I’ve lived in both! You get more for your money in NJ, especially if you’re buying. Also, one thing to consider is that the DC suburbs are really transient. People move there for a few years for work and then very often move again. Also, the DC work environment is very intense. While NYC can be intense, it has less of the “work is life” culture. I think some things have changed due to the pandemic, but I have a better work-life balance in NJ than I did in Nova. Also, my friends have a better work-life balance as well, so there is lot more non-work stuff happening. I’m not sure if you have kids but daycare in Nova was almost twice what it is in NJ.