Top 10 Truths About Growing Up In New England

For those living in New England, there are some common struggles and benefits we all find to be true and have influenced how we act today. Here are some commonalities most New Englanders can all relate too.

1. The Seasons Make New Englanders Have Trust Issues

Tracy Lee Carroll / Via Flickr: tracylee

New Englanders have a love/hate relationship with the weather and this past winter has been no exception ( #BOSnow ). Though as Mark Twain once said, "If you don't like the weather in New England now, just wait a few minutes.” With that being said, New Englanders know that spring can still bring a threat of snow and summer will be mostly pleasant then become unbelievably hot during the last few weeks of August. However, New Englanders will ultimately forgive the weather when fall comes around and the leaves change.

2. Your Sports Loyalties Have Been Defined By New York & Boston

Via seedsallday.com

While Connecticut has UCONN Basketball and Massachusetts has plenty of college hockey, your sports loyalties in the MLB, NBA, NFL & NHL are pretty much defined by Boston and New York teams. Also, New Englanders can agree that certain friendships and relationships have ended due to New York/Boston rivalries.

3. The New England Coastline Is Beautiful

Elliot Gilfix / Via Flickr: mothernaturephotos

While there are no white sandy beaches along the coast, New Englanders can agree that views like this are a fair compromise.

4. You Can Find History Everywhere

kimpossible pics / Via Flickr: 43605942@N03

From the Boston Tea Party to the start of the Revolution, the history of the United States, both good and bad, is firmly rooted in New England. Many New Englanders can recall times taking a stroll along the Freedom Trail in Boston or visiting the historic Mystic Seaport in Connecticut throughout their lifetime. If you like America history, there is no other place that can compare New England.

5. If You Go To College In New England, You're Set

jpitha / Via Flickr: jpitha

You've got the heavy IVY League hitters such as Harvard, Yale, Brown and Dartmouth at your disposal (if you can get in). You've got the technological and creative innovators like MIT, Tufts University, Emerson College and Mass Art making advancements and pushing boundaries in their respective fields. In addition, you can find powerhouse sports institutions from UCONN to Providence to Boston College if you want to fully immerse yourself in the world of college sports.

6. Every State Has Phenomenal Food & Drinks

Christina Saull / Via Flickr: middleseatview

New Englanders have grown custom to the easy access of fresh lobster rolls from Maine, delicious ice cream from Vermont's own Ben & Jerry's and Frozen Lemonade from Del's in Rhode Island over the years. Though we may take it for granted at times, Foodies will travel from all over the world to sample some of New England's delectable treats and the locals can have them almost year round.

7. Winters In New England Are Both A Blessing & Curse

Becky / Via Flickr: bonefishphotography

Snow. To some in New England, this word means a day off from school, family recreation at a ski resort in Vermont or severe back pain. Whether Nor'easters bring three inches or three feet of snow, people in New England find snow to be the best and worst parts about living in this region. However, even when the snow is piled above your head, one can't help but smile when they see pictures like this.

8. You've Been To Six Flags New England, Lake Compunce or Quassy Amusement Park At Least Once

Gustavo Restrepo / Via Flickr: 7446762@N04

Though some people may remember Six Flags as Riverside Amusement Park, these theme parks have played host to countless day trips and summer time memories to thousands of New Englanders for generations. Whether you enjoy the wind in your face as you ride the Boulder Dash at Lake Compounce or lounging by the pool at Hurricane Harbor in Six Flags New England, these iconic theme parks have provided New England guests lifelong thrills that will keep them coming for years and years.

9. You May Or May Not Have A New England Based Accent

NBC Nightly News / Via Twitter: @nbcnightlynews

"Pahk the cah in hahvahd yahd," is easily one of the most common phrases people will say when referring to accents in New England, especially in Boston. Though let's be clear, no one in Massachusetts will ever park their car in Harvard Yard. It's true.

While the Boston accent is one of the more recognizable accents found in New England, many states, including Maine and Connecticut, have some clear accents that many people, including locals, tend not to recognize.

10. No Matter Where You May Live In The Future, New England Will Always Be Your True Home

Corey Templeton / Via Flickr: coreytempleton

Despite the cold winters and harsh summers, there are very few bad things people can say about living in New England. It is the perfect mix of history, arts, culture and unique personalities that can be found in every state. Whether you live along the shoreline of Cape Cod or in the beautiful mountain areas of New Hampshire, New England has a little something for everyone and that's why people can't get enough of it.