I grew up my entire childhood in PA and moved to NJ 4 years ago to work in NYC.
NJ has its positives and negatives, but overall it is a better state to live in compared to PA. The school systems are incredible, jobs in-state and proximity to NYC, diversity...
The traffic is heavy at times, but its getting much heavier in the Lehigh Valley and has been forever in Philly.
I will give you that it is expensive and property taxes are high, but earning potentials are much higher than other states. I am making 2-3 times living in NJ what I would be in PA (if I could even find a comparable job).
Growing up, everyone wants to shit on NJ, especially coming from PA. You really need to try living here though, there is a reason why people don't leave.