Deciding to relocate to a new city is a journey in itself, and there’s no such thing as too much research. However, you need to go further than simply learning about housing, the local economy and job opportunities. Oftentimes, the most successful way of getting the vibe of a place, and of deciding whether it’s a good fit for you, is by immersing yourself in its culture and history. Books and movies can tell a lot about a place. And, since we already covered the best movies to get to know Chicago(opens in new tab), we decided to provide a list of books that will make you more intimately acquainted with the Windy City.

New Jersey’s city skylines often steal the spotlight, but the state also has plenty of suburbs offering a taste of urban living without the constant frenzy of the big city. From the picturesque landscapes of Bergen County to the waterfront vistas of Monmouth County, New Jersey suburbs have their own unique character.