The many things that stress us out in New Jersey

I received some shocking news earlier this week. It seems that New Jersey came in 44th in a WalletHub survey of the most stressed-out states. You can read Bill Doyle's article here. Quite frankly, I find it hard to believe.

Do you really believe that the only states less stressed out than New Jersey in America are Iowa, Massachusetts, South Dakota, New Hampshire, Utah and Minnesota?

Do you really think we're less stressed out living in New Jersey than those living in Hawaii? The Aloha state came in 39th. Looking at their metrics and living here all my life, I'm even more shocked.

"Work-Related Stress (hours worked per week, commute time, unemployment rates, etc"

How many jobs do you have just to be able to live in New Jersey? How long is your commute to work n these overcrowded roads?

"Money Related Stress" (median income, bankruptcy rate, debt-to-income ratio, etc.)

Have you seen your tax bill?

"Family Related Stress (separation/divorce rate, cost of childcare, share of single parents, etc.)"

"Health & Safety Related Stress (adults in poor health, depression rate, suicide rate access to healthcare)"

There are many great things about living in New Jersey but they come with the stress of being able to survive in a state where property taxes and cost of living are so high that many of us have to work multiple jobs just to stay here. Unfortunately may of us are forced to leave.

So I asked my social following. "What stresses you out living in New Jersey"

Cost of living.

Teddy Maturo

Governor Phil Murphy (Photo: Getty Images, Associated Press)

Governor Murphy's stupidity

Justin Morris

High costs, high taxes, incompetent leaders

Mitchell Jay

(Photo: Frank McKenna, Unsplash) — (Photo: Frank McKenna, Unsplash, Canva, Townsquare Media Illustration)

People actively trying to kill me on my commute every day, on every road

Tricia Biondi

My real estate taxes are $14,000 + for a 1,500 square foot home.

Andy Rehorn

We moved out 2 years ago, a lot had to do with politics, but more so the population density and wanting to raise our kids in place that has “old school American values” currently living in the black hills of Wyoming

Rob Wisnewski

Philadelphia, Pennsylavnia Skyline (Photo: ActionVance, Unsplash) — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Skyline (Photo: ActionVance, Unsplash)

New Jersey used to have a Slogan which was 'Come See For Yourself'. I can honestly say I did, and well, I’m glad to be back in Philly.

Tim Grill

No rent control

Francie Trout

Traffic and congestion

Joanne Monaco

The multitude of car accidents and the jug handles in Ocean County

Cindy Zwicker

(Photo: Bruce Mars, Unsplash, Canva, Townsquare Media Illustration)

Taxes forcing retirees out

Glenn Summers

Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Steve Trevelise only. Follow him on Twitter @realstevetrev.

You can now listen to Steve Trevelise — On Demand! Discover more about New Jersey’s personalities and what makes the Garden State interesting. Download the Steve Trevelise show wherever you get podcasts, on our free app, or listen right now.

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Weird things NJ taxes - and some they don't

In general, New Jersey assesses a 6.625% Sales Tax on sales of most tangible personal property, specified digital products, and certain services unless specifically exempt under New Jersey law.

However, the way the sales tax is applied in New Jersey sometimes just doesn't make sense.

New Jersey puts out an itemized list for retailers that spells out what is, and what is not, taxed.

Perhaps because this is New Jersey, there are some bizarre and seemingly contradictory listings.

Gallery Credit: Eric Scott

How much does the average NJ home cost? Median prices by county

Everything is costing more these days — and housing is certainly no exception in New Jersey.

Data for 2023 from January through May, compiled by New Jersey Realtors, shows that homes hit the market and sell in two months or less, on average.

Median prices for single-family homes have reached $500,000 and above in nine counties.

Most counties have seen houses go for more than the list price this year, while the rest have been very close to asking — on average.

Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt

Source: The many things that stress us out in New Jersey