This came as a surprise to me. According to the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, New Jersey ranks fourth for entrepreneurial businesses based on emerging technology. That ranking puts my state, known across the world for Jersey Shore and The Sopranos, behind Maryland, Washington, and first place Massachusetts. California, home to Silicon Valley, ranks ninth.
New Jersey residents and companies pay higher overall taxes than every other state, and over the past few years, successful businesses tend to leave New Jersey more than they enter the state.
There is a lot about New Jersey I like. If you get far enough away from Exit 12 on the New Jersey Turnpike, it’s easy to see how the state has been known as the Garden State. Even with rural areas and suburban sprawl, access to major metropolitan and cultural centers like New York City and Philadelphia position the state perfectly.
Delaware, with its reputation for tax-free shopping and a business-friendly environment — many companies incorporate in Delaware to take advantage of looser regulations — ranks sixth, still high on the list but below New Jersey. I attended college in Delaware and had no intention of sticking around in the state much longer. I didn’t intend to spend many more years in New Jersey, either, but I’ve come to embrace some of the state’s better qualities.
Updated November 19, 2010 and originally published November 18, 2010. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to the RSS feed or receive daily emails. Follow @flexo on Twitter and visit our Facebook page for more updates.
Rank: Platinum
Luke Landes founded Consumerism Commentary in 2003 and has been building online communities since 1990. Luke, also known as Flexo, has contributed to PC World Magazine, US News, Forbes, and other publications. 
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Jersey Shore does NJ such a disservice though….I hope people don’t really buy into that.
Born and raised in NJ and proud of it. One thing I love about this state, especially the northern section, is its great cultural diversity. People bad mouth this state, but I have come to appreciate it.
Living in South Jersey (though originally from NY) I love it here. I have an easy commute to work in Philly and have a lower cost of living that the rest of the state.
Perhaps proof that an educated, qualified workforce, and proximity to other businesses and financial centers, is WAY more important to business than levels of taxation and regulation?
After typing this, I remembered that India, which is wrought with regulation and higher taxes, is another perfect example of this.
and new jersey has bruce springsteen which is just awesome.
Livin’ at the Jersey Shore which is nothing like on TV. Maybe we’re creative because our densely populated areas make it so that you must be unusual to stand out.