I’m from Jersey (Perth Amboy) but lived in Brooklyn (Clinton Hill) at the start of the pandemic. We moved to the Heights soon after for space (we lived in a apartment building with 25+ units) and more living area. We loved how close we were to parks, restaurants, and NYC. I appreciated how much space we got for the money (3br 1 1/2 bath and office for 2900). My wife and I both work from home so it was nice to take our daughter to the park or grab a bite to eat during the day. Also our neighbors were pretty chill, everyone was welcoming and pleasant for the most part. We moved last fall because we wanted to buy and now we’re about to close on our first home, here in JC. A lot of people give shit to areas outside of the heights and downtown but there are gems throughout this city. It reminds me of the out of towners that would move to our building in Brooklyn. They would complain about things embedded in the DNA of the city (noise and locals were at the top of the list.) as if things were expected to change because it isn’t like the place they came from. I love the city. Do the taxes suck? Yes, but do I want to live in central or south Jersey? Hell no. Do I wish the powers at be directed more resources to areas other than the heights and downtown? Absolutely. But this area fits our family lifestyle so we’re willing to deal with the shenanigans.