I’ve done both — moved to WA in 2014 and drove out there and just moved back in November and shipped 2 cars to NJ. It really depends on the type of trip you want for yourself. We ultimately decided to ship on the way back because the cost of fuel was so high during the timeframe of our trip. It was about $3k to ship a car and SUV from WA and took about 5 days, door-to-door. We used AirTags to keep track of them and have peace of mind. The company we used is out of Philly - Umbrella Transport, I believe. Having the freedom and flexibility of having a car for the NJ to WA trip was great. The way back we did an RV and I felt a little trapped. Good luck with your move!

I grew up just around the corner and would ride bikes there as a kid to have picnics in the summer. They always let us hang out around the museum/property with the exception of the gift shop. As someone else said, I always wanted to have my wedding there but by that time they were already closed. The Weird NJ link shows the clown and you can often see him thru the woods off Mounts Mills during the fall/winter.

Not the original commenter, but my dad is a contractor in central Jersey and I do all of his contracts and invoicing. He’s been booked solid throughout COVID and his only issues have been increased cost and availability of materials. I know for some bathroom and exterior jobs he’s had to wait longer than usual for supplies to come in; same goes for appliances. He’s been able to keep his help and subcontracting positions filled, too. He ends up encountering some of those “ghosted” customers/homeowners so I think the bigger issue in that regard is trusting your contractor and getting multiple bids. Good luck in your house hunt! I recently moved back to the area after nearly a decade in the PNW…there’s nowhere like central Jersey!