Here Are 12 Things People from New Jersey Do That Seem Insane To Everyone Else

New Jersey may be small, but it’s packed with big personalities—and even bigger quirks. What locals see as totally normal often leaves outsiders bewildered, amused, or just plain terrified. From diner culture to traffic habits, Jersey life is a wild ride only insiders truly understand.

1. Refuse to Pump Their Own Gas

New Jersey is the last state where it’s illegal to pump your own gas. Outsiders hop out of the car; locals sit smugly in the driver’s seat.

2. Treat Diners Like Five-Star Restaurants

Late-night pancakes, disco fries, pork roll sandwiches—New Jersey diners are legendary. Outsiders don’t get the hype until they taste it.

3. Argue About “Pork Roll” vs. “Taylor Ham” Like It’s Life or Death

The divide is real. Outsiders are confused. Locals are ready to throw down.

4. Give Directions Using Jughandles Instead of Left Turns

No left turns allowed? Outsiders lose their minds. Jersey drivers don’t think twice.

5. Claim the Shore Is the Center of the Universe

It’s not a “beach trip,” it’s “going down the Shore.” And don’t you dare call it anything else.

6. Pretend They’re in New York or Philly—Depending on Which Side They Live On

North Jersey claims NYC, South Jersey claims Philly, and Central Jersey… well, that’s still up for debate.

7. Drive Aggressively and Call It Normal

Tailgating at 80 mph on the Parkway is just how things work. Outsiders are traumatized.

8. Treat Boardwalk Pizza Like Sacred Food

One giant, greasy slice folded in half is a rite of passage.

9. Swear That Wawa Is Basically Church

Gas station? Convenience store? Restaurant? Outsiders don’t get it. Locals worship it.

10. Put Tomatoes on a Pedestal

The Jersey tomato isn’t just produce—it’s a state icon. Outsiders think it’s just a tomato. They’re wrong.

11. Use “The City” Without Saying Which One

It’s New York if you’re in the north, Philly if you’re in the south. Outsiders need a map.

12. Brag About Being Tough and Mean It

From the accent to the attitude, Jersey folks wear their toughness like a badge of honor. Outsiders mistake it for rudeness—it’s actually love.

To outsiders, New Jersey’s habits might seem wild, loud, or downright insane. But to locals, they’re just part of the magic of living in the Garden State. Stick around long enough and you’ll be pumping zero gas, eating diner food at 2 a.m., and yelling about pork roll like your life depends on it.