Are you hoping to move out of New Jersey? Why so many people say 'yes'

A new survey finds a majority of New Jerseyans think life in the Garden State is grand, but many of them would leave if they were in a position to do so.

Sixty-three percent of respondents in a new Quinnipiac University poll rated the quality of life in New Jersey as good or excellent, but 46 percent indicated they would pack their bags and move somewhere else if they had the chance.

A total of 42 percent of respondents described themselves as “very satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied” with life here, while 58 percent said they’re “somewhat dissatisfied” or “very dissatisfied.”

A random sampling of Central Jersey shoppers interviewed by New Jersey 101.5 found many folks feel the same way.

“We’re going down after Christmas to look for a property in Myrtle Beach. We can’t get out quick enough. The straw that broke the camel’s back was that new gas tax,” said Hamilton Square resident Ed Dinatow.

He added: “My property taxes in Hamilton just went up with a new revaluation a couple of thousand dollar. I’ve got 2 kids in college and I can’t afford to live in New Jersey.”

Brooke Loftis from Mount Laurel said she "would stay in Jersey if everybody else was leaving Jersey.”

Another shopper chimed in: “I’d leave in a heartbeat. It is what it is. I mean, I’d want to do something different with my life.”

Anne Relkavich of Ewing said she’s been a Jersey girl all her life, but “if I could move warmer, I’d probably move a little bit warmer.”

According to Ed Chambers of Trenton, things aren’t what they used to be.

“Life in Jersey used to be great, but since all the factories, all the plants moved out, it’s been hard to find jobs, and everything has gotten really expensive. I don’t think I’ll move but I can’t say I’m really happy to be living here right now,” he said.

Tina Rougue of Haddenfield has a different take on things.

“It’s crowded, it’s expensive, so yes I would leave if I could,” she said.

Another shopper, who indicated he was a state worker and didn’t want to give his name, said he "would leave if I could, but I’m stuck here because of a pension." He laughed. But then: "When I retire, I’m outta here.”

Howard Carpenter from Ewing seemed to have mixed feelings.

“The taxes, yeah they stink, but I think we’ve got the best of all worlds so to speak. There’s good fishing in certain areas, there’s bad fishing in others, and taxes are high wherever you go,” he said.

But some New Jerseyans are very happy to live in the Garden State.

“This is my home and this is where I feel comfortable,” said Diane Holler from Hamilton.

Another shopper, Trish Heller, who lives in Robbinsville, said “I lived in Jersey all my life. I really like it.”

Kristen Welch of Ewing chimed in “I’ve lived in Pennsylvania, I’ve lived in Rhode Island, I’ve lived in Alabama, my family is all here it’s Jersey it’s home.”

Are you hoping to move out of New Jersey? Why so many people say ‘yes’