New Jersey: The Garden State

Known as the Garden State, New Jersey is a land of striking contrasts, where bustling metropolitan hubs meet serene natural landscapes. From the high-rise skylines of Jersey City to the quiet stretches of the Pine Barrens, New Jersey serves as a vital bridge between the major economic centers of New York City and Philadelphia.

Admitted to the Union on December 18, 1787, as the third state, New Jersey has evolved from a colonial province into one of the most densely populated and economically prosperous states in the U.S. Its motto, "Liberty and prosperity," reflects a legacy of industrial innovation and a commitment to diverse growth.

Ubiquitous gardens exemplified by landscaping at Rutgers University-Camden lend New Jersey its eponymous nickname as the Garden State.

Key Facts

Largest alone or in any combination ethnic origin by county in New Jersey, per the 2020 census

Capital: Trenton
Largest City: Newark
Population: Approximately 9,548,215 (2025 est.)
Population Density: Ranked 1st in the United States
Median Household Income: $99,800 (2023), ranking 2nd nationally
Highest Point: High Point (1,803 ft)
State Fruit: Northern highbush blueberry

Geography and Climate

Metropolitan statistical areas and divisions of New Jersey; those shaded in blue are part of the New York City Metropolitan Area, including Mercer and Warren counties. Counties shaded in green, including Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland counties, belong to the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area.[clarification needed]

New Jersey covers a total area of 8,722.58 square miles, with a diverse landscape that includes the Hudson Palisades, the Meadowlands, and the New Jersey Pine Barrens. The state is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, providing the famous Jersey Shore, and the Delaware River to the west.

The climate varies by region. Northern areas, such as Sussex, experience cooler temperatures, while coastal cities like Cape May and Atlantic City enjoy more moderate winters. The state's geography is further defined by the Delaware Water Gap and the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

Average Monthly Temperatures in Selected New Jersey Cities (°C/°F)
City	January (Low/High)	May (Low/High)	July (Low/High)	December (Low/High)
Sussex	-9 / 1 (16/34)	7 / 21 (45/70)	16 / 28 (61/82)	-6 / 4 (22/39)
Newark	-4 / 4 (24/39)	12 / 22 (53/72)	20 / 30 (68/86)	-1 / 6 (30/44)
Atlantic City	-2 / 5 (29/42)	13 / 19 (55/67)	21 / 27 (70/81)	1 / 8 (34/46)
Cape May	-2 / 6 (28/42)	12 / 21 (53/70)	19 / 29 (66/84)	0 / 8 (32/47)

History and Heritage

A heat map showing median income distribution in New Jersey by county

New Jersey's early history is marked by the presence of New Netherland and New Sweden during the colonial era. The state played a pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War, serving as a strategic battleground.

A map of New Netherland and New Sweden in present-day New Jersey during the colonial era

Key historical events include George Washington's covert crossing of the Delaware River on December 25, 1776, leading to the Battle of Trenton, and the subsequent Battle of Princeton in January 1777.

Washington Crossing the Delaware, an 1851 portrait by Emanuel Leutze depicting Washington's covert crossing the Delaware River from Bucks County, Pennsylvania to Mercer County on December 25, 1776, prior to the Battle of Trenton

Washington Rallying the Americans at the Battle of Princeton, a portrait by William Ranney depicting George Washington rallying Continental Army troops at the Battle of Princeton in January 1777

In the 19th century, the state's infrastructure expanded significantly, exemplified by the 107-mile-long Morris Canal, which facilitated trade and transport across the region.

Map of the 107-mile-long (172 km) Morris Canal, which crosses the state

Demographics and Culture

New Jersey is one of the most ethnically diverse states in the U.S. According to 2020 census data, the population includes significant White (non-Hispanic), Hispanic or Latino, Black or African American, and Asian communities.

Map of counties in New Jersey by racial plurality, per the 2020 census Legend Non-Hispanic White 30–40% 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90% Black or African American 40–50% Hispanic or Latino 40–50%

This diversity is reflected in the state's vibrant ethnic enclaves, such as India Square in Jersey City, the Ironbound Portuguese and Brazilian district in Newark, and Little India in Edison/Iselin, the largest South Asian hub in the country.

Largest ethnicity by municipality based on 2020 census

Language diversity is equally prominent, with Spanish being the most common non-English language, followed by Chinese, Italian, Portuguese, and Korean.

Economy and Infrastructure

The state's economy is a powerhouse of industry, finance, and logistics. Jersey City has become a financial center known as Wall Street West, while the Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal stands as one of the world's busiest container seaports.

The developing waterfront skyline of Downtown Jersey City, dubbed Wall Street West[240]

The Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal was the world's first container seaport and remains one of the world's largest and busiest.

Transportation is a cornerstone of New Jersey's functionality. The George Washington Bridge is the world's busiest motor vehicle bridge, and the state is served by extensive rail networks, including NJ Transit and the Hudson–Bergen Light Rail.

The George Washington Bridge, connecting Fort Lee (foreground) in Bergen County across the Hudson River to New York City (background), is the world's busiest motor vehicle bridge.[252][253]

A NJ Transit train on the Northeast Corridor in Rahway

Education and Research

New Jersey is home to world-class academic institutions. Rutgers University is the largest state university system in the state, while Princeton University remains one of the world's most prominent research institutions and an Ivy League member.

Old Queens at Rutgers University, the largest state university system in New Jersey

Cleveland Tower at Princeton University, an Ivy League university and one of the world's most prominent research institutions, served briefly as the U.S. Capitol in the 18th century.

Tourism, Sports, and Leisure

Map of New Jersey's major transportation networks and cities

Tourism in New Jersey is heavily centered on the coast. Atlantic City is the nexus of the state's gambling industry and features the world's first and longest boardwalk.

Sunset on the beach at Atlantic City, an oceanfront resort and the nexus of New Jersey's gambling industry

People walking along a wide pathway near the ocean on a sunny day — The Atlantic City Boardwalk seen from Caesars Atlantic City, which opened in 1870 as the world's first boardwalk[318] At 5+1⁄2 miles (8.9 km) long, it is also the world's longest and busiest boardwalk.[319] New Jersey is home to the world's highest concentration of boardwalks.

The state is also a major sports destination. MetLife Stadium hosts both the New York Giants and New York Jets, while the Prudential Center is home to the NHL's New Jersey Devils.

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, one of only two NFL stadiums shared by two teams, is home to the New York Giants and New York Jets.

Prudential Center in Newark, home of the NHL's New Jersey Devils

Arts and Entertainment

From the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City to the Thomas Edison Center in Menlo Park, the state offers a wealth of museums. For those seeking thrills, Six Flags Great Adventure and various boardwalk amusement parks provide extensive entertainment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Two Hudson–Bergen Light Rail trains in Jersey City

Cape May–Lewes Ferry connects New Jersey and Delaware across Delaware Bay.

New Brunswick, nicknamed the Hub city and the Healthcare City, is a focus city for academia, healthcare, and culture in New Jersey, and has many high-rise buildings.

The design of the golden-domed New Jersey State House in Trenton differs from most other U.S. state houses in not resembling the U.S. Capitol.

2024 U.S. presidential election results by county in New Jersey Democratic Republican

The Adventure Aquarium in Camden is the largest aquarium in New Jersey. It is home to two female hippopotamuses.

Why is New Jersey called the Garden State?

New Jersey earned this nickname due to its rich agricultural history and the ubiquitous gardens and landscaping found throughout the state.

What is the most populous city in New Jersey?

Newark is the largest city in New Jersey.

Which bridge in New Jersey is the busiest in the world?

The George Washington Bridge, connecting Fort Lee to New York City, is the world's busiest motor vehicle bridge.

What is the significance of the Atlantic City Boardwalk?

Opened in 1870, it was the world's first boardwalk and remains the longest and busiest boardwalk in the world.

Which major universities are located in New Jersey?

The state is home to Rutgers University, the largest state university system, and Princeton University, a world-renowned Ivy League research institution.