If someone's spent 70-plus years in New Jersey, they must be a big fan of the great Garden State.

That's not always the case.

Monday through Wednesday of this week, New Jersey 101.5 takes a look at multiple generations in New Jersey and how they view the state in which they live.

On day 1, we let a couple senior citizens vent their frustrations.

Born in East Orange, 79-year-old Janice Moreno spent time in North Arlington, Little Ferry, South Hackensack and Wanaque before settling down 17 years ago at Covered Bridge, a 55-and-older community in Manalapan.

Janice Moreno, 79, of Manalapan
Janice Moreno, 79, of Manalapan (Dino Flammia, Townsquare Media NJ)
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She's a lifelong Jersey girl, but if she were just a bit younger, Moreno would leave the state "in a heartbeat."

"Everything about New Jersey I don't like anymore," she told us. "It's too expensive. The taxes are ridiculous. The cost of living is stupid."

Moreno also took a stab at the state's "outrageous" politicians, but didn't name names.

"They take our money and they don't do anything for us," she said.

Moreno's view of, and infatuation,for New Jersey shifted when Superstorm Sandy made landfall in the state in October 2012. The shore she visited for two weeks per year as a kid, and continued to visit in her later years, would never be the same, she said.

The church she attends regularly in Sayreville is still dealing with the loss of more than 200 parishioners due to flooding in the area caused by Sandy. In the meantime, she's watching her niece struggle in Toms River with the lasting effects of the storm's devastation.

"She's dying until she can sell and get the hell out," Moreno said.

Moreno recently returned from a trip to Delaware and says that's the state she'd prefer to call home.

"No sales tax, they only drive 30 m.p.h., the homes are beautiful for the price, and the people pay $1,600 per year for property tax," she said.

Chris Smith, 72, has lived in Toms River for the past 15 years. He was born and raised in Jersey City, and in between, spent some years in California, Las Vegas and London.

He still calls New Jersey home, but itches for 80-degree weather year-round and an overall atmosphere that's not as chaotic as what "Jersey has been offering lately."

"People here are in such a rush. They can not wait one second for you to go by, even if you're walking," Smith said. "Where the hell are they going? I mean slow down. Enjoy life."

Smith said he's likely to stay put in this "hustle and bustle" state. He knows more than a few acquaintances who have made the move to Florida and have since come back.

Tomorrow, we hear from a couple families who still have three generations living in New Jersey. But how long will that last?

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Contact reporter Dino Flammia at dino.flammia@townsquaremedia.com.

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