The weather here is actually moderate this far north (41 degrees N) this is due to the proximity to the rapidly warming nearby Atlantic.

It can still get cold here for longer periods then in most of California.

Avoid Stop & Shop for grocery shopping- they are ridiculously over priced on many items.

There is less conspicuous consumption here then in the most populous parts of California. Although down on Connecticut's 'Gold coast' (Southwestern panhandle area) & parts of Fairfield county A level of snobbery is not pleasant to deal with sometimes.

All grocery stores and most retail charge 10 cents for a paper bag- there is no plastic. Walmart has decided in CT to make costumers bring their own bagging. (there is no option to buy a bag)

Grocery stores sell beer- that's it for now. They are trying to change this law for you to buy wine. Liquor can only be purchased in a 'package store' or other larger place like 'Total Wine'.

Marijuana dispensaries are opening throughout the state-so if you care to partake- it is easily available in the larger cities and towns. Prices are high.

Traffic here will be less congested than the heavier populated parts of CA- but can be frustrating at times. Many towns have archaic road patterns- that have existed back to the17th century.

Beware of ticks- in our rapidly warming climate they are a distinct menace- and can cause serious health problems. Take high precaution wondering into woods and grassy areas with out protection.

We have abundant wild life here despite being a heavily urbanized state- there are many bears, raccoons, skunks, foxes, deer, wild turkey, ground hogs- and two species of venomous snake- the eastern timber rattler and copperhead- both in a few isolated areas of the state.

The state is heavily forested- now is the stick season- so the only green you see are from evergreens. In summer the temperate deciduous forest covers the states hills and mountains. The greenness is beautiful. Autumns are still magical despite a changing climate.

Our shoreline (or coast) is more populated west of New Haven with some very 'toney' suburbs. East of New Haven there are smaller charming New England towns and pleasant beaches up to the Rhode Island state line.