Americans Share Why They're Most Proud Of Their State
Here's what 18 people had to say about the place they call home. For the most part, the responses are actually super wholesome:
"Super proud to be a lifelong Washingtonian because it's so versatile. So much diverse nature, culture, and the state has cared about us as long as I've lived."
–Goatgamer1016
"Kansan here, grew up in a very small farm town. Spent a decade in a huge city on the East Coast, moved back to Kansas. Happy to have had the experience of living on the East Coast, but man, did it make the simpler life in Kansas so much more enjoyable afterwards. Perspective is everything. I love being from Kansas and from flyover country. Best sunsets in this country and all four seasons to boot."
"I'm from Alaska, and I'm proud. I always call myself an Alaskan over an American. My life is so different from anyone I've ever met from the Lower 48."
"Sometimes when I watch TV or scroll social media, I analyze what people's life is like in the States, and I get scared at how disconnected people are from the land. I don't know how to explain it, but every morning I wake up (in the summer) and drive a jet boat to work. The rivers are so clean that I bathe and wash my hair in them. I am guaranteed to catch a fish any time I want one for dinner. I work in the field, so all summer I am in remote Alaska, completely separated from civilization, and it's so freeing."–Such-session-6687
"I'm from New Jersey. We get a bad rap, but it's good here. Close to NYC and Philly, and featuring such diverse biomes, including mountains, marshland, the Pine Barrens, beaches, cities, suburbs, and farmland. All four seasons. Plus Wawa and not having to pump your own gas, Jersey club, bagels, pizza…"
"I'm proud of being Californian insofar as this is the place where the late 1960s countercultural movement exploded. That is far from simply an American zeitgeist; it rapidly and majorly influenced the entirety of global civilization."
–niftystopwat
"I am very proud to be from North Carolina. Mountains, Piedmont, and the most awesome coastline in the country. College basketball at its finest. Middle-of-the-road politics. Small towns or big cities. We have them both. Decent secondary education. Great business environment in Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington, and the Triad. There's something here for everyone. Perfect? No. But fewer cons than most states. I can't imagine another place to call home."
"Born, raised, and live in Oregon. Lived in other parts of the country, and it only made me love Oregon more. It's got the coast, mountains, forests, and deserts. The average state park is more beautiful than anything in most states. People are nice, and the government tries to do the right thing."
–winkler456
"Illinois has its problems, but it's also very diverse ethnically with the Chicagoland area and lots of professional and personal opportunities, some nice parks and recreation, and affordable living outside of Chicago. It's also the most average state in the union, meaning there's a little something for everyone."
"I'm very proud of being from Connecticut, as I've grown used to all four seasons. I'm also proud of many policies the state government implements, and of Connecticut's inclusivity to all people. Also, in CT, you're never far from whatever you're looking for, as New York is a day trip for half the state, and Boston is a day trip for the other half of the state. If you want a beach day, the shoreline is nice, and we have many lakes and ponds. Hiking is always fun in the Litchfield hills, and there are so many great restaurants with all different kinds of cuisines. Pizza here is spectacular, and New Haven style is the correct style, NOT NEW YORK STYLE PIZZA!!!"
"I'm Native American and I'm from Minnesota, so yes, I am proud because that is where my ancestors are from. I feel very connected to it. It's also very beautiful, especially Lake Superior."
–Silverraincoat
"I am from the great state of Maine. The state that is closest to Africa. The first of the states to see the sun each day. Played a pivotal role at Gettysburg on Little Round Top. Northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The best lobster rolls and maple syrup you can find. Need I say more? I think not. Remember the Maine!!"
"I'm a little proud of living in Michigan because of the lakes, I suppose. It's pretty cool, and I don't take it for granted. I feel more lucky than anything that I live in a Democrat run state, though, and am very, very ashamed we have some of the most unhinged MAGA here. It's gross."
"New Yorker for life. While there are certainly a large number of us who are obnoxious af, we're tough as bawls and can generally take anything thrown at us."
–CatSkritches
"I'm from Kentucky, I'm very proud of that being my home state. Home of the KY Derby, moonshine, lots of small local businesses, horses, green grass, nice people."
"I'm not proud of Georgia, but I am proud to say I lived in Atlanta for 14 years. Atlanta is a progressive, collaborative place that's changed and molded with time and culture. Not always at the rate I'd like in each category, but it's a fluid and dynamic town. The state as a whole? A bunch of MAGAs, like roaches for Raid. Can't deal."
"I like Wisconsin. I guess I've been proud to be from here when I go elsewhere. Sometimes I think it must be nice to live in a non-swing state, though. At least in election years."
"New Hampshire. I'm proud for many reasons – natural beauty, quality of life, education, history, as well as being a boring but very good place to be raised."
And finally, "As a lifelong resident of Massachusetts, I take a lot of pride in where I'm from. This state is the literal birthplace of American democracy, from the Boston Tea Party to the Battles of Lexington and Concord. We're not just part of history — we are one of the states where our nation was founded."
"Massachusetts is also a global leader in education, medicine, and science. We were among the first states to address affordable health insurance for all, we prioritize education for our children, and every town has free senior services for our elderly. But honestly, what makes me proudest is the culture: we've got grit, brains, and a distinct personality you won't find anywhere else. We're wicked smart, historically grounded, and funny in our own stubborn New England way."–lynnfomercial
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