North and South Jersey may as well be different countries

New Jersey may seem like a unified state to outsiders, but in reality it is two different worlds. The two regions, the north and the south, each have unique characteristics that differentiate each region from the other.

North Jersey is home to The Sopranos and the Real Housewives of New Jersey while South Jersey is home to the Jersey Devil.

The following are the major differences between each region that have affected the culture within the state.

Wawa

Wawa may arguably be the greatest convince store/gas station chain in existence. There is nothing better than a hoagie or coffee from Wawa, if you are lucky enough to live near one. South Jersey has been graced with almost all of the locations in the state.

Although there are several Wawas in the in the lower northern section of the state most people can agree there are definitely not enough in this section of the state. Instead North Jersey residents have to live with convenient options such as Quick Chek or 7-Eleven unless they want to make a trip to South Jersey.

Life without a Wawa is a struggle

Terrain

Obviously South Jersey is known for the shore (which can arguably be seen as a region of its own with its beaches, boardwalks, and casinos).

Additionally, South Jersey is also more flat than its northern counterpart. The south is also more rural contains the Pine Barrens, and is less affluent than the north.

Sandy Hook is one of the most underrated beaches in the country.

Fishing is a popular activity to do down the shore in addition to going to the gym and getting a tan

Meanwhile North Jersey is more urban, has a higher population density, and contains the cities Newark, Jersey City, and Patterson (hometown of the rapper Fetty Wap).

North Jersey has many hills and as well as the highest spot in the state called, High Point, 1,802 feet high.

The mountainous terrain of the north allows for attractions such as Mountain Creek and makes for great hikes.

There are plenty of trails to hike in North Jersey

New York vs. Philadelphia

The New York vs. Philadelphia rivalry that exists within New Jersey has a very clear boarder with the north side rooting for teams from New York or the New Jersey Devils and the south side rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles, 76ers, Phillies, and Flyers. However, North Jersey is where most of these New York teams play.

The Red Bulls play in Harrison while the, Giants, and Jets all play in East Rutherford even though they have New York in the title. Meanwhile all of the Philadelphia teams play in Philadelphia, not South Jersey.

Flying past Red Bull Arena before landing at Newark International Airport

Food

Each region is known for its own junk food, as the north specializes in pizza while the south specializes in cheesesteaks. Although most people can agree that the north has better pizza and the south has better cheesesteaks, both regions cannot agree on the names of certain foods. Is it called a hoagie or a sub? Taylor ham or a pork roll? Sprinkles or jimmies? There is no clear right answer but each region believes their choice is the right one.

View from the top of the “Stairway to Heaven Trail”

Although there are many things that separate the state into two regions there are some things both northerners and southerns can find common ground on. Firstly both sides do not believe that a Central Jersey exists.

Secondly, everyone in the state loves Bruce Springsteen. And most importantly of all both side know the true beauty of New Jersey.