Reading time - 4 minutes, 33 seconds

The Northeast United States is full of rich history, beautiful architecture, and world-class sports. Although the winters are rough and the summers are humid, the spring and fall are exquisite enough to make up for it. Whether you're looking for lobster rolls, the New England Patriots, or just strolling along tree-lined streets, the Northeast United States has it all.

Here are some of the most important factors to consider when making your move:

Your Guide to Moving to the Northeast 

Culture

Even if you've just spent a short time in New England, you probably picked up on their culture pretty quickly. The fast-talking locals are straight to business and much more direct than their West Coast counterparts. But, this doesn't mean they aren't sensitive and kind. New Englanders value family over everything and will give the coat off their back to help a loved one out.

Weather

The Northeast is known for harsh winters and humid summers, but the fall and spring are beautiful. With colorful leaves and pastel blooms, residents understand that the off-seasons make it all worth it. But if you're moving to New England, be prepared for significant winter storms, including hurricanes. Bring your puffer jacket, gloves, and hats, and you'll be A-okay (there's a reason why the snowy area is activewear giant L.L. Bean's headquarters). 

Shopping & Errands

New Englanders are known for their sense of community, so it's no surprise that when shopping for groceries or clothes, you'll likely turn to local stores first. Nearly every community has a farmer's market with fresh produce, meats, snacks, and more. Residents will pay a little extra to know they support a fellow neighbor because many communities in the area still have a small-town feel. Our Little Creek installment, located at the northwest corner of Virginia Beach, has that local beach town energy.

If you want to shop at a major grocery or department store, the local favorites are Market Basket, Trader Joe's, Wegmans, and Target. Fun fact: T.J. Maxx opened its first store in Massachusetts! 

Transportation

Depending on where you live, most of the big cities in New England have a relatively robust public transportation system. New York City is known for its intricate subway system. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) provides rail and subway service within the Boston metropolitan area, bus service in Greater Boston, and commuter rail service throughout eastern Massachusetts and parts of Rhode Island. There are also several Amtrak routes to take you throughout the areas. Boston is the northern terminus of the Northeast Corridor line, the Vermonter connects Vermont to Massachusetts and Connecticut, and The Downeaster links Maine to Boston.

If you live in a smaller community, like Portsmouth or Indian Head, you'll likely need to have a car to get around. But compared to the gridlock of L.A. or New York City, traffic will be a breeze. 

Things to Do

There's always something to do in the Northeast, no matter the season. When the weather warms up, there are countless National parks to visit, including the JFK National Historic Site in Massachusetts, the Boston Harbor Island National Recreation Area, and the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site in New York. Plus, active service members are eligible for a free annual pass for all National parks! In the winter, hit up one of the area's many ski resorts.

Whether you want to catch a game at Fenway Park, feel the sand between your toes at Martha's Vineyard, or see the bright lights of Times Square, the Northwest United States has it all. Locals don't let a little snow get in their way of having a good time. 

Education

There's a reason why New England is known for its many Ivy League schools and prestigious universities - this community takes education seriously. If you dream of sending your children to Harvard, Penn State, Syracuse, or Princeton, you should look at starting them on a rigorous journey of curricular and extracurricular activities at a young age. But, when you live in an area of the country with some great high schools, the whole family can make education a priority. According to Forbes, the Northeast has 83 schools ranked in the top third of the country's 660 best undergraduate programs and had the highest average score. 

Health & Fitness

Sports are the name of the game in New England, and people love to stay active by playing football, baseball, field hockey, and other outdoor sports when the weather allows. With legends like Tom Brady, Aaron Judge, and Mookie Betts to look up to, it's no wonder New Englanders take their fitness game seriously.

Although delicious companies like Ben & Jerry's and Dunkin Donuts started in the Northeast, residents still enjoy eating healthy. As we mentioned, local produce is the norm in this area, and a weekend afternoon will likely be spent grabbing a cup of Joe from your favorite local coffee shop and then heading to your local farmer's market to peruse their goods. The Northeast doesn't grow as much produce as the West Coast but the area is known for delicious greens (such as asparagus, kale, and arugula), corn, and peaches in the summer. 

Food

The Northeast's famous foods might be one of the most compelling reasons to move to the area. Whether you're in NYC scarfing down some world-famous pizza or street hot dogs or in Maine enjoying a fresh lobster roll, there's no wrong answer when it comes to New England eats.

There are countless iconic places to try if you can make the journey. According to locals, the best cheesesteaks are from John's Roast Pork in Philadelphia, you can find the best NYC pizza at Lombardi's, and you have to try the lobster rolls from Eventide Oyster Co. in Portland, Maine. In addition to these classics, you also have to enjoy clam chowder, baked cod, Johnnycakes, and Fluffernutters! More than being delicious, though, the Northeast food also serves as a centerpiece for family memories and great times with friends. 

Lincoln Military Housing in the Northeast

Lincoln Military Housing proudly offers military service members and their families premier off- and on-base military housing across the Northeast, including Annapolis, Dahlgren, Indian Head, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Little Creek, Mechanicsburg, Naval Station Norfolk, Northwest Annex, Oceana, Patuxent River, Portsmouth, Quantico, Thurmont, and Yorktown.

If you are about to call the Northeast your new home, apply for military housing today and become part of the LMH family!

Nowhere else in the country can you find beautiful fall leaves, historic capes and beaches, and bustling cities, all within a short drive or train ride. The Northwest United States gets a tough reputation, but the people are kind, family-oriented, and will direct you to the best seafood and pizza without blinking an eye!