When you move to Connecticut, you’ll want classic New England architecture to go with it. If you move during the summer, you’ll probably ask, “Where’s the beach?” And that’s where things get interesting. Connecticut is a unique place and is almost never what people expect. So if you’re new in town, here are some things you’ll probably pick up on. If you’ve been here forever, you’ve probably had to explain some of this to a newcomer.
- We’re on the Long Island Sound, not the Atlantic Ocean.
m01229/Flickr If you were dreaming of a lively surf scene, warm waters, or soft sand beaches then think again. Those are scattered about the state if you’re willing to do the research, but what you’ll most likely encounter are rocky shorelines and deathly still waters. That’s why boating is a big pastime here.
- Nobody will know what to call you.
Pixabay Used to be a Nebraskan? Well you’re a…person from Connecticut now. Nutmegger, Connecticotian, Yankee, who knows! Anything’s possible and everything goes. You’ll rarely hear natives refer to themselves as anything, though you may hear a sarcastic “Good old Connecticut” from time to time.
- The package store is not some weird nickname for the post office.
ancient history/Flickr So don’t think your new friend is moving away when they mention it. When someone says they’re going on a packy run that means they’re going to get alcohol. But this isn’t statewide, so make sure they say it first. Otherwise, there could be some confusion.
- It is possible to steam a cheeseburger.
K. LaMay’s Steamed Cheeseburgers/Facebook As the inventor of the original cheeseburger, Connecticut takes pride in the innovative steamed cheeseburger. Less greasy and twice as cheesy, this burger is quite delicious.
- Huskies aren’t just a breed of dog.
UConn Huskies/Facebook If you live in Connecticut, you like the Huskies. The school pride is infectious and they’re continued dominance in basketball makes them easy to root for. Your kids will likely have a number of teachers who went there and that’s where the indoctrination begins, so you can kiss your alma mater goodbye.
- This is a grinder.
Wikimedia Commons You’ll find that there is no such thing as a sub or a hoagie or a hero. The grinder is the sandwich to rule them all and nobody does it like we do.
- Apizza is a better kind of pizza.
Joe D./Yelp This thin, crispy crust pizza can only be found in Connecticut. A lot of the state favorite pizzerias serve up this style, whether it’s wood fired or coal fired.
- Autumn is the only season that matters.
Anthony Quintana/Flickr Spring barely happens some years, summer is too hot to be comfortable and winter is just rough. But in Autumn folks come from all over the country to witness the Connecticut foliage and there are plenty of events and activities that celebrate the season.
- Dunkin Donuts is everywhere.
Wikimedia Commons If you’re moving from a Starbucks state, prepare to be shocked. Dunkin is everywhere here! You may even find more than one on the same street.
- The taxes are insane.
Images Money/Flickr Living in Connecticut can be rewarding, but you definitely pay to stay. It may not be the place to retire, but it’s a great place to raise your kids!
- Every region of Connecticut is incredibly unique.
Wikimedia Commons The Quiet Corner, with its vast countryside is a far cry from the large waterfront estates of the Gold Coast and commuter population. Folks to the East are nothing like those to the West. It’s almost scary how different the residents are, despite living in one state.
- One does not simply move to Connecticut.
Taylor Ellis/Only In Your State That pretty much sums it up. Prepare for dramatic season changes, expensive living and arguably the best food of your life.
Thinking of the magical day when you move to Connecticut and experience this firsthand? Or did we completely scare you off?
m01229/Flickr
If you were dreaming of a lively surf scene, warm waters, or soft sand beaches then think again. Those are scattered about the state if you’re willing to do the research, but what you’ll most likely encounter are rocky shorelines and deathly still waters. That’s why boating is a big pastime here.
Pixabay
Used to be a Nebraskan? Well you’re a…person from Connecticut now. Nutmegger, Connecticotian, Yankee, who knows! Anything’s possible and everything goes. You’ll rarely hear natives refer to themselves as anything, though you may hear a sarcastic “Good old Connecticut” from time to time.
ancient history/Flickr
So don’t think your new friend is moving away when they mention it. When someone says they’re going on a packy run that means they’re going to get alcohol. But this isn’t statewide, so make sure they say it first. Otherwise, there could be some confusion.
K. LaMay’s Steamed Cheeseburgers/Facebook
As the inventor of the original cheeseburger, Connecticut takes pride in the innovative steamed cheeseburger. Less greasy and twice as cheesy, this burger is quite delicious.
UConn Huskies/Facebook
If you live in Connecticut, you like the Huskies. The school pride is infectious and they’re continued dominance in basketball makes them easy to root for. Your kids will likely have a number of teachers who went there and that’s where the indoctrination begins, so you can kiss your alma mater goodbye.
Wikimedia Commons
You’ll find that there is no such thing as a sub or a hoagie or a hero. The grinder is the sandwich to rule them all and nobody does it like we do.
Joe D./Yelp
This thin, crispy crust pizza can only be found in Connecticut. A lot of the state favorite pizzerias serve up this style, whether it’s wood fired or coal fired.
Anthony Quintana/Flickr
Spring barely happens some years, summer is too hot to be comfortable and winter is just rough. But in Autumn folks come from all over the country to witness the Connecticut foliage and there are plenty of events and activities that celebrate the season.
If you’re moving from a Starbucks state, prepare to be shocked. Dunkin is everywhere here! You may even find more than one on the same street.
Images Money/Flickr
Living in Connecticut can be rewarding, but you definitely pay to stay. It may not be the place to retire, but it’s a great place to raise your kids!
The Quiet Corner, with its vast countryside is a far cry from the large waterfront estates of the Gold Coast and commuter population. Folks to the East are nothing like those to the West. It’s almost scary how different the residents are, despite living in one state.
Taylor Ellis/Only In Your State
That pretty much sums it up. Prepare for dramatic season changes, expensive living and arguably the best food of your life.
Every state has its ups and downs, but if you’re still not convinced, check out our list of 15 Reasons To Move To Connecticut.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
