Are you considering moving to Monmouth County from the New York area and wonder what it’s really like? In this episode of Monmouth Redefined, I’m going to help you understand the differences between Monmouth County and Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and New York City. We’ll look at everything from the lifestyle to food options so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
Lifestyle Differences
First off, let me tell you that I’ve lived where you are, too. I’ve spent time in Queens, Staten Island, and even New York City, so I understand what it’s like to live in the New York area. About 25 years ago, I moved to New Jersey and Monmouth County, and now I can’t imagine living anywhere else.
The first difference we’ll consider is the lifestyle from New York City to New Jersey, specifically here in Monmouth County. When you’re moving here from the New York area, you’re probably thinking it’s going to be a little dull. After all, there won’t be taxi cabs driving around honking.
While it may be an adjustment and you might be hesitant, you’re going to find out that you love the Monmouth County lifestyle. Monmouth County is in the suburbs, which means it’s a little quieter with a slower pace of life. Unlike New York City, you’re going to need a car to get around.
Getting Around
Most towns in Monmouth County aren’t like the New York areas. You can’t walk out your front door and walk to the deli, convenience store, or Starbucks. We still have Starbucks here—to get your frappuccinos and cappuccinos—but you’re going to need to drive to get there.
When it comes to transportation, things are just different in Monmouth County. For example, here in New Jersey, we don’t pump our own gas. It’s actually illegal. You don’t need to give a tip to the gas attendant, and there’s no extra charge.
If I was living in New York City and it was the middle of winter, snowing out and slush on the ground, I’d have to get out of my car and pump my own gas. But here in Monmouth County, it’s such a wonderful thing. I don’t have to get out of my car to fill up my tank.
Fun Things To Do
Another huge advantage to living here in New Jersey is the sales tax. We don’t pay sales tax on clothing. So the price you see on the tag is the price you actually pay.
Since you’re coming from the New York area, you’re probably wondering where people here in Monmouth County tend to hang out. Let me give you some of the favorites that residents love here in Monmouth County.
One of the most popular places for locals is Asbury Park. And if you don’t know what Asbury Park is, it’s a town here in Monmouth County that has a beautiful beach. Throughout the past few years, it’s also become known for its bars, restaurants, and of course the Stone Pony.
The Stone Pony is one of the best music venues in the world. It opened its doors in the mid-70s, and people like Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi helped make it very popular here in Monmouth County. Asbury Park is not the only town in Monmouth County; if you’re looking for a vibrant, exciting scene, you’ll also want to check out Red Bank and Long Branch where they have loads of great restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and shopping.
Local Cuisine
One thing you might want to get used to when you move here to New Jersey is pork roll egg and cheese sandwiches. These are very popular breakfast sandwiches here in New Jersey. I promise you that once you get a taste, you’re going to be addicted.
If that’s not your thing, don’t worry. You won’t forget your roots here in Monmouth County. We also have great bagel shops and pizzerias, just like in the New York area.
Traffic And Taxes
Another difference you’ll have to get used to is the traffic. Coming from New York, I know that you’re used to traffic—but don’t think that we don’t have it here in Monmouth County, too. Many times you can be driving down intersections, highways such as Route 9 or Route 18, and it’s bumper to bumper. It’s very frustrating at times, and you may actually think you’re back in New York.
Another annoying thing about driving in New Jersey and Monmouth County are the jug handles. If you haven’t heard of them, jug handles are what we use to make a left at an intersection and get to the other side of the road. In New Jersey, you can’t just make a left at an intersection; you have to take a jug handle, a ramp that goes up and around to get you to the other side of the road.
The reason for these jug handles is to reduce traffic and help its flow. However, I don’t find that this actually works, to be honest. I find the jug handles really, really annoying.
Another not-so-great adjustment is taxes. If you are moving here from Staten Island or other parts of New York, you’re probably going to find that the property taxes here are pretty high. However, many of the schools here in Monmouth County are highly rated, so it’s not essential to put your children in private school. So if you’re moving here to Monmouth County from the New York area and have been paying those high prices for private school, you’re probably not going to mind the property taxes.
Housing Prices And Real Estate
Along with those high property taxes, you’re probably going to get a lot more property and outdoor space here in Monmouth County than you do in the New York area. So what can you get for your money here?
The cost of housing here in Monmouth County has increased substantially since COVID. To give you an example, a four-bedroom colonial pre-COVID in Manalapan, New Jersey was around $600,000. Now, that same house is going to cost you at least $750,000, if not more.
Compare this to what you get in the New York area and tell me what you think. I’m guessing you’re going to feel that Monmouth County is quite a bargain, and this is one of the reasons that makes this area so desirable.
Enjoy Living In Monmouth County
I hope this gave you some things to consider and helped you understand the differences between the New York area and Monmouth County. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me and I’d be happy to connect with you.
You can also subscribe to my channel so you never miss an episode of Monmouth Redefined, my show all about Monmouth County living. Stay tuned to see what I feature next!
