The “Worst Town” in New Jersey to Live in Isn’t Who You Think

When you love New Jersey as much as I do, it’s easy to focus on everything that makes the Garden State special, the shorelines, the neighborhoods, the pride we all share.

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But every once in a while, a conversation pops up that makes you pause and think a little deeper.

Why We Love New Jersey So Much

I’ve always been a huge cheerleader for New Jersey, especially here at the Jersey Shore. There’s just something about the energy, the people, and the sense of community that makes this state feel like home in the best way possible.

And like a lot of people, when I think about struggling cities, my mind might wander to places like Newark or Camden. But even then, there’s so much to appreciate, like a trip to the Adventure Aquarium, which is always worth it.

According to 247wallst.com, they went through each state in America and found the worst city to live in. Here's how they found the worst cities in each state: "Using data from the Census Bureau, the FBI, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 24/7 Wall St. created a weighted index of 22 measures to identify the worst cities to live in in every state.

The New Jersey City That Might Surprise You as the Worst to Live in

Bridgeton, a small city tucked away in Cumberland County.

What the Numbers Say

The reality in Bridgeton tells a tough story:

• About 35% of residents are living below the poverty line
• The median household income is just under $40,000, compared to around $89,000 statewide
• Drug-related mortality rates are significantly higher than the state average

These numbers don’t define the people, but they do highlight the challenges the community is facing.

More Than Just Statistics

Here’s the thing about New Jersey: we show up for each other.

No matter the town, there’s always a sense that people care, that communities rally, and that better days are ahead. Bridgeton is no different. Behind every statistic is a neighborhood, a family, and a story, and that’s something worth remembering.

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I truly believe that with the kind of resilience we see across the Garden State, places like Bridgeton can turn things around. Because if there’s one thing New Jersey does well, it’s coming together when it matters most.