[MCPatrick1970]

What parts of Connecticut are without the influence of NYC on one end and Boston at the other? I was there for a few visits back in the 90's and I fell in love with the state. I thought about moving there but I want to live in Connecticut, not NYC.

[xyz affair]

The greater Hartford area is unique in that it is largely 'independent' of New York or Boston- A New England city and metro area that has little influence from either NYC or Boston- though it can be considered in its attitudes and inflections generally part of the northeast corridor.

Generally speaking, As one goes further west and southwest of Hartford the influence sphere of NYC grows, the further east and southeast of Hartford- the spheres of Boston and Providence become a stronger cultural influence.

[StarlaJane]

Then definitely stay away from Fairfield County. I am partial to the New Haven area b/c it has just enough NYC influence to keep it hip but it's spirit is definitely CT. I also love Guilford , which is a typical Connecticut sea town. But then there are areas such as Old Lyme that are probably what one would think of when they think "Connecticut"; it is much farther away from NYC so there is very little NYC influence there.

[JayCT]

I agree that Hartford is the most independent of Connecticut's large cities. It really does not rely on New York or Boston for much of anything. New Haven and Waterbury are a bit reliant on New York but not completely. I find that the New London/Norwich area is somewhat independent too but they are small cities that rely on New Haven, Hartford or Providence, RI for television coverage. Jay

[seymourct]

Start a diagonal line from Canaan NW corner down through the Naugatuck River Valley and shade everything east. That shaded area would be imho pretty much influence free.

Nonetheless, Ffld county still IS CT territory, and no matter how many times folks try to lump dump claim or explain there beliefs to the contrary, it is simply NOT NY. Every town has its own personality, even if there is some influence - who cares if there is??? You would still be in Connecticut.

Now if your talking about the sports situation - - ugghh - - please take that discussion to the sports board.

[renovating]

Originally Posted by MCPatrick1970

What parts of Connecticut are without the influence of NYC on one end and Boston at the other? I was there for a few visits back in the 90's and I fell in love with the state. I thought about moving there but I want to live in Connecticut, not NYC.

OP, can you please list or tell me what specifically you feel are NYC "influences" and what are Boston "influences"???

[kidyankee764]

Originally Posted by seymourct

Start a diagonal line from Canaan NW corner down through the Naugatuck River Valley and shade everything east. That shaded area would be imho pretty much influence free.

I'd push this a little east to end the line at Guilford/Madison. Folks in the western area, though it's a far daily commute, are still very NY centric and largely call NYC "the city" from my experience.

Edit to add: There really is not any part of CT that has a Boston "influence".

[JViello]

Hartford.

It's not a lap dog of either and in fact can hold it's own very well against Boston in corporate might and IMO might even overtake it.