My GF and I are looking to get out of Jersey ASAP. Most likely within the next year or two. Charlotte is high on our list, because I have family there, and she has a bunch of friends down there as well. I'll gladly give up NJ pizza and bagels to have a Publix, great BBQ, and actual affordable real estate. It's so depressing driving down Route 1 to work, and there is a sign saying NEW HOMES FROM THE LOW 800s. Went to visit my Dad, and they are building everywhere and anywhere, and it's dirt cheap! Amazing 2500+ sqft homes built to specification starting from the low 130s.

I know people who work in that rest area, and the service road is only for authorized vehicles only. I.E people who work there. There isn't much parking back there to begin with, and when you park back there it forces employees to park on that service road in the grass along the side of the road.

The turnpike used to leave the gate unlocked, but ever since the Super Bowl at Metlife Stadium they kept it locked for "security" reasons. There are 5-6 different businesses in that service area that use the parking lot.