Things to do / Travel Guide
There are almost 2 million people living in the region, with over 620,000 in Vermont, and about 1.3 million residing in New Hampshire. The overwhelming majority of these populations - more than 96% - are Caucasian. Throughout the region, many locals are of French or French-Canadian descent while others are of English, Irish, or German descent. African, Asian, and Latin Americans are the next largest ethnic groups, each with less than 1% of the total population.
French is commonly spoken in the northern parts of the region, as many residents there are of French-Canadian descent, but that does not mean everyone who lives in the region is a fluent speaker of the language. Many people have close familial ties to Quebec, as the region was a common destination for immigrants from Quebec seeking prosperity in the 1800s. Additionally, many French Canadians have come to New Hampshire and Vermont to live as part-time or full-time residents and to enjoy the fantastic scenery.
The first word that comes to mind when describing the New Hampshire and Vermont region is “quaint.” This word aptly depicts everything from the architecture of various periods dating back to the early European pioneers to the countless county fairs scheduled each year. But “quaint” is really not enough to describe the region and its residents completely.
New Hampshire and Vermont natives are known for their independence, resourcefulness, and frugality. New Hampshire has a more “New England feel” to it, as many residents can be characterized as home-spun, simple, and down-to-earth. Vermont residents, on the other hand, are often characterized by their quiet sophistication. Exuding a subtle sense of formality and old-world charm, all-American Vermonters give off a bit of an upscale aura.
Overall, visitors will quickly get a sense that the locals are laid back and casual. They are known for living healthier lifestyles than the average American, mainly because of the numerous outdoor activities available each season. To that effect, it often seems like the hustle and bustle of big American cities is a completely unknown phenomenon in the region, but with each passing year, urbanization has been taking a larger foothold in the region.
With the introduction of malls and superstores to the larger cities, people don't flock as easily and as often to Main Street to shop anymore. Once you are outside the cities, however, it is very easy to regain that small town character and charm for which the region is so well-known.
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