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Jersey Truths
New York City may be famous for claiming the spotlight, but some of its “New York” identity is quietly connected just across the Hudson. From legendary sports teams to historic landmarks, plenty of institutions people associate with NYC are actually made, headquartered, or practice in New Jersey. We are exploring the blurry line between perception and reality of the surprising Jersey connections behind some unmistakably “New York” staples. Read on for a guide to “New York” things that you might not realize are connected to New Jersey.
Balthazar Bakery’s breads, scones, croissants, and danishes are popular throughout the New York metropolitan area, and some think the spot is based in the Big Apple. Balthazar Bakery is actually located in Englewood, New Jersey, and has been since 2001. The New York City location people often associate with the brand is Balthazar Restaurant, the flagship brasserie that’s part of the larger Balthazar ecosystem.
Read More: A Guide to Vintage + Thrift Stores in Hudson County
Most people associate Ellis Island with New York City; however, it has a strong New Jersey connection. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the federal government expanded the island with landfill to build immigration and medical facilities. In New Jersey v. New York (1998), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the original island belongs to New York, but 90% of the island, which is landfill, belongs to New Jersey. Click here to read more.
The George Washington Bridge is not just in New York City; it is also located in New Jersey. Often used as a symbol of the city, it is also notable to those from the Garden State and can be well seen from Fort Lee Historic Park.
Keys to New York
Since 2023, the ceremonial Keys to the City of New York have been made across the Hudson River in New Jersey. The keys are manufactured by Schoppy’s, located in Linwood, New Jersey.
Newark Liberty International Airport
While more evident to those from the tri-state area, the Newark Liberty International Airport is indeed located in Elizabeth + Newark, New Jersey. When searching for flights, travellers will often see Newark Liberty amongst the search alongside JFK and LaGuardia. It is important to understand that Newark is not “New York,” although they can sound pretty similar when said quickly. For some travellers heading to Manhattan, the Newark Airport might just be the easiest tri-state airport to fly into to reach Manhattan.
Similar to Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark Penn Station is located in Newark, New Jersey, and not New York City. What often tricks travellers not from the area is that the stop before or after Newark Penn Station is New York Penn Station and can sound quite similar when said out loud.
While the New York Giants play for New York City, they have played their home games at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, since 2010. Between 1976 and 2009, the team also played in East Rutherford, but at Giants Stadium, which was demolished in 2010. The team currently practices at Quest Diagnostics Training Center, also in East Rutherford.
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While the New York Jets play for New York state, they have played their home games at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, since 1965. In 2008, the team began practicing at the Jets Training Center in Florham Park. In 2000, Woody Johnson and Christopher Johnson, two brothers from New Jersey, purchased the team.
The club was formed in 1994 and in 1996 was known as the New York/New Jersey MetroStars. A decade later, the team was renamed the Red Bulls after it was purchased by Red Bull GmbH. The team has hosted its matches at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey, since 2010. The head coach, Michael Bradley, grew up in Mercer County, New Jersey.
The Secret Behind Every New York Pitch
Even the New York Yankees and Mets rely on a little New Jersey magic. According to NJ Monthly, before every game, all baseballs used by both teams, along with every MLB team, are rubbed with a special mud sourced from a hidden spot in South Jersey to improve grip. This long-standing tradition means a piece of New Jersey is part of every single pitch.
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