Where is New Jersey Located in the United States?

New Jersey is located in the northeastern United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Known as the “Garden State,” it is one of the most densely populated states, characterized by its diverse geography, including urban centers, suburban communities, beaches, and forested areas. Despite its small size, New Jersey plays a major role in the country’s economy due to its proximity to New York City and Philadelphia, as well as its extensive transportation infrastructure.

State Name: New Jersey
Postal Abbreviation: NJ
Population: 9.3 million (2023 estimate)
Area: 8,722 square miles
Capital: Trenton
Largest City: Newark
Statehood Year: 1787 (3rd state)
Time Zones: Eastern Time Zone

Bordering States of New Jersey

New York

To the north and northeast, New Jersey shares a border with New York. The border between the two states is partially defined by the Hudson River, which separates cities like Jersey City and Newark from Manhattan. The proximity to New York City has a significant influence on New Jersey, particularly in terms of commerce, culture, and employment. Many residents of northern New Jersey commute to New York City for work, and the two states share extensive transportation infrastructure, including bridges and tunnels like the George Washington Bridge and the Holland Tunnel. Economically, the New York metropolitan area dominates northern New Jersey, fostering a symbiotic relationship between the two states.

Pennsylvania

New Jersey’s western border is defined by the Delaware River, which separates it from Pennsylvania. The two states share a long history, and the Delaware River has served as an important transportation and trade route. Cities like Philadelphia are located just across the river from southern New Jersey towns such as Camden. Interstate highways and bridges like the Benjamin Franklin Bridge connect the two states. New Jersey’s role as a suburban extension of the Philadelphia metropolitan area means that many people commute across state lines for work and business. Economically, there is a strong connection between southern New Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania.

Delaware

New Jersey also borders Delaware to the southwest, though this boundary is primarily defined by the Delaware Bay. The two states are connected by the Delaware Memorial Bridge, which spans the bay and serves as a major transportation route between New Jersey and Delaware. Although the states are physically separated by water, they share historical, cultural, and economic ties. Coastal towns in southern New Jersey, such as Cape May, are geographically close to Delaware, and there is a ferry service that connects these two points.

GPS Coordinates of New Jersey

New Jersey is situated in the northeastern United States, bounded by New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Atlantic Ocean. The state’s general GPS coordinates are approximately 40.0° N latitude and 74.5° W longitude, positioning it in the heart of the Eastern Seaboard.

• Northern Coordinates: New Jersey’s northernmost point is near Montague Township, located at 41.3572° N, in Sussex County. This part of the state is characterized by the Kittatinny Mountains and is relatively rural compared to the rest of New Jersey. The area around Montague offers scenic views and is close to the Delaware Water Gap, a popular outdoor recreation area.
• Southern Coordinates: The southernmost point of New Jersey is at Cape May, located at 38.9306° N. Cape May is a well-known coastal town that sits at the tip of the Cape May Peninsula, where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. Cape May is famous for its historic Victorian architecture, as well as its role as a major summer tourist destination.
• Eastern Coordinates: New Jersey’s eastern boundary is defined by its coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The easternmost point is near Sandy Hook, part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, at 40.4590° N, 73.9982° W. This narrow strip of land juts out into the Atlantic and offers scenic views of the ocean and the New York City skyline in the distance.
• Western Coordinates: New Jersey’s westernmost point is along the Delaware River, near Pennsville Township in Salem County, at 39.6186° N, 75.5636° W. This area is located near the Delaware Memorial Bridge, which connects New Jersey to Delaware and serves as a critical transportation hub in the region.

New Jersey’s geographic location along the Atlantic Ocean and its proximity to major metropolitan areas like New York and Philadelphia make it a vital part of the Northeast Corridor. Its latitude and longitude place it in a region with four distinct seasons, characterized by hot summers, cold winters, and moderate spring and fall weather.

Levels of Elevation in New Jersey

New Jersey has a relatively low elevation profile, with rolling hills in the north and flatter coastal plains in the south. The state’s topography is divided into several distinct regions, each with varying levels of elevation.

• Highest Elevation: The highest point in New Jersey is located on High Point in Sussex County, which rises to 1,803 feet (550 meters) above sea level. High Point is part of the Kittatinny Mountains, which are part of the Appalachian Mountain range. The area around High Point is a popular destination for hiking and outdoor activities, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including portions of New York and Pennsylvania.
• Lowest Elevation: The lowest point in New Jersey is at sea level, along the state’s extensive coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. The state’s coastal towns and cities, including Atlantic City, Cape May, and Long Beach Island, are all situated at or near sea level. These areas are vulnerable to flooding and other effects of rising sea levels due to their low elevation.
• Average Elevation: The average elevation of New Jersey is about 250 feet (76 meters) above sea level. Much of the state’s central and southern regions are relatively flat, particularly in the Pine Barrens and along the Jersey Shore. Northern New Jersey, particularly in the Highlands and Ridge and Valley regions, has more varied terrain with higher elevations, but the state overall is one of the lower-elevation states in the U.S.

New Jersey’s elevation influences its climate, with cooler temperatures and more snow in the higher-elevation northern areas and milder conditions along the coast. The varied topography also supports a range of ecosystems, from forested highlands to coastal marshlands.

Most Extreme Points of New Jersey

New Jersey’s geography includes a variety of extreme points that reflect its small but diverse landscape. The state’s most extreme points mark its boundaries from the northern mountains to the southern coastline.

• Easternmost Point: The easternmost point of New Jersey is Sandy Hook, a barrier spit located at 40.4590° N, 73.9982° W. Sandy Hook is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area and is a popular spot for beachgoers, birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The peninsula offers views of the New York City skyline and serves as a natural buffer against storm surges from the Atlantic Ocean.
• Westernmost Point: New Jersey’s westernmost point is located in Pennsville Township, in Salem County, along the banks of the Delaware River, at approximately 39.6186° N, 75.5636° W. This area is part of southern New Jersey’s agricultural heartland and is near the Delaware Memorial Bridge, which connects New Jersey to Delaware.
• Southernmost Point: The southernmost point in New Jersey is located at Cape May, at approximately 38.9306° N, 74.9083° W. Cape May is a historic coastal town known for its Victorian architecture and as a popular seaside resort. The southern tip of Cape May marks where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, and it is one of the state’s most visited tourist destinations.
• Northernmost Point: New Jersey’s northernmost point is located in Montague Township, Sussex County, at 41.3572° N, near the New York-Pennsylvania border. This area is part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and is known for its natural beauty, including forested mountains, rivers, and scenic vistas.

These extreme points highlight the geographical diversity of New Jersey, from its coastal shores in the south to its forested highlands in the north. The state’s relatively compact size means that all of these locations are within a few hours’ drive of each other, despite their varied landscapes.

Major Mountains in New Jersey

While New Jersey is not known for towering peaks, it has several mountain ranges and highlands, particularly in the northern part of the state. These mountains are part of the larger Appalachian Mountain Range and offer recreational opportunities for hiking, camping, and sightseeing.

• Kittatinny Mountains: The Kittatinny Mountains are part of the Ridge and Valley region of northwestern New Jersey and extend into Pennsylvania. The highest peak in the Kittatinny range is High Point, which reaches 1,803 feet and is the highest point in the state. The Appalachian Trail runs along the crest of the Kittatinny Ridge, offering scenic views of the Delaware Water Gap and surrounding wilderness areas.
• Watchung Mountains: The Watchung Mountains are a series of low, parallel ridges located in northeastern New Jersey, near cities like Plainfield and West Orange. These volcanic ridges rise to modest elevations of around 500 feet and are geologically significant due to their volcanic origins. The Watchung Mountains are heavily forested and serve as a green belt for nearby urban areas, offering numerous parks and hiking trails, including Watchung Reservation.
• Ramapo Mountains: The Ramapo Mountains are located in the northern part of the state, near the border with New York. This range is part of the larger Highlands region and is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and rugged terrain. Ramapo Mountain State Forest and Ringwood State Park are popular recreational areas within this range. The highest point in the Ramapo Mountains is Bearfort Mountain, which rises to around 1,480 feet.
• Sourland Mountains: The Sourland Mountains are located in central New Jersey, primarily within Somerset, Hunterdon, and Mercer Counties. Though not very high—rising to just over 500 feet—the Sourland Mountains are an important natural area, home to unique flora and fauna. Sourland Mountain Preserve offers hiking trails and opportunities for birdwatching.

Major Rivers and Lakes in New Jersey

New Jersey is home to numerous rivers and lakes that have played a significant role in its development, economy, and recreation. These waterways are vital for transportation, industry, and environmental conservation.

• Delaware River: The Delaware River forms New Jersey’s western boundary with Pennsylvania and is one of the most important rivers in the region. It flows for over 300 miles from upstate New York to the Delaware Bay. The river provides drinking water to millions of people, supports industry, and is a major route for shipping. In addition, the Delaware Water Gap is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and fishing. The river’s tidal section near Trenton is important for commerce, with ports and industries located along its banks.
• Raritan River: The Raritan River is one of the longest rivers entirely within New Jersey, stretching for 121 miles. It flows from the central highlands of the state to Raritan Bay, part of the Atlantic Ocean. The river has historical significance as a transportation route during the colonial period, and today it is important for water supply and recreation. The Raritan Valley region is a mix of suburban development, industry, and natural areas, with the river serving as a focal point.
• Passaic River: The Passaic River flows through northeastern New Jersey and is a critical waterway for the heavily urbanized region around Newark and Paterson. Historically, the river powered early industrial development, particularly at the Great Falls of the Passaic in Paterson, where textile mills were established during the Industrial Revolution. While the river has faced pollution challenges, efforts are ongoing to clean and revitalize its waters.
• Lake Hopatcong: Lake Hopatcong is the largest freshwater lake in New Jersey, located in Sussex and Morris Counties. It covers about 4 square miles and is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and summer recreation. The lake was historically important for transportation and ice harvesting but is now a major center for tourism in the state.
• Manasquan Reservoir: The Manasquan Reservoir, located in Monmouth County, is an important water supply source for central New Jersey. It is also a popular site for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The surrounding Manasquan Reservoir Environmental Center provides educational programs and nature walks.

New Jersey’s rivers and lakes are essential for both the environment and the state’s economy. They provide water for agriculture, industry, and drinking, as well as recreational opportunities that draw visitors from across the region.