Yes, it's Hell, but Hell with nice beaches, great pizza and the best tomatoes. It's also close to New York, if you work there, or like to visit. Why does Donald Trump spend the summer at his New Jersey residence?
Pennsylvania is better but it's still high at #15 for taxes versus #3 New Jersey.
Florida (#34), or Texas (#46) seem better choices than either.
New Jersey is acually a very nice place to live. The liberal politics suck but there are many conservative areas. By district most of the state tends to vote reddish but the urban districts with their large populations overwhelm the rest of the state.
It is an interesting place full of history. On my way to work I drive through 2 revolutionary War battlefields and pass 3 homes occupied by George Washington during the war. D. Trump spends many summer weekends about 4 miles from my house. Steve Forbes lives about the same distance away from me. Pretty cool.
The are 3 gun stores within 5 miles of my house and firearm ownership is fairly common despite the restrictive laws
NJ is like everywhere else. There is some good and some bad.