About New Jersey
New Jersey History
Indigenous people thrived in the New Jersey region by searching for clams, hunting game in the forests, and farming squash, beans, sweet potatoes, and corn. The colonial history of New Jersey began around 1609 when Henry Hudson sailed through Newark Bay and claimed the land for the Dutch. When Sir George Carteret and British forces gained control of the region, it became known as New Jersey. In 1776, New Jersey joined the American Revolution and retained an essential status due to its location. New Jersey became the third state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787, with Trenton becoming the state’s capital. The state prospered, with textile mills, train production, silk processing, clay, iron, and steel manufacturing growing alongside rural farming efforts. From commercial land for sale in New Jersey to homesteads and waterfront property, New Jersey has something to offer hunters, anglers, farmers, foresters, and explorers.
New Jersey Hunting Land
Each year brings over one hundred seasonal days of deer hunting and excellent small game, bird, and waterfowl hunting. With over 358,000 acres of public lands open to hunting, New Jersey is a haven for game hunters of all sizes. The state’s population of whitetail deer, once threatened by a population decline in the early 1900s, is now thriving. Attractive hunting land for sale in New Jersey continues to be available for those looking to get into the field.
New Jersey also boasts freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities, from the coastline to inland streams, lakes, and rivers. Anglers have access to over 60 native freshwater fish species, including Alewife, American Eel, American Shad, Blueback Herring, Sea Lamprey, and Striped Bass. In addition to the native species, New Jersey fish and game efforts included the introduction of seventeen additional species of fish, including catfish, striped bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye. Saltwater fishing provides herring, bass, crab, clams, perch, mackerel, and cod to eager anglers.
New Jersey is home to a large variety of waterfowl species, given its mix of wetland habitats. Significantly, over one-third of the black ducks in the eastern United States and half of North America’s Atlantic brant spend winter in these marshes.
New Jersey Timber Land
The Department of Environmental Protection supports timberland owners in New Jersey in managing the nearly 920,000 acres of privately-owned woodland; 38% of all forests in New Jersey are owned by families. Common hardwoods in the state include Oak and Walnut, and other common trees include Hazel Adler, Silver Bells, and Birch. Northwestern New Jersey, also called the Skylands Region, is the region's more rural and wooded landscape; the Southern interior is home to mixed pine and oak forests.
Farm Land for Sale in New Jersey
New Jersey is home to over 715,000 acres of farmland, cultivated both by small-scale farmers and leased to commercial farming operations. Those looking to begin a career in farming will find farm land for sale in New Jersey to suit their needs, no matter the scale. New Jersey is a major producer of over 100 different vegetables, including potatoes, eggplant, bell peppers, spinach, tomatoes, cranberries, asparagus, peaches, blueberries, squash, cucumbers, and sweet corn. Vineyards are also of growing interest to New Jersey farmers. Other crops, such as rye, soybeans, hay, and oats, are developed to support the livestock industry in the region. Cattle and calves, hogs, and pigs are the primary livestock farmed in New Jersey, with dairy cows and dairy products making the top of the New Jersey agriculture commodities list. Nursery, greenhouses, and sod growers also succeed in the Garden State. The commercial fishing industry also continues to thrive, with over $140 million added to the agricultural revenue each year.
New Jersey Water Rights and New Jersey Waterways
With ample water access, including the Atlantic Ocean, large bays, salt marshes, beaver ponds, and inland lakes, New Jersey offers a variety of wetlands, waterways, and waterfronts. Rivers in New Jersey include the Hudson, Delaware, Raritan, Passaic, Hackensack, Rahway, and more. Beachfront property in New Jersey remains some of the most sought-after real estate in the country.
New Jersey employs the riparian approach to water rights management, ensuring that water can be used by landowners as long as this use does not impede the flow of water in other areas.
New Jersey Industry & Recreation
New Jersey’s economy is rooted in industrialization but has also grown to include life sciences, financial services, advanced manufacturing, information technology, transportation, and logistics. Rich recreational land in the state offers fishing, hiking, camping, swimming, skiing, snowboarding, surfing, and so much more!
Searching for farm land for sale in New Jersey or commercial land for sale in New Jersey?
Beyond the Jersey Shore boardwalks, recreational land covers over 452,000 acres across the state, with outdoor recreation opportunities abounding in this diverse and ever-growing state. A number of rural properties can be found adjacent to this land, featuring farmland, recreational land, and hunting and fishing land that will suit your needs. Commercial land for sale in New Jersey is still available for those looking to invest in this rich and diverse landscape.