Eight Odd and Strange Things Nobody Tells You About New Jersey Life

New Jersey may be small, but it’s packed with quirks, oddities, and unique local customs that surprise newcomers and delight long-time residents. Here are eight odd and strange things nobody usually tells you about life in the Garden State:

1. You’re Identified by Your Exit Number

“What exit?” is more than a joke—it’s a way of life. Locals often introduce themselves by their Turnpike or Parkway exit, as if it’s a badge of hometown pride.

2. The Spoon Museum Is a Real Place

Lambert Castle in Paterson houses the Spoon Museum, a collection of over 5,400 spoons. It’s one of the largest public spoon collections in the U.S., and it’s absolutely real.

3. You Might Live Near a Volcano (Sort Of)

Beemerville in Sussex County has an inactive volcano. While it’s not erupting any time soon, it’s a quirky fact that most New Jerseyans don’t know about their own state.

4. The “Jersey Devil” Is Your Official State Demon

The Jersey Devil, a creature with hooves, wings, and a goat’s head, is officially recognized by the state legislature as New Jersey’s demon. Sightings and legends abound in the Pine Barrens.

5. You’ll See a Chair at the Top of a Steeple

On Route 9 South in West Creek, there’s a house with a chair perched atop its steeple. Theories range from a lookout post to a discipline tool, but no one really knows why it’s there.

6. You’re Never Far from a Diner

New Jersey is the diner capital of the world, with more diners per square mile than anywhere else. No matter where you are, a classic diner is just around the corner.

7. Abandoned WWII Bunkers on the Beach

At the Jersey Shore, you can find abandoned World War II bunkers right on the sand. They’re now mostly inaccessible, but they’re a haunting reminder of history.

8. High Population Density, But Still Feels Small

New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the U.S., yet it somehow still feels like a bunch of small towns connected by highways. You’ll likely bump into someone you know at the grocery store—or at least someone who knows your cousin.

These oddities make New Jersey life unique, quirky, and full of surprises—no matter how long you’ve lived there.

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