welcome aboard! I'm originally from h-town but moved all of 10 miles away last year. I'm still there just about daily; my parents live by the hospital and I work at island. Strangely enough, most of the independence cops don't bother me but I've gotten hassled by my share of hackettstown guys. Hope to see ya around!
Edit: btw, with an auto, your rear will last longer and to quicker 60' times because it doesn't take a hard of a hit as a manual. Unless of course you're driving around doing neutral drops, then this doesn't apply. I wouldn't exactly take MY advice on how not to break things (see my user title for details) but it's food for thought.