9 Things People Who Left New Jersey Say They Miss Most

From ShopRite to Wawa, these are the top things former residents of the Garden State long for.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:49pm

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A recent Facebook post revealed some surprising things that people who left New Jersey say they miss most about living in the state, including beloved grocery stores like ShopRite, the iconic boardwalks and beaches, unbeatable pizza and other local cuisine, and even the unique Jersey attitude and culture.

Why it matters

New Jersey is often maligned for its traffic, taxes, and politics, but this story highlights the strong emotional connection many former residents still have to the state and the aspects of Garden State life they can't quite replicate elsewhere. It speaks to the powerful sense of identity and community that New Jersey fosters, even among those who ultimately choose to leave.

The details

The Facebook post cited in the story revealed that former New Jersey residents miss a wide range of quintessential Jersey experiences, from grabbing a hoagie at Wawa at all hours to browsing the produce at local farm stands. Many also cited the unparalleled pizza, diners with massive menus, and the "Jersey attitude" - the blunt honesty and strong opinions that characterize many Garden State natives. Even mundane things like shopping at ShopRite supermarkets were cited as sorely missed by those who left the state.

  • The Facebook post that inspired the story was made on March 13, 2026.

The players

Chris Coleman

The author of the wpgtalkradio.com article that covers the Facebook post about things former New Jersey residents miss.

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What they’re saying

“Sure, New Jersey can be an aggravating state, but no matter how badly you say you want to leave, there's no place else like it on the planet.”

— Chris Coleman, Author (wpgtalkradio.com)

The takeaway

This story highlights the deep and enduring connection many former New Jersey residents feel to the state, even after leaving it behind. It suggests that the unique culture, cuisine, and community of the Garden State leave a lasting imprint on those who call it home, no matter how much they may have complained about it at the time.