[Tiger Beer]

A large Italian influence in both CT and NJ...what makes them so different?

[yankee.peddler]

Are you asking why Connecticut and New Jersey are seemingly different because both have a strong historical Italian influence? If so, I have two responses to that. First, I don't believe the Italian influence has to do with any perceived differences between the two states. Second, I don't believe Connecticut and New Jersey are as dissimilar as some make them to be. Yes, Jersey is more dense and demographically diverse than Connecticut for obvious reasons. However, both states are extensively suburban with affluent and middle-class enclaves that generally encircle impoverished urban cores. Both states also boast beautiful rural areas that defy their perceived stereotypes (especially Jersey's). The largest difference I can see between Connecticut and New Jersey is between each state's coastline. Connecticut's jagged shore along Long Island features hundreds of harbors and inlets dotted by industrial cities and quaint villages alike. New Jersey's shore is relatively straight with beach communities that primarily thrive on summer vacation populations.

[Tiger Beer]

Thanks for the great response. Yes, that was exactly what I was looking for - how they seem so different despite both having historical Italian influence.

Interesting about the shorelines being drastically different.

[OutlawSteph]

I'm not sure about NJ but CT in particular has a lot of Sicilians. The south end of Hartford is Sicilian. Many people from southeast Sicaly moved to Middletown a few generations back. Other Italian community that don't have Sicilians will have a different cultural feel, different traditions, different food, etc.

[Leilani Vasquez]

Originally Posted by OutlawSteph

I'm not sure about NJ but CT in particular has a lot of Sicilians. The south end of Hartford is Sicilian. Many people from southeast Sicaly moved to Middletown a few generations back. Other Italian community that don't have Sicilians will have a different cultural feel, different traditions, different food, etc.

The majority of Italians moved out of the south end of Hartford years ago. The businesses are still present though. For some reason a lot of albanians moved in, but they're leaving the city as well. I remember going to high school with a lot of Italians years ago. It seemed like they were all moving to Wethersfield or Rocky Hill.