Lisa O
Connecticut may be small, but the people who live there have big pride in their state. With a mix of New England charm, coastal views, and historic towns, it’s a place that outsiders often misunderstand. If you find yourself talking to someone from Connecticut, there are a few things you might want to avoid saying—unless you’re looking to start an argument or get a very long explanation in return.
“Isn’t Connecticut just a suburb of New York?”
People from Connecticut hear this one way too often, and it never goes over well. Yes, some folks commute to the city, but the state has its own identity, culture, and history. From scenic shoreline towns to classic New England countryside, it’s more than just a place people pass through. Saying this makes it sound like the whole state exists only to serve NYC, and that’s just not true.
“You must be rich if you’re from Connecticut.”
Sure, some towns in Fairfield County have big houses and fancy cars, but Connecticut isn’t all wealth and country clubs. There are small working-class towns, rural farming areas, and diverse cities like Hartford and New Haven. Assuming everyone’s loaded just because of the state’s reputation is lazy and totally misses how different each part of Connecticut really is.
“Do you even have beaches?”
Yes, and they’re beautiful in a calm, laid-back kind of way. Connecticut’s shoreline might not have giant waves like the Atlantic coast, but towns like Madison, Westbrook, and Old Saybrook offer peaceful waterfronts with gorgeous sunsets and family-friendly vibes. People from Connecticut love their beaches, and being asked if they have any at all feels like an insult to their summer traditions.
“Isn’t that where Yale is? That’s all I know.”
Mentioning Yale as if it’s the only thing that matters about Connecticut gets old fast. While the Ivy League school is a big part of New Haven, there’s so much more to the state—like historic towns, scenic trails, charming downtowns, and strong pizza opinions. Acting like Connecticut begins and ends with Yale makes it sound like you haven’t looked past a college brochure.
“Connecticut drivers are the worst.”
If you’re going to criticize someone’s driving, you better not do it in front of a local—especially since every Northeast state loves to blame each other for bad roads and crazy traffic. Yes, the Merritt Parkway can feel wild, and I-95 is a mess, but locals know how to navigate it. Connecticut drivers may be aggressive, but they’re also quick, focused, and used to unpredictable roads.
“There’s nothing to do there.”
Locals will strongly disagree and probably list off ten things you’ve never heard of. Between fall foliage hikes, historic inns, museums, vineyards, small-town festivals, and college sports, Connecticut keeps things interesting. Just because it’s quieter than a big city doesn’t mean it’s boring—it’s just a different kind of fun. And if you can’t find something to do, they’ll say the problem isn’t the state, it’s you.
“You’re from Connecticut? So you must be a Patriots fan.”
This one can start a sports war fast. Connecticut is a state divided—half root for the Yankees and Giants, the other half for the Red Sox and Patriots. Some even go for the Mets or Jets. It depends on where they live, who their family supports, and how much they hate the other team. Assuming one side is asking for a debate, you probably don’t want to finish.
“What even is New Haven-style pizza?”
Ask this, and you’re about to get schooled. Locals take pizza seriously, and New Haven-style, known for its thin, charred crust and simple toppings, is basically a food religion. Saying you’ve never heard of it is one thing, but questioning its value? That’s crossing a line. They’ll probably tell you it’s better than anything in New York or Chicago, and they’ll mean every word of it.
“Isn’t it just a place old people retire?”
This stereotype ignores the younger communities, college towns, and active lifestyles people enjoy across the state. Yes, there are retirees, but there are also students, young families, and professionals building lives in Connecticut. Between local breweries, hiking trails, and live music scenes, there’s plenty going on. Locals don’t appreciate being boxed into a retirement village image just because the pace is a little calmer.
“It must be so boring living there.”
Saying this out loud is like saying you didn’t look past the rest stop on I-95. Locals will quickly point out their favorite local coffee shops, hiking trails, breweries, farmer’s markets, and seasonal events. It’s not Vegas, sure, but the charm is in the mix of quiet moments and hidden gems. People who live there know how to enjoy life without needing noise or crowds.
“So, what do you even eat there?”
This question feels clueless because Connecticut has some serious food pride. There’s the famous New Haven pizza, yes, but also steamed cheeseburgers, lobster rolls (both hot buttered and cold with mayo), clam chowder, apple cider doughnuts, and fresh seafood. Asking what people eat makes it sound like the state’s food scene doesn’t exist—which is just not true if you’ve tasted anything from a local diner or seafood shack.
“Is Connecticut even part of New England?”
This one feels personal. Yes, Connecticut is absolutely part of New England, even if it doesn’t always act like it. It shares the region’s history, weather, fall foliage, and love for Dunkin’. The fact that it borders New York doesn’t cancel out centuries of colonial roots and New England identity. Bringing this up makes it sound like you’re questioning their entire regional existence.
“Everyone there is so preppy.”
People from Connecticut have heard this one too many times, thanks to TV shows and stereotypes. While you might find some pastel sweaters and boat shoes in Greenwich or Westport, that doesn’t represent the whole state. There are plenty of regular folks in jeans and hoodies, just like anywhere else. Assuming everyone’s walking around like they’re in a J.Crew catalog just doesn’t match the reality.
“Isn’t that just a pass-through state?”
Calling Connecticut a pass-through is like ignoring all the good stuff just off the exit ramp. Whether it’s quaint towns like Mystic, beautiful state parks, or iconic food stops, the state has a lot to offer if you take the time to explore. Locals hate being treated like their home is just something you drive through on your way to somewhere better.
“I always forget Connecticut is even a state.”
Oof—this is probably the worst thing you could say. It might be small and quiet, but people from Connecticut have deep pride in their roots, and hearing that their state is forgettable feels like a personal jab. They’ll remind you that they were one of the original 13 colonies, have incredible pizza, beautiful seasons, and a history that helped shape the country. Forgetting it? Big mistake.
