All my life I’ve grown up in the mythical land of Central New Jersey (yes it’s a real place). I was born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey (I was actually raised in Lawrenceville but no one really knows where that is), right smack dab in the middle of the state. Growing up in central jersey is definitely a unique experience so here’s ten ways you know you’re from good old central Jersey.
10. You have a bit of an identity issue.
Growing up in Central Jersey people always used to try to tell you that your home doesn’t exist, that central Jersey is not a thing and you are either from North or South Jersey, Which we all know is not the case, North Jersey is closer to New York, South Jersey is closer to Philadelphia, and Central Jersey is everything in between.
9. You couldn’t wait to get out of there.
Growing up in good old central Jersey most kids couldn’t wait to get out of the area. I know for years, like from my freshman to senior years of high school I couldn’t wait to grow up, go off to college and get out of town. There was never anything to do and you were always being bossed around by your parents, I mean why wouldn’t you want to get away from that.
8. Quaker Bridge Mall
If you’re from Central Jersey you know exactly what I’m talking about. Quaker Bridge Mall was easily one of the most ratchet places in the town( before they redid it). Going to Quaker Bridge was always an experience, you saw everyone and their mom whenever you were there too.
7.AMC or Market Fair
For those of you who don’t know, AMC and Market Fair are both movie theaters. The only difference between the two is that AMC is more expensive and Market Fair has a little mall attached to it. So, If you didn’t feel like going to good old Quaker Bridge one weekend you went to either AMC or Market Fair instead (back in the day when Market Fair had a Regal theater and not an AMC theater). Whichever place you were still ducking and hiding from everyone and their mother.
6. Wawa
For those of you who don’t know Wawa is absolutely the greatest thing on earth. Literally everything you want in a store, you can find at Wawa, they have everything from food and coffee to gas and snacks. Its an amazing store and those who have never been probably just don’t get it.
5. Football Games
Everyone in Central Jersey loves going to there high school football games, or at least liked it enough to go. Just about every weekend during the season is spent at a game, at least one night. Almost all your friends go and even if you don’t watch the game you won’t be bored.
4. Princeton
If you’re tired of going to Quaker Bridge or Market Fair and you can’t think of anything else to do, you’ll probably end up going to Princeton. Princeton is a beautiful town filled with stores and shops. Its always a good time even if you’re broke and just go to walk around, it’s definitely a sight to see.
3. The Cities
Living in Central Jersey you’re about an hour from either of the cities (New York and Philadelphia). This always makes for a great adventure, nothing is more fun than getting together with a group of friends and hopping on either NJ Transit or Septa and heading into the city.
2. The Shore
Another great thing thats only about an hour from Central Jersey, the shore. Everyone loves going down the shore. Personally I’m loyal to Seaside because there's always something to do, even if you’re just sitting there people watching, it's always a good time.
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