Well, the northern part of the state, known as the
Skylands is a nice area. I was down on NJ for a while; Almost left. But now I am staying. Found a nice region where I can canoe, fish, hike, camp and live happily. I'm gonna buy a house here this year. The job market has got to be one of the best in the country, with so many people and being so close the NYC. Like you say, you get four seasons. It's within a day's drive from some nice tourist attractions, like Boston, or Virginia, or the Adirondacks. I am glad I have made my peace with NJ. One should take pride in where they live. Admittedly, we have some messed up politics, but I guess you can't have everything. I'll do what I can.
I grew up in that brand-name toilet known as Hudson County. I live out in a quiet corner of the world now, nestled in between the Watchung Reservation and the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. No complaints. But if I could live anywhere in this state, it would be either Long Valley or New Vernon.