The season has changed, the air is crisp and refreshing, and you can’t avoid the calling of the swimming pool.
Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or have never been in the water, you have your own reasons for wanting to be in the pool this season. Maybe you want to be closer to nature and lose weight. Or maybe you just want to be outside enjoying the new season, perfect weather, and the company of your family and friends.
Whatever your reason may be, owning a pool provides a whole host of benefits. Swimming pools offer a relaxing, refreshing experience that can reduce your body mass index, tone your muscles, and give you a new appreciation for nature. Whether it’s a backyard pool in North Jersey or an indoor pool in Manhattan, here’s a guide to opening your pool this summer!
Table of Contents
North Jersey
With its sprawling suburbs and balmy climate, North Jersey is the perfect place to be outside all year long. There’s plenty to do, from swimming in the cold lakes and ocean beaches in the summer to skiing in the winter. The North Shore is the place to be, as the name suggests, with its popular beaches and boardwalks, attracting families and sunbathers alike. The area is filled with quaint boutiques and eateries, making it a shopper’s paradise. However, being in the middle of the state, the temperature can be brutal, with winters being exceptionally cold and dry, and summers hot and humid. This means that you’ll need to be especially careful with how you prepare yourself for the chilly, wet weather. With its miles of pristine beaches and clear lakes, it’s no surprise that this northern state is filled with water-related activities all year round. One of the best things about North Jersey is its vibrant arts scene, which puts it at the top of the list for cultural event attendees. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival draws thousands of people to a picturesque section of Washington D.C., celebrating the blossoms and their symbolism, while many smaller festivals take place across the state, celebrating everything from jazz and blues to food and wine. Locally-owned businesses flourish, and shoppers can find the best prices anywhere, thanks to the many warehouse stores that populate the state, giving it a unique vibe that attracts visitors and residents alike. If privacy and relaxation are important to you, Northern Jersey is the place to be. Population: 783,300 (2014).
Central Jersey
Central Jersey is the home of the Metropolis, the region’s largest city, filled with culture, history, and plenty of restaurants and bars. There are dozens of castles and gardens for visitors to explore, as well as a variety of festivals, galleries, and museums. While the region has a lot to offer, its overall vibe is rather dull, lacking the friendliness of the North Shore. Transportation is convenient via the NJ Transit Rail system, which services many parts of the state, as well as the PATH, which connects Manhattan with New Jersey. Like North Jersey, central Jersey also has a humid subtropical climate, with warm days and cool nights, making it a magnet for people looking to escape the heat. Central Jersey is filled with lush forests, parks, and farmland, which provide residents with plenty of places to go for a relaxing stroll, as well as plenty of bird and animal life to spot. If you’re looking for a cultural boost, visit the Princeton Junction mall, one of the largest in the state. With a lot of diners and shoppers, this popular spot is great for people watching, especially on weekends when there are festivals and live music concerts going on. If you need some peace and quiet, avoid going during the week, as weekends can be crowded, with lots of people around. Population: 866,440 (2014).
Southern Jersey
The South Jersey Shore is one of the state’s most heavily populated areas, filled with beautiful estates, spacious yards, and elegant beach clubs. The region also has a vibrant arts scene, filled with galleries, restaurants, and bars. The southern part of the state has a subtropical climate, with mild winters and warm, humid summers. However, the weather can be unpredictable, with sudden bursts of wind and chilly days making you want to stay indoors. The beaches along the shore are some of the finest in the state, with crystal clear waters, soft white sands, and scenic cliffs providing you with a relaxing day and an opportunity to catch some rays. Life along the coast is pretty laid back, with many people living a care-free life, oblivious to the outside world. The region attracts couples and families, who come here to enjoy the pristine beaches, seafood, and Atlantic Ocean. A great place for a picnic or stroll, as well as a place to unwind and relax after a long day, a southern Jersey day is what you make of it! Population: 1,082,700 (2014).
The Biggest Cities
The biggest cities in New Jersey are filled with activity, culture, and entertainment. There are lot of restaurants, bars, and eateries in these places, making it a great destination for foodies. You’ll also find a variety of festivals, galleries, and museums, making it a great hub for the arts. With thousands of people around, it’s easy to make new connections and meet people, whether you’re traveling for work or leisure. For those traveling for work, the biggest cities, especially those in the north and west, are filled with entertainment, making it easy to get in the mood for a big day. If you’re in the mood for some culture, you can visit the Newark Museum, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, or Union Station, one of the largest train stations in North America. The biggest city in the region, Newark, hosts the largest Asian Festival in the United States, bringing together over 500 exhibitors and performers from around the world. The biggest festival in North Jersey is the Cherry Blossom Festival, held in Washington D.C., featuring numerous performing arts venues, along with hundreds of art galleries, attracting over 35,000 visitors every year. If you’re in the mood for some shopping, you can visit the outlets and look for bargains, as people flock here for the good deals. There are also large numbers of locally-owned businesses, providing a wide variety of merchandise at affordable prices. If you need some solitude, you can visit the Princeton Junction mall, one of the largest in the state, with its over 120 stores, restaurants, and bars, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. If you’re looking for privacy, you might want to consider an estate with a private pool, such as Mount Laurel, with its array of amenities, including a spacious lawn, large garden, deck, and pool. Population: 1,416,400 (2014).
Climate
The overall climate in New Jersey is warm and pleasant, with mild winters and warm, humid summers. However, this can vary greatly from one part of the state to another. The northern part is characterized by chilly winters and cool, dry summers, while the southern part has the opposite conditions. Because of this, it’s important to check the weather conditions before setting out on a swimsuit shopping trip or day at the beach, especially in the north, where you can easily get chilled.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in New Jersey is very high, due mainly to the state’s notorious expensive real estate market. While this can be great if your dream home is up for sale, it can be a real pain if you’re just looking to rent a place. Landlords usually require a hefty deposit, along with a month’s rent in advance, which can put a real dent in your travel fund. However, if you choose to purchase a home in another area, you can save a big chunk of change. Some of the state’s most expensive neighborhoods are filled with superyachts, celebrity residents, and exclusive clubs, making it a destination for those looking to splash out.
Transportation
Traveling to and from work is very convenient in New Jersey thanks to the state’s well-designed road system. The roads are connected, so getting from one place to another is a breeze. Because there’s plenty of high-speed and frequent transportation available, it doesn’t matter whether you’re traveling for work or leisure, you’ll get to your destination in no time. If you’re driving, the best route is I-95 south, which connects all four corners of the state, while I-80W runs along the western fringes and provides access to the shore from the interior. Locally-owned businesses thrive in the state because of the excellent transportation system, with many families living in relative isolation, due to commutes of over an hour each way. Population: 2,417,000 (2014).