Looking at that site that you posted FLman...
"Local zoning laws are extremely strict, rent control is authorized, eminent domain has scarcely been reformed, and private malls and homeowners’ associations must allow political speech on their property. Labor laws are predictably costly, with a strict workers’ compensation mandate, short-term disability and paid family leave programs, a “smoker protection” law in employment, and of course no right-to-work law. Occupational licensing is ranked worse than average, and there is extensive community rating for private health insurance. The state also scores poorly on the regulation of other insurance, although rate classification prohibitions were apparently removed during 2009—10.
New Jersey’s gun control laws are among the most restrictive in the country, not surprisingly given the state’s ideology. Its marijuana laws are not as liberal as one might expect from a left-leaning state, although a fairly restrictive medical marijuana law was enacted in 2010. New Jersey is ranked as the very worst state for travel freedom, with primary seat belt enforcement, motorcycle and bicycle helmet laws, a cell phone driving ban with primary enforcement, a federally compliant open container law, sobriety checkpoints, and mandatory underinsured motorist coverage for drivers. Fireworks and raw milk are prohibited. Cigarette taxes are high, and smoking bans are as draconian as any in the country. On the positive side, home and private schools are hardly regulated at all. Same-sex partnerships are also recognized. Alcohol is not very regulated, although there is a “happy hour” ban. The state’s crime adjusted incarceration rate is fairly low."
I'm not seeing their problems as downsides.
Rent control is a good thing if you are a renter, I don't smoke, and I'm not really a fan of being killed by a gun nut or an drunk driver.
I like workers comp and family leave (not that I'd need that).. And I'm a film union member already. I don't partake in weed... Although I think that law will be changing federally soon anyway.
I think I'd be OK with the landscape up there.