The New Jersey Devil: I'm moving

Mr. Leeds, New Jersey's most notorious Pine barrens inhabitant and fixture of local lore, has announced that he's moving to Pennsylvania.

"I live in a hole in the ground," Mr. Leeds says, "and I still can't make ends meet. Property taxes are just too high."


His sentiment echoes that of other New Jersey residents, who are leaving the state in record droves.

Mr. Leeds is retired, collecting royalties from the use of his image.

"I'm no Loch Ness Monster, but I’m still pretty well-known,” he says, “and I just can’t afford to live here.”

Local historian, Red Vooks laments the announcement. "Mr. Leeds has been part of New Jersey's identity for hundreds of years," he says, "He can't just leave… this is going to effect NJ’s tourism.” Declining tourism revenues have already forced businesses to shutter, in response to the economic slowdown that is plaguing the tax-happy state.

Mr. Leeds' announcement comes at a time when New Jerseyans are leaving the state at record levels. Frustrated by high property taxes, gas prices and one of the heaviest tax burdens in the nation, “For Sale” signs are becoming more rampant than ever.

Competition in the real estate market among sellers is fierce. "Everybody's selling and nobody's buying," real estate agent Sal Marke says. "People are saying it's a buyer's market, but there aren't any buyers."

The countrywide effects of the housing crisis are more even more severe in a state with one of the highest tax burdens.

"I've lived here fifty years," says Pine Barrens resident Moe Vine "and I've never seen so many 'For sale' signs in my neighborhood.”

Mr. Vine says he’s also leaving the state. “I figure I might as well get out before the state starts taxing again, next legislative session…. Who knows what they’ll tax next,” he says, “I’m already taxed on toilet paper. Every time I wipe a cheek I’m paying money to the state.”