"Well, DUH! Why in the world would anyone want to even visit a state like New Jersey, let alone live there? "Family, beaches, one of the very tippy-top states for household income, proximity to ... almost anywhere ... Jersey tomatoes, fresh seafood, great pizza ... stuff like that.
If it weren't for all the taxes, all the laws, and all the left-wing loons here, it would be a great place to live. (My county votes nearly as conservatively as Texas, so it's not like you can't avoid Democrats and moonbat libs.) We don't plan to die as legal residents of the state, but sure, we'll keep a house here.
You haven't sold me. Nothing can offset the fact that there are prohibitive guns laws like this retired teacher is subject to. We have everything you mentioned here in Florida. Beaches, citrus, fresh seafood, and pizza. Those tomatoes look like they came out of our garden. And with no state income taxes at all. You don't need high household income if the cost of living is lower. We live comfortably here raising beef cattle on social security incomes.
My wife and I vowed years ago to never ever live in the north again where it snows and high taxes suck your wallet dry.