A website recently ranked the friendliest states in America and New Jersey came in at…number 46. That puts us in the bottom 5! Big 7 Travel asked its readers to rate states by friendliness and, apparently, 1.5 million people or so did not think very highly of New Jersey. We’re rude and have an in-your-face attitude. I know the Garden State isn’t perfect, but you try packing 1,210 people into one square mile. (Our state has the highest population density in the US.) So, we may not be number one when it comes to friendliness, but we’re not number 46. Here’s why:
We support each other. Hurricane Sandy ravaged our state but neighbors came together to rebuild.
DVIDSHUB/Flickr People shared food and supplies, lent neighbors generators, and created pop-up food pantries. We took in area residents with flooded homes, paid for the gas and groceries of others, and volunteered both time and money to help rebuild.
We donate our Christmas trees!
Donnie Gladfelter/Flickr Did you know that Christmas trees can help preserve and protect our coastline? They strengthen dunes like rebar strengthens concrete, and can help prevent erosion. Each January, local beaches ask for our trees and we delivered. Island Beach State Park hoped to get at least 200 trees last Christmas - they received 2,000.
We make face masks for our community.
Rain Rabbit/Flickr When there was a shortage, we made our own and we shared them. We also donated meals to our healthcare workers and first responders, stocked soup kitchens, and supported local businesses.
Like Tillie, we’re always smiling.
Dave Whelan/Flickr We’ve been ranked among the happiest states, safest states, and best states to raise a family. Happy, safe, families? Doesn’t sound rude to me!
We may be a little tough and rough around the edges, but we’re always there for each other. I wouldn’t trade New Jersey for the world. If you’re curious, the LEAST friendly state was New York and the MOST friendly state was Minnesota. It doesn’t bother me that a few survey respondents thought New Jersey was unfriendly. What matters most is what we think. Answer the question below and share your stories of New Jersey kindness in the comments.
DVIDSHUB/Flickr
People shared food and supplies, lent neighbors generators, and created pop-up food pantries. We took in area residents with flooded homes, paid for the gas and groceries of others, and volunteered both time and money to help rebuild.
Donnie Gladfelter/Flickr
Did you know that Christmas trees can help preserve and protect our coastline? They strengthen dunes like rebar strengthens concrete, and can help prevent erosion. Each January, local beaches ask for our trees and we delivered. Island Beach State Park hoped to get at least 200 trees last Christmas - they received 2,000.
Rain Rabbit/Flickr
When there was a shortage, we made our own and we shared them. We also donated meals to our healthcare workers and first responders, stocked soup kitchens, and supported local businesses.
Dave Whelan/Flickr
We’ve been ranked among the happiest states, safest states, and best states to raise a family. Happy, safe, families? Doesn’t sound rude to me!
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