See Central Jersey’s Borders That Will Make You Believe its Existence

A few weeks ago I was talking with someone who kept saying that Central Jersey doesn't exist. I checked my watch and saw my heart rate keep getting higher and higher.

It's a dumb thing to get heated about, but it's a surefire way to get me engaged in an argument.

Central Jersey Exists

This is the hill I will die on.

I grew up in Toms River, which I think is all I need in terms of credentials.

Central Jersey takes characteristics from both North and South Jersey, which means the people in this area don't belong to either.

When most people in Toms River refer to "the city," they mean New York. However, people in Central Jersey call it Pork Roll, not Taylor Ham.

In Central Jersey (mostly the east side) you'll find fans of both New York and Philadelphia teams living side by side.

I say "food store" and "U-turn," while my South Jersey friends say "grocery store" and "jug handle."

These are just a few examples to make my point. If you would like to state your argument, I'll meet you in the Facebook comments later on.

Central Jersey Exists by Law

In 2023, Governor Murphy passed a law recognizing Central Jersey, officially.

While I am happy to see Central Jersey being officially recognized, this map is just plain wrong.

Where is Central Jersey?

In my completely qualified opinion...

Actually, scratch that, this is not opinion this is fact.

The most northern border of Central Jersey is the Driscoll Bridge. Once you cross over that bridge, you feel a change in the air.

The moment you cross that bridge you know you're in North Jersey.

Moving down the parkway you'll hit the most southern border, Toms River.

I'm not talking about just the town, I am talking about the actual river. Once you cross the river into South Toms River, you are now in South Jersey.

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If you notice from the official map above, Trenton falls almost dead center in the Central Jersey territory which makes sense. The capital is pretty much in the center of the state from north to south.

If you disagree with these borders, you are entitled to your own opinion, but you will never convince me that this is wrong.

Are you from Central Jersey? Let's put that to the test.