Welcome to Connecticut, the land of hedge funds, charming small towns, and people who always seem to be just a little bit too polite. If you want to spot a true local, don’t just look for someone with a latte in hand or a boat nearby. Here’s how to identify a Connecticut local faster than you can say “coffee milk.”
They’re Always Talking About the Weather, but in a Very ‘New England’ Way.
If you hear someone say, “It’s supposed to rain this afternoon, but then it’ll clear up just in time for the Red Sox game,” that’s your clue you’ve encountered a Connecticut local. They’re experts at predicting the weather, especially when it involves crucial outdoor events, and they’re always prepared for any sudden shift in temperature.
They Will Correct You if You Call It ‘Connecticut City.’
Don’t make the mistake of calling it “Connecticut City”—there’s no such place. A real local will gently (or not-so-gently) remind you that Connecticut is a state, not a city. Also, don’t be surprised if they roll their eyes when you confuse Hartford with New Haven. They’ve heard it a thousand times.
They Use “The Shore” as If There’s Only One.
The Connecticut coast is the shore, and everyone knows it. When they talk about “the shore,” they mean their shore, the one where you can relax with a lobster roll and watch the boats go by. It’s where summer vacations happen, and don’t you forget it.
They Drive Like They’ve Got Nowhere to Be (But They’re Still Getting There Fast).
The roads in Connecticut are often congested, but a local will navigate through the traffic like a pro. They’re in no rush, but they’ll still pass you on the left and make you feel like you’re in the way. Just sit back, relax, and take notes—they’ll teach you how to get everywhere efficiently without breaking a sweat.
They’ll Give You the Lowdown on All the Local Diner Sandwiches.
If you ask a Connecticut local about the best diner in town, they’ll go off on a passionate rant about their favorite sandwiches—everything from lobster rolls to the ultimate Italian sub. Don’t even think about suggesting a national chain; they’ve been going to the same local spots for years and have opinions.
They Know the Best Place to Park at Yale.
If you ever find yourself visiting New Haven, a local will have insider knowledge on exactly where to park. They’ll know which street has the best spots, the ones that are least likely to have meters, and where you can avoid getting ticketed while you grab a slice of pizza. Bonus points if they recommend a specific spot for the best photo with the Yale bulldog statue.
They Can’t Understand Why Anyone Would Live in New York City When Connecticut is Right There.
If you’re from New York City, a true Connecticut local will give you a puzzled look when you mention how convenient it is to live in the city. “Why deal with all that when you can have more space, less traffic, and better schools right here?” they’ll say, as if living in Manhattan is a complete mystery to them.
They Have Opinions on Both the Connecticut and Long Island Sound.
A Connecticut local can tell you the differences between the Connecticut Sound and the Long Island Sound with an impressive amount of detail. They’ll be quick to inform you that Connecticut’s waters are superior—and they’ll have a story to back it up. The debate between the two is always a hot topic, especially if you bring it up near the water.
They’ll Take You to a Local Park and Explain the Historical Significance.
Whether it’s a picturesque park or a random tree in their neighborhood, a local will give you an entire history lesson about it. “That’s where they used to have the town fair in 1830,” they’ll say, pointing at something completely unassuming. You’ll feel like you’re walking through a real-life history book.
They Always Have an Opinion on Their Local Sports Teams—Even If They’re Not That Good.
A Connecticut local will talk about their local sports teams with the fervor of someone who’s been a fan since childhood—even if those teams haven’t won a championship in decades. You’ll hear passionate discussions about the UConn Huskies or Hartford Yard Goats, regardless of how their seasons are going. They’re proud of their teams, even if it’s mostly about the tradition of it all.
And there you have it! With these 10 easy signs, you’ll be spotting a Connecticut local in no time. Just be prepared for a history lesson, some solid diner recommendations, and a never-ending conversation about the weather. After all, it’s New England—it’s not just a state, it’s a lifestyle.
