Had you ever been to the New England region in the U.S.?

Question

Also, if so, what was your impression of New England or any individual New England states?

Note: The following are (U.S.) states in the New England region: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

Answer 1

As far as regions go, I think it is one of the prettiest I've ever been to--regardless of the season. My least favorite is Connecticut, but that's probably because my car was vandalized there. I didn't think the people in that state (except for the policeman who helped me file the report) were especially friendly compared to the other states. New Hampshire is my favorite. The people are nice to you, but not intrusive like other places where they feel they have to know your business the minute they meet you.

I like the housing there because of the different styles available--Colonials, saltboxes, Cape Cods, farmhouses, etc. It's nice to see housing with white picket fences or if you're lucky enough to get an older home with a hand built stone wall. I found the housing to be more affordable there than say the Southwest--not just cheaper, but more house for the money--plus you can often get acreage with it so you have even more privacy. Heating bills are high in the winter, but in other parts of the country you pay dearly for a/c in the summer. Grocery prices were very reasonable with a good selection and quality.

There are the usual chain restaurants like Outback and Olive Garden, but in each state I found small, usually family-owned restaurants that specialized in something to that area (as you might guess, seafood), or favorites you remember your Mom or Grandmother making. They had real diners like I remembered as a kid with homemade fries, waffles, and some of the best desserts I've ever had. The waitress (I don't remember having a male server more than once) would offer dessert saying the fruit pies were homemade and could be served with homemade ice cream. They were attentive, but let you stay as long as you needed.

Even in the more rural areas of these states, you're close enough by Interstate to larger cities for some of the best medical care in the country. You also have access to more stores for larger purchases like cars or just a new wardrobe.

The people there don't "fawn" over you like they tend to do in the South, for instance. It's probably because they come from a long line of hardworkers--either in factories (not that there's many of them left), farming, or fishing. They do their job and expect you to do yours. They don't have a lot of time to just sit and visit with their neighbors. Remember the line from the poem (Robt Frost?) that says "good fences make good neighbors" sums up the people's attitudes.

Yet, they're fiercely independent and will fight for a cause they believe in. I believe New Hampshire's state motto is "live free or die". They take their politics seriously--whether it's a presidential primary or a town council/selectman election. They study the issues and turn out to voice their opinions and concerns and to listen to what others have to say.

I already mentioned that the region is pretty--it's absolutely breathtaking in the fall when the foliage turns. You have the oaks and maples turning colors and at the same time the spruces, firs, pines, emit that woodsy smell that makes you want to take in deep breaths.

Even if you're not a history buff, you can't hep but be fascinated by the area. You can go to any cemetery and find gravesites dating back to the 1600 and 1700s. There's one cemetery in Boston where Mother Goose and Paul Revere are buried in close proximity. It doesn't take long to go from one historical place to another--all places that you read about in school.

Recreational activities abound. There's skiing, snowmobiling, swimming in some fantastic lakes, fishing, hunting if you're into that kind of thing.

I really believe if you spend a decent amount of time there, exploring it and getting to know the people, that if you can't be happy there, you probably won't be happy anywhere for any length of time.

Answer 2

I live in the Mountains of Northern New England.

Answer 3

Yes, and I think they're all beautiful. Like any other state, they all have the modern city yuck, but if you go to the historical places or state/local parks it's some of the most beautiful I've encountered.

Answer 4

I have lived in New England my whole life, and don't expect to be leaving.

Answer 5

I live in New England.If you could be more specific, please?