It's closer (time-wise) to mid-town or lower Manhattan than much of the outer boroughs, and is (or was, at least) heaps cheaper.
And sure, NYC is crowded, dirty, frustrating, and so very expensive, but .. it's also exhilarating, fascinating, insane in the best possible way, and if you've got the chance you should absolutely do it.
It's true: there are people in NYC who have a thing about going to New Jersey. But ...
Who cares? You work in the city, go out in the city, and you have a short PATH-ride home to decompress. It's fine, and if the city rents are what's blocking you moving there, give it a try. You might end up moving into the city later with some of your new friends, or not.
It's also a useful filter: people unwilling to go to New Jersey have an irrational prejudice and learning that about them can be illuminating.
It's closer (time-wise) to mid-town or lower Manhattan than much of the outer boroughs, and is (or was, at least) heaps cheaper.
And sure, NYC is crowded, dirty, frustrating, and so very expensive, but .. it's also exhilarating, fascinating, insane in the best possible way, and if you've got the chance you should absolutely do it.
(Lived there for 6 years; loved it)