Most N.J. residents glad to be in the Garden State

Despite the damage and disruption caused by Hurricane Sandy, many residents are still satisfied with life in New Jersey.

Two out of every three residents surveyed believe the Garden State is a good or excellent place to live, says Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute.

“That’s a 68 positive rating. Down slightly from the 72 percent high that we saw in December, but still one of the highest numbers we’ve seen in the past decade on that score,” Murray said. “The Sandy effect really is a lasting effect so far. People are still feeling that we’re pulling together.”

Murray says the poll indicates that Jersey residents are cautiously optimistic about the rebuilding effort. If people start to feel they can’t rebuild because the cost is too high, Murray says, those high marks may start to slip.