Every county in New Jersey is designated as “urban,” New Jersey is the only state with this distinction. 94.7% of the Garden State is considered to be “urban” by the US census, which is the highest rate in the nation, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have charming small towns. While our big cities and sizable suburbs are fantastic, these small towns are some of the best places to grow up in the state. Here are 11 reasons why:
- You knew all your neighbors.
Wikipedia/Smallbones You played in the street with other kids and knew that if you needed something, a neighbor would be more than happy to help.
- You could occasionally get away with buying things on credit.
Wikipedia/Saucemaster Don’t have a few cents for that piece of gum? Don’t worry about it, give it to me next time. Even better? Don’t worry about it at all!
- People watched out for each other.
Flickr/Patrick McConahay That means sandwiches for hungry kids, checking in on older neighbors and looking out for sketchy happenings.
- You had a better chance of seeing the stars.
David Casius Especially if you lived further from the bright lights of NYC and Philadelphia.
- Community events were the best.
Flickr/golfnride Because everyone pitched in and the whole town attended. You had local plays, carnivals, field days… and loved every minute.
- You learned the value of hard work.
Flickr/Doug Kerr From working the fields to shoveling snow, small town folk did it themselves, and everyone helped.
- You enjoy the safety of a small town, but are never far from big city amenities.
Flickr/Doug Kerr New York and Philadelphia are just a day trip away, and we have our own cities offering art, culture, history, fine dining, and more.
- Parking is less of a nightmare since you probably have your own driveway.
Flickr/Adam Moss In some New Jersey towns it can take forever to find parking, even if you’re a resident.
- High school was less nerve-wracking since you already knew your whole class.
Flickr/Beatrice Murch Since kindergarten. It had its pros and cons.
- The local paper was always a good read.
Wikipedia/Mr. Matte But you never needed it because big news travels fast in small towns.
- The community rallied behind you.
Wikipedia/John Bohnel In good times and bad. They’d celebrate scholarships to big schools and raise funds after emergencies. You could always count on some support.
Did you spot a photo of your small town on this list? What was your favorite part of growing up in small town New Jersey? City dwellers, do you feel like you missed out or that you had it even better?
Wikipedia/Smallbones
You played in the street with other kids and knew that if you needed something, a neighbor would be more than happy to help.
Wikipedia/Saucemaster
Don’t have a few cents for that piece of gum? Don’t worry about it, give it to me next time. Even better? Don’t worry about it at all!
Flickr/Patrick McConahay
That means sandwiches for hungry kids, checking in on older neighbors and looking out for sketchy happenings.
David Casius
Especially if you lived further from the bright lights of NYC and Philadelphia.
Flickr/golfnride
Because everyone pitched in and the whole town attended. You had local plays, carnivals, field days… and loved every minute.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
From working the fields to shoveling snow, small town folk did it themselves, and everyone helped.
New York and Philadelphia are just a day trip away, and we have our own cities offering art, culture, history, fine dining, and more.
Flickr/Adam Moss
In some New Jersey towns it can take forever to find parking, even if you’re a resident.
Flickr/Beatrice Murch
Since kindergarten. It had its pros and cons.
Wikipedia/Mr. Matte
But you never needed it because big news travels fast in small towns.
Wikipedia/John Bohnel
In good times and bad. They’d celebrate scholarships to big schools and raise funds after emergencies. You could always count on some support.
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