Almost anywhere in the state, you’re 1-2 hours away from some great beaches, a few hours away from decent skiing and hiking. Plus the northwestern part of the state (take Rt. 23 up to Highpoint) is very beautiful.
I don’t mind the winters — the snow is actually enjoyable to me. This summer wasn’t bad either. I used the a/c maybe four times, and that was in NYC which is hotter than NJ.
I’ve been to NJ and I have a friend who lives there. Extremely boring in the middle of all the vegetation. You don’t see anything but green trees on end. Humid and hot, or humid and cold. People look forward to the spring and fall.
The redeeming thing is that it’s close to NYC so you can go on weekends.
From what I understand, people stay in Jersey for jobs only. Then they move away after retirement.