Jun
Beyond the Garden State: The Top Places to Move Out of New Jersey
New Jersey is undoubtedly a lovely place to live — as you well know, having been a resident — but it also happens to be one of the top states people are leaving. So where are New Jerseyan’s moving to?
Many are packing up and heading toward warmer states with more affordable living costs, especially in terms of housing. Other common reasons for leaving New Jersey include the state’s cumbersome taxes and the limited yet competitive job market. Some of the common destinations for these outbound residents include Florida, Arizona, Texas, and Tennessee.
Find out what makes these destinations appealing to New Jersey movers and what they could hold in store for you.
Top Places to Move Out of NJ
No matter your reasons for leaving New Jersey, you’re bound to find something to love about the places New Jerseyans are headed:
Tampa, FL
Tampa is known for having a gorgeous average annual temperature of 73 degrees and plentiful sand and surf. Its job market offers a bounty of opportunities for those across industries within a diverse and thriving economy, allowing new citizens to enjoy a better quality of life without draining their bank accounts.
Philadelphia, PA
Philly is a city with rich historical roots, culture, high-ranking universities, and professional sports. It also boasts excellent walkability and a unique culinary scene, which means there’s something for everyone to love who may be considering Philadelphia as their new home.
Sarasota, FL
Sarasota is a highly coveted retirement community and an excellent place to raise a family. With one of the best beaches in the nation, ample outdoor recreation opportunities, low crime rates, and impressive arts and culture, it’s no wonder people are flocking to places like Sarasota in droves.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is a culturally diverse city and the center of the entertainment industry. It offers mild weather year-round and plenty of job opportunities within the technology, healthcare, and entertainment industries. Its vibrant nature scene ranges from beautiful beaches to mountain reserves.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Boating enthusiasts and night owls will love what Fort Lauderdale has to offer. With marinas, yacht clubs, an extensive canal system similar to that of Venice, Italy, high-end shopping boutiques, stunning beaches, and thriving nightclubs, adventure seekers will find what they’re looking for in this city.
Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville has a relatively low cost of living compared to other US cities as well as excellent opportunities for career growth. In addition to its economic benefits, Jacksonville has safe neighborhoods, highly rated schools, and outdoor life conducive to fishing, hiking, kayaking, and biking.
Charleston, SC
Charleston is one of those places marked by warm “Southern hospitality.” Its welcoming environment is friendly to newcomers seeking its temperate climate, delicious Lowcountry cuisine and seafood, beauty, and historical significance. New residents will also enjoy access to a variety of coastal beaches.
Raleigh, NC
Raleigh is a bustling hub for business and has developed a reputation for safe communities, top-ranking universities, green, open spaces, and high quality of life. Those moving here seeking thrills will also be delighted at how many scenic spots there are for hiking, biking, and kayaking.
Tucson, AZ
Tucson is marked by majestic desert beauty and a warm, sunny climate that lends itself to all-year hiking, biking, horseback, and golfing, which the cold-averse will appreciate. It has one of the lowest costs of living among all cities in Arizona and has safe neighborhoods conducive to family living.
Nashville, TN
Also known as Music City, Nashville is an exciting city to live in if you’re a country music lover with an affinity for barbecue and Southern-style cooking. This city has a growing economy with employers in finance, higher education, and healthcare and has a strong sense of community, which ensures a high quality of life.
Why People Are Leaving New Jersey
Residents are leaving New Jersey for numerous reasons, including crime rates, harsh weather, and traffic. Below are some of the most commonly reported reasons for leaving the state:
High Cost of Living in NJ
New Jersey is home to two of America’s wealthiest counties and continues to be one of the most expensive states in the nation, with living costs at around 12% more than the national average.
Because the state is so small and densely populated, there is fierce competition for available living space, and the demand spikes the cost of housing. According to data from Apartment List, the state’s rents are well over the national average at $2,100-$3,100 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city. Likewise, everything from food to transportation and utilities ranges from 4% to 8% higher than the national average.
Lack of Job Opportunities
New Jersey’s most common industries for employment include the pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and financial sectors, though opportunities are more limited in other fields. For example, underrepresented occupations in the state include agriculture, tech, hospitality and tourism, and nonprofit organizations.
High Taxes and Property Values
New Jersey’s close proximity to New York City and high population density keeps housing costs high, with the median home value in New Jersey sitting at around $457,045, according to Zillow. In some cities, median home values are even higher — like in Jersey City, which has a median home value of $576,704.
On top of that, the state has the highest property taxes in the country, with an average property tax rate of 2.26%, which is more than double the national average of 0.99%. New Jersey also has some of the consistently highest income tax rates in the nation, which can get up to 10.75% for higher earners.
What Is the Best State to Move to From New Jersey?
If you’re looking for relief from high tax burdens, more job opportunities, affordable housing, and an overall better quality of life, these top places to move out of New Jersey may have some — or all — of what you’re looking for.
Florida
Did you know Florida is one of the only states in the US with no state income tax? If this alone isn’t enough of a draw, the cost of living is 13.9% more expensive in New Jersey than in Florida, and median property values are less at $385,157. Additionally, Florida’s successful economy has endless growth opportunities for entrepreneurs and business owners in many industries. Plus, there’s lots of cultural diversity and a gorgeous climate that new residents may appreciate.
California
While California actually has higher income taxes than New Jersey, a higher median home price, and a 5.3% greater cost of living, California has significantly lower property taxes at an average tax rate of 0.75%. So if you’re looking to move somewhere with a lower property tax that’s also warm all year and has diverse landscapes, excellent educational opportunities, and cultural diversity, California might be the right move for you.
Texas
Like Florida, Texas has also chosen not to collect a state income tax, which is a great advantage for New Jerseyans looking to keep more of their paychecks. Texas also has a better variety of housing options, ranging from apartments to townhomes and single-family homes. Median home values are lower than New Jersey’s, sitting at roughly $298,325. New residents may also appreciate the 25% cheaper cost of living, the state’s friendly people, and the warm climate.
Tips and Tricks for Moving Out of New Jersey
If you’re one of the many people leaving New Jersey, you’re not alone in your move! White Glove Moving & Storage is here to provide helpful advice and full-service moving solutions to make your move successful and stress-free — whether to a next-door state or one across the country.
How To Plan a Successful Move Out of New Jersey
Planning a successful move starts with setting a timeline and a budget. Your planning needs to start at least two months in advance so you have time to take care of all preliminary tasks before moving day rolls around. You also need to know what you can afford in terms of packing supplies, transportation, and a moving service. Long-distance moving tends to be more expensive, so give yourself sufficient time to save up for it.
Finding the Right Moving Company
When it comes to a big move, don’t entrust the first moving service you come across. Take the time to research it by reading reviews, learning about its services, and gathering quotes so you find the company best suited to your needs. The right moving company is the one that has availability for your timeline, employs fully vetted movers, provides the full suite of services you need, has great reviews from clients, and can handle the job within your projected budget.
Packing and Decluttering Tips for a Smoother Move
Once you’ve set a timeline, established a budget, and selected a moving company to help you, it’s time to start sorting through the things you own and getting rid of the things you no longer need, want, or use. You can donate these items or sell them to make some extra cash to pay for the move. Paring down your belongings can make moving day smoother and reduce the size of your move — and, therefore, the costs. Start this process several weeks before moving day.
When it’s time to pack what you have left, you can either take care of it yourself or hire our professional moving team. We have years of experience packing up homes of all different sizes and know what it takes to get your items safely from point A to point B. If packing services aren’t in the budget, turn to us for high-quality packing supplies, including bubble wrap, sturdy boxes, and packing tape. Label every box with its contents and the room it belongs in to make unpacking easier.
Plan Your Move Out of NJ With White Glove
In this article, we’ve covered popular places for New Jersey residents to move — but as you may have noticed, many of the top places to move out of New Jersey are quite a long distance away.
Long-distance moves are not for the faint of heart, so as you plan your move out of New Jersey, consider making White Glove part of the process. We specialize in long-distance moving and have the materials and expertise to relocate anywhere in the US. Contact us today for a quote and rest easier knowing we’re here to take the heavy lifting off your shoulders.