New Jersey
New Jersey, Delaware among top 10 happiest states in America, according to new study
WILMINGTON, DE – OCTOBER 29: Delaware turnpike sign in Wilmington, Delaware on October 29, 1981. (Photo by Jim Steinfeldt/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA – While residents of the Garden State were just recently ranked as some of the rudest in the country, a new study says New Jersey and Delaware are two of the happiest states in America,
A new study, published by WalletHub, examined all 50 states across 30 key metrics, ranging from the depression rate to income growth to the unemployment rate.
The research team used the data to determine the happiest states in America in 2024.
“The happiest states are those that provide above-average quality of life in a wide variety of areas, from strong state economies and high quality physical and mental health care to adequate amounts of leisure time and good weather,” Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, said in a statement.
Here is the list of the top ten happiest states in America according to the study:
- Hawaii
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- Utah
- Delaware
- Minnesota
- Connecticut
- Idaho
- Nebraska
- Massachusetts
New Jersey ranked as the third-happiest state, with the lowest share of people reporting traumatic events during their childhood and the second-highest life satisfaction rate.
According to Wallet Hub, the Garden State has the third-lowest separation and divorce rate in the country, at around 17%.
New Jersey also has the third-highest share of households earning over $75,000 per year and the sixth-lowest food insecurity rate, the website says.
See a full list of the happiest states in America in 2024 here.
New Jersey
Best places for sea glass at the Jersey Shore: Try these hotspots
New Jersey offers some fantastic spots for sea glass hunting, particularly along the Delaware Bay and certain parts of the Atlantic coast.
Here are some of the best places to increase your chances of finding frosted treasures:
Jersey Shore
- Barnegat Light: Many sea glass enthusiasts recommend Barnegat Light, especially by the jetty. Look in the sand and around the jetty rocks.
- Popamora Point Beach (Highlands): A free, clean state park beach with good potential, offering views of the Sandy Hook Bay.
- Bay Head: This peaceful Ocean County beach has gained a reputation as a great sea glass destination and is often less crowded than other spots.
- Sandy Hook (Bayside): While the ocean side might not be as fruitful, the bay side of Sandy Hook can yield good results.
South Jersey
- East Point Beach (Heislerville, Maurice River Township): This hidden gem where the Delaware River and Maurice River meet the bay is excellent. The area has a rich history of glass production and shipwrecks, contributing to the sea glass supply.
- Higbee Beach (Cape May): Another Delaware Bay gem, known for its rustic feel and good potential for sea glass, pottery shards and old bottles.
- Sunset Beach (Cape May): This is perhaps the most famous spot in New Jersey for sea glass and for “Cape May Diamonds” (naturally tumbled quartz). The Delaware Bay beaches tend to yield more glass due to historical shipping activity and less intensive beach replenishment compared to some oceanfront areas.
- Townbank (Cape May): Located on the Delaware Bay and often cited by local hunters for its good finds.
Where to look for sea glass
- High tide wrack line: This is the line of debris left by the highest tide, often containing shells, driftwood and, yes, sea glass.
- Rocky or pebbly beaches: Sea glass tumbles and smooths more effectively on beaches with a mix of sand and pebbles or rocks. Heavily raked sandy beaches are generally less productive.
- Near inlets, bays and historic areas: Areas with historical shipping, fishing or even old dump sites can be great sources of old glass that has been tumbling for decades.
- Near jetties: These structures can trap debris, including sea glass.
What is sea glass?
Sea glass is essentially nature’s polished gemstone, born from discarded glass that has been transformed by the persistent forces of the ocean. Imagine a broken bottle or piece of tableware tossed into the sea. Instead of remaining a sharp, dangerous shard, it embarks on a multi-decade journey of transformation.
Sea glass occurs in a spectrum of colors, reflecting its original source. Common hues include greens, browns and clear/white, primarily from bottles and jars. Rarer colors like blue, purple, red, orange and yellow are highly prized by collectors, often originating from older or less common glass items such as medicine bottles, insulators or specialized art glass.
New Jersey
Severe Weather Poised To Pound NJ Easter Sunday
The Garden State is expected to see a quick shift in weather Easter Sunday, with low clouds and pockets of dense fog in the morning giving way to warmer temperatures and thunderstorms by midday, according to the National Weather Service.
Forecasters note that areas north of a warm front were seeing low clouds and locally dense fog Sunday morning. That front is expected to lift north after daybreak, leading to temperatures in the 60s and 70s later in the morning. The warmer stretch is not expected to last long.
A cold front is forecast to approach by midday, bringing a line of showers and isolated thunderstorms
The National Weather Service said some storms could be strong to severe. A Marginal risk was in place Sunday across the Delmarva region and southern New Jersey.

According to the weather service, the primary threat with the stronger storms is locally damaging winds. The forecast does not list other threats in the source material provided. Residents in areas included in the Marginal risk may want to keep an eye on changing conditions through the middle of the day as the front moves in.
The setup points to a fast-changing day for people making outdoor plans. Morning fog and low cloud cover are expected to improve after daybreak as the warm front lifts north, but the window for milder weather may be brief before the next system arrives. By midday, showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected to develop along the approaching cold front.
The National Weather Service did not provide a more specific timetable in the source beyond saying the cold front would approach by midday and that the warm front would lift north after daybreak. It also did not identify individual towns expected to see the strongest conditions.
The forecast area highlighted for the stronger storm risk includes southern New Jersey and Delmarva.
New Jersey
Plainfield apartment complex now leasing near NJ Transit station
Choose MyCentralJersey for breaking news in Central Jersey
MyCentralJersey is your source for breaking news
PLAINFIELD – A new residential development is bringing luxury living and modern convenience to a well-connected neighborhood.
Centurion Sleepy Hollow, a 100-unit apartment complex, is now leasing in the city, offering spacious one- and two-bedroom homes with upscale amenities and immediate occupancy.
Developed by Landmark, the four-story building includes ground-floor retail and is part of the company’s expanding Centurion portfolio across New Jersey.
“Sleepy Hollow is an ideal location for our next Centurion property,” Manny Fernandez, founder of Landmark, said in a news release.
“The neighborhood offers a quiet, residential setting while remaining close to Plainfield, which continues to evolve, with a growing mix of shops, restaurants and cultural offerings. With New York City less than an hour away by train and major business and entertainment centers throughout Central New Jersey nearby, Centurion Sleepy Hollow adds a dynamic new residential option to the area.”
Located at 1222 South Ave., the development is within walking distance of the NJ Transit Netherwood station, providing direct service to Midtown Manhattan via the Raritan Valley Line.
Designed by Rotwein + Blake, with interiors by Mary Cook Associates, Centurion Sleepy Hollow reflects Landmark’s focus on transit-oriented living.
Rents start in the low $2,000s, with a limited-time grand opening offer of one month free on a 13-month lease.
The apartments feature high-end finishes, including nine-foot ceilings, wood-style plank flooring, Draper window shades and open-concept kitchens. Kitchens are equipped with full-size GE Slate appliances, gas ranges, soft-close cabinetry and vented microwaves. Bathrooms feature spa-inspired glass-enclosed showers and polished chrome fixtures.
Each unit includes smart-home technology and keyless entry.
The development offers a range of amenities designed for comfort, wellness and productivity, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga studio, media room, work-from-home pods and a resident lounge.
Outdoor amenities include a terrace with grilling stations and a fenced-in dog run. Additional conveniences include a premium package management system and on-site parking.
The surrounding area features a growing mix of dining, retail and everyday services, with locally owned restaurants, seasonal farmers markets and outdoor concerts.
Email: bwadlow@MyCentralJersey.com
This story was created by reporter Brad Wadlow, bwadlow@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.
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