homestate New Jersey
By Ben Everidge for Thomas
Photo Credit: Visit New Jersey
new jersey at the Crossroads: 10 Issues That Define the garden state’s Future
“New Jersey calls itself the Garden State, but for too many residents the harvest is sky-high taxes, broken trains, and politics rooted in corruption rather than reform.”
- Ben Everidge
New Jersey sits between two of America’s most powerful cities, New York and Philadelphia, yet it has its own distinct identity and unique set of challenges. Known for its dense suburbs, powerful political machines, and high taxes, the Garden State remains both wealthy and weary. With a gubernatorial race in 2025 and shifting demographics shaping its future, New Jersey must confront issues of affordability, corruption, infrastructure, and climate risk that could redefine its place in the Northeast corridor.
1. The 2025 Governor’s Race and Political Machines
Governor Phil Murphy is term-limited, setting up an open contest that could test the dominance of Democratic power brokers in Newark, Hudson County, and South Jersey. Republicans see an opportunity to capitalize on voter fatigue with high taxes and corruption scandals. Independents will again play a decisive role in a state where party machines still hold outsized influence.
2. Property Taxes and Affordability Crisis
New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the nation, fueling resident dissatisfaction and outmigration. Homeowners and retirees alike feel squeezed, while younger families struggle to buy in suburban markets. Tax reform is a perennial promise but rarely delivered, leaving affordability as New Jersey’s most enduring crisis.
3. Corruption and Governance
New Jersey’s reputation for political corruption is long-standing, from local patronage networks to statewide scandals. Federal investigations continue to dog officials, and public trust remains fragile. Restoring accountability and transparency is central to rebuilding faith in government.
4. Infrastructure and Transportation Woes
The state’s location along the Northeast corridor makes it vital for rail, road, and port infrastructure. Yet, New Jersey Transit struggles with reliability, and highway congestion is a chronic issue. The Gateway Tunnel project in New York represents a once-in-a-generation investment; however, delays and politics continue to hinder progress.
5. Education Excellence and Equity Gaps
New Jersey consistently ranks among the top states for K-12 education, but disparities between wealthy suburbs and urban districts remain stark. School funding battles are ongoing, with property-tax-dependent funding models reinforcing inequality. Maintaining excellence while expanding equity will define the future of education policy.
6. Healthcare Costs and Hospital Consolidation
New Jersey boasts strong medical centers, yet healthcare costs remain among the highest in the country. Hospital consolidation has reduced competition, raising concerns about the affordability of healthcare. Rural and low-income communities struggle most with access, deepening inequities.
7. Housing Supply and Urban Development
Urban centers like Newark and Jersey City have seen revitalization, but gentrification raises concerns about displacement. Suburban zoning resistance hinders affordable housing growth, exacerbating the state's statewide housing crunch. The tension between development and community resistance is a defining policy challenge.
8. Climate Change and Coastal Resilience
Rising seas threaten New Jersey’s coastline, from Cape May to the Jersey Shore. Superstorm Sandy revealed vulnerabilities that remain unresolved a decade later. Billions in federal and state funding are committed to resiliency projects, but local opposition and bureaucracy slow progress.
9. Economic Growth and Outmigration
Despite having a substantial per-capita income, New Jersey continues to lose residents to lower-cost states like Florida and Pennsylvania, as high taxes, regulatory burdens, and the cost of living drive outmigration. Balancing competitiveness with social commitments will shape the Garden State’s economic future.
10. Independent Voters and Civic Cynicism
Independents make up a growing share of New Jersey’s electorate, frustrated by entrenched party machines and a lack of accountability. Their votes often determine outcomes in competitive suburban districts. Whether independents can force reform or remain sidelined will influence the state’s political trajectory.
The Thomas Take
New Jersey is a state of wealth, diversity, and strategic importance. But the Garden State is also in a state of chronic dysfunction. Its high taxes, crumbling infrastructure, and corruption scandals undermine its strengths. If the state can modernize transportation, reform taxes, and restore accountability, it will thrive in the heart of the Northeast corridor. If not, New Jersey risks becoming defined not by opportunity but by cynicism. For independents, the Garden State offers a chance to disrupt entrenched power and demand a better path forward.
To learn more about New Jersey’s issues, read: