jersey’s food culture so unique.

Living in New Jersey is an experience unlike any other. It’s a place where you’re constantly engaged in debates, navigating strange traffic patterns, and experiencing local food that you won’t find anywhere else.

Whether it’s the quirky culture, the iconic diners, or the love-hate relationship with the shore, New Jersey becomes a part of who you are. If you’ve experienced even just a few of these things, you’ve definitely lived in New Jersey long enough to be officially considered a “Jersey person.” Embrace it—there’s nowhere else quite like it.

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