I have lived in probably the 2 most misunderstood places in the world in my life - New jersey ans Colombia South America.
both places teeming with stereo types, most of which are inaccurate.
first let me get that Jersey Shore program out the way. I grew up in that little island town where that show was filmed. When I was a kid it was mostly families staying there for the summer. The youth were mostly long haired types there to have fun. In the 80's and 90's all these Italian wannabees started springing up from New York. Coming down to " The Shaw" to act like jerkoffs.
THE IDIOTS IN THAT SHOW ARE NEW YORKERS, SIMPLE AS THAT. THEY ARE NOT FROM NEW JERSEY.
here is a map
from northern middlesex north through union, essex, hudson and part of bergen counties it is old, it is run down, it is or was industrial. It ain't that nice.
West of that is beautiful country.
south of that is wooded and nice.
Actually the rest of the state is really really nice aside from camden and part of trenton.
it scenic, peaceful and a nice place to live.