If you’ve lived in New Jersey for far too long, you’ve probably racked up a collection of experiences that are unmistakably Garden State. Here are ten telltale signs you’re a true Jersey local—each with a source or context from local culture and media.
1. You’ve Worn PJs Inside Out and Backward for a Snow Day
Every New Jersey kid knows the ritual: wearing pajamas inside out and backward in hopes of a snow day. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t—but you’ve tried it more than once.
2. You’ve Spent “Mischief Night” TPing Houses
The night before Halloween, known as Mischief Night, is legendary. If you’ve ever toilet-papered a friend’s (or enemy’s) house, you’re a true Jerseyan.
3. You’ve Taken the NJ ASK and Hated Every Minute of It
The NJ Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (ASK) test was a rite of passage for New Jersey schoolchildren from third to eighth grade—and you remember how much you dreaded it.
4. You’ve Listened to Bruce Springsteen on Repeat
Whether your parents forced you or you eventually became a fan, you’ve spent more than a few car rides with The Boss blasting from the speakers.
5. You’ve Spent Endless Days “Down the Shore”
From Lavalette to Manasquan to Long Beach Island, every Jerseyan has a favorite beach spot and knows the drill: beach badges, boardwalks, and saltwater taffy.
6. You Know What a “Jughandle” Is and Use It Regularly
Only in New Jersey do you make a right turn by going left. If you instinctively look for a jughandle, you’ve lived here too long.
7. You’ve Waited in Line at a Wawa at 2 AM
Wawa is a way of life. If you’ve ever found yourself grabbing a hoagie or coffee in the wee hours, you’re a true local.
8. You’ve Argued About the Best Diner in the State
New Jersey is the diner capital of the world. If you have a favorite and will defend it to the death, you’re a Jersey lifer.
9. You’ve Gotten Stuck in Shore Traffic on a Summer Friday
Nothing says Jersey like bumper-to-bumper traffic on the Garden State Parkway, trying to get to the beach for the weekend.
10. You’ve Tried to Pronounce “Mahwah” or “Manalapan” and Confused Out-of-Staters
If you can pronounce New Jersey’s tricky town names with confidence—and baffle visitors in the process—you’re a local through and through.
These experiences are just a few of the quirks that make living in New Jersey unique. If you’ve ticked all these boxes, you’ve truly lived in the Garden State for far too long.
Sources:
- https://www.theodysseyonline.com/10-things-experience-growing-nj
- https://wobm.com/how-to-tell-someone-not-from-new-jersey/
- https://www.honeytrek.com/new-jersey-road-trip/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPL_XerHJns