Voted Best Movers in New Jersey

• Cost of living: Home to two of the country’s wealthiest counties, Somerset County and Hunterdon County, New Jersey can be expensive. Of course, it all depends on where you reside.
• Home prices: With a median home value of $327.5K statewide, $483K in Jersey City, and $916K in Princeton, more people are opting to rent over buying.
• Tax rate: With a progressive income tax, New Jersey has rates that are among the highest in America. Sales tax and property tax are also above the national average.
• Commuting: Ranked #49 in the nation for commute times, New Jersey isn’t exactly a commuter’s paradise. If you work in Philadelphia or New York, be prepared for a grueling commute.
• It’s not NYC: Looking for a Big Apple vibe? New Jersey may not be the place for you. The state offers a slower pace compared to NYC. For some, this may be a top reason for moving here.

• You will find two distinct climates in the Garden State. The northeast, central, and southern parts of New Jersey experience a humid subtropical climate which makes for hot, humid summers with mild to cold winters. The other is a humid continental climate in the northwest, which means cooler temperatures (relatively milder summers, frigid winters) at higher elevations. Statewide, temperatures average between 65 and 85 °F during summer and between 20 and 40 °F during winter.
• As far as significant weather events, the most common are severe snowstorms which can bring everything to a halt, including highways and airports. New Jersey also experiences Nor’easters – an extratropical cyclone that develops in the North Atlantic Ocean and typically brings heavy rainfall, heavy snowfall, flooding, hurricane-level winds, and blizzards – during winter and early spring. Other natural disasters, such as tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes and tropical storms, are typically rare. In general, many parts of New Jersey have four distinct seasons.

Looking for fun? New Jersey has no shortage of entertainment options. Check out these recommendations:

• Theme Parks: Storybook Land, Morey’s Pier and Beachfront Water Park, Casino Pier & Breakwater Beach Waterpark
• Historic Sites: Hamilton Park, Battleship New Jersey, Morristown National Historic Park, Princeton University Chapel
• Fun & Games: Bury the Hatchet Olde Bridge, Escape Garden State, Escapology, Adventure Rooms
• Outdoor Activities: Pinelands Adventures, Thundercat Dolphin Watch, Atlantic Parasail, 7th Street Surf Shop
• Factory Outlets: The Mills at Jersey Gardens, Jersey Shore Premium Outlets, Tanger Outlets, Jackson Premium Outlets
• Farms: Jersey Shore Alpacas, Duke Farms, Delicious Orchards, Howling Woods Farm
• Sights & Landmarks: Hoboken Waterfront Walkway, Princeton University, Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Fonthill Castle
• Hiking Trails: Columbia Trail, Stairway to Heaven Trail, Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, Sourland Mountain Preserve
• Museums: Princeton University Art Museum, Silverball Pinball Museum, Sterling Hill Mining Museum, Cape May Lighthouse
• Zoos & Aquariums: Cape May County Park & Zoo, Jenkinson’s Aquarium, Bergen County Zoological Park, Turtle Back Zoo
• Notable National and State Parks: Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, Thomas Edison National Historical Park, Liberty State Park, High Point State Park
• Professional sports teams: New Jersey Devils (NHL), New York Red Bulls (MLS), New York Jets (NFL), New York Giants (NFL)

To become a New Jersey resident, you’ll first need to move to the state, establish an address, and acquire a new driver’s license (refer below for detailed info). You won’t be able to participate in most community activities without establishing residency. Additionally, you’ll need to live in the state for 12 months or longer to attend a public university and qualify for in-state tuition.

Moving to New Jersey MVC

• Driver’s license: New residents to New Jersey must transfer their out-of-state driver’s licenses within 60 days of relocating to the state. For those transferring a vehicle (21 and over): visit a local Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) office, pass 6 Points of ID verification, proof address, and purchase a transfer permit. You will then receive a four-year NJ license (you’ll also be required to surrender your old license). If under 21, you must complete the Graduated Driver License (GDL) requirements. Non-citizens must have temporary visa status. If you need to obtain your first driver’s license, check out the First Driver’s License
• Voter’s registration: New Jersey’s deadline for voter registration is 21 days before an election. To have an application mailed to you, call (1-877-NJVOTER) or visit the New Jersey Division of Elections online at njelections.org. You can also register to vote while you apply or renew your ID card or driver’s license. Change your address online via the MVC website.
• Vehicle registration: A new resident must register their vehicle within 60 days of becoming an NJ resident. Registration is not allowed by mail or online, so you’ll need to visit the closest MVC office. You’ll need to provide the following documents: driver’s license, title, and proof of current car insurance policy. If applicable, you’ll also need to present the following: power of attorney (if you’re not the purchaser), dealer reassignment documentation, and lien holder info/financing statement (if leased or financed). Used cars undergo an emissions inspection every two years, while new vehicles are only require testing once they are five years old.