New Jersey Ranked #1 State to Live in the U.S.
“The Shore. Bruce. Taylor ham, or pork roll as the case may be. What’s not to like?”
It’s official; New Jersey is the best state in the U.S. to live. According to Wallethub’s 2021 Best States to Live In, New Jersey was ranked #1, ahead of Massachusetts and New York. The State ranked top 10 for safety, quality of life, education, and health. This adds to New Jersey’s other #1 standings including best state to raise a family and top public school system in the U.S., proving that New Jersey is the best place to live, work and play.
Current economic hardships reflect the global COVID-19 pandemic.
New Jersey Economic Trends
▲ Increase .37% from April to May
▼ Decrease 9.3% YoY | U.S. 5.8%
Q1 2021 | 4.30% Q4 2020
▲ Increase 5.0% YoY
Bond Rating
Moody: A3
Outlook change from 2020, stable
S&P: BBB+
Outlook change from 2020, stable
Sources: U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Big Moves
Artistic Endeavors
Pompidou Center, a multipurpose art superstructure based in France, is coming to Jersey City. This addition will aid in Jersey City’s mission to establish itself as a haven for the arts. The expansion will be called Centre Pompidou x Jersey City and is set to open in 2024.
Future in Food
A Food Specialization Center recently opened in Bridgeton, New Jersey. The Cumberland County Improvement Authority held a ribbon-cutting recently for the $9.2 million project. Chank’s Pizza Cones of Millville is the center’s first tenant.
Esports Evolution
NJEDA is investing $200,000 in an Esports Innovation Center at Stockton University. This development will aid New Jersey in becoming a national hub for the competitive gaming industry. The center will be used to support research & development.
Board Spotlight
EY
EY announces New Jersey’s Entrepreneur of the Year finalists, including companies Lightbridge Academy and Partake Foods. Winners will be revealed August 4th.
PSEG & Prudential Financial
Fifteen companies headquartered in New Jersey made the latest Fortune 500 list, including Newark-based PSEG and Prudential Financial.
CEO Corner - Jose Lozano
New Jersey has long been a leader in not only providing high quality healthcare, but pioneering medical discoveries. RWJBarnabas and the Rutgers Cancer Institute, in partnership with DEVCO, broke ground for the first free-standing cancer hospital in New Jersey this month. The Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center is expected to be completed in 2024, providing world-class oncology treatment and conducting research to find a cure. The addition of this facility will aid in growing New Brunswick’s already thriving innovation ecosystem.
Point of Pride
New Jersey prides itself on being one of the leading LGBTQ-friendly states in the U.S. Last year, New Jersey’s own Asbury Park was named one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in the U.S. by Realtor.com. New Jersey is also among the first states to implement LGBTQ+ education in its public school curriculum.
Notable & Quotable
“What’s nice about New Jersey is that it has access to the tri-state area, one of the best educational systems in the U.S. and in the world and access to one of the best talent pools in the world.”
-Phil Chibe, President & CEO, Ferrero North America
