Wanderlust World Wanderlust World New Jersey packs remarkable geographic diversity into America's 4th smallest state (7,417 sq mi).
Situated midway between Philadelphia and New York City, NJ boasts 130 miles of Atlantic coastline framing the entrance to New York Harbor and the Hudson River Valley.
Only its northern land border with New York breaks the aquatic perimeter.
Despite its size, NJ ranks 9th in population (8.9M+ 2020 census) and #1 in population density (1,263/sq mi). 88% of residents live within state boundaries—highest of any state. No large unincorporated areas exist; the landscape is a seamless mosaic of suburbs, small towns, and urban centers.
This compact, water-bound, densely populated state defies simple characterization—it's a microcosm of America's geographic and demographic contrasts.