As someone who grew up in New Jersey, I can honestly say that I prefer living right here in the Hudson Valley.  However, there are a few things New Jersey has that we just can't compete with.  While I'd never want to move back, you can't deny that The Garden State kicks our butt in these few areas:

1) Sub Sandwiches
While we've got some great sandwich shops and delis close to home, there's nothing... NOTHING that compares to a New Jersey sub.  There's something about the perfect blend of shredded lettuce, fresh Italian deli meat and just the right amount of oil and vinegar to tie it all together.  And don't forget about the sub roll.  I've never had a roll anywhere outside of New Jersey that's soft enough to soak up just enough of the oil and vinegar while keeping a crispy crust that's doesn't get soggy and fall apart.

2) The Shore
Sure, we've got a river and some nice lakes.  But it's not the ocean.  The Jersey Shore has a bad reputation, and rightfully so... but there are still a few quiet and beautiful beaches along the New Jersey coastline with immaculately clean water and sand that kicks our lakes' butts.  Cape May, Long Beach Island, Ocean City...  The Hudson Valley wins when it comes to overall scenic beauty, but NJ is the king of the beach.

William Thomas Cain/Getty Images
William Thomas Cain/Getty Images
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3) Italian Moms
Of course, we've got a proud and rich Italian history here in the Hudson Valley, but growing up in New Jersey if you weren't part of a big Italian family, you were friends with a big Italian family and the mother of that family treated you like you were one of her own.  This meant you were pampered from the minute you walked in the front door.  The house was always immaculately clean and there was an endless supply of freshly prepared food everywhere you turned.  I'm not sure where it all came from or how she did it, but if you were hungry for a meatball sandwich it magically appeared on a plate.  And even if you dropped in unannounced on a Friday afternoon, within minutes you were offered macaroni and gravy with pot cheese and a huge crusty loaf of Italian bread... for a "snack".

4) Gas
Besides the fact that gasoline is incredibly cheaper than it is here in New York,  in New Jersey it's also illegal for you to pump your own gas.  While some outsiders may say that it's inconvenient to have to sit and wait for an attendant to fill you up, I say that this is one of the greatest free benefits New Jersey has going for it.  If you've ever pulled into Wawa on a freezing cold or rainy day you know what I mean.  No tipping is ever expected, you just turn off the engine and relax in your warm car while someone rushes over to fill you up with inexpensive gas.  In just a few minutes you're on your way.  Talk about getting pampered!

Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
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5) Diners
I know... we've got amazing diners.  But even the best Hudson Valley diner isn't as good as the worst New Jersey diner.  It's just a scientific fact.

Getty Images / Justin Sullivan
Getty Images / Justin Sullivan
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Are there any other New Jersey transplants out there that think we missed anything? Let us know in the comments section below.

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