Ever met someone who acts like they’re better than everyone else? Some states seem to have more of those people than others. Whether it’s the tech snobs of Silicon Valley, the self-righteous hipsters of Portland, or the intellectual elites of Massachusetts, smugness is everywhere—but some places wear it like a badge of honor.
California: The Epicenter of Smugness
California is the undisputed king of smugness. Silicon Valley tech bros act like they invented the future, while Angelenos brag about their gluten-free, organic, fair-trade lifestyles. A 2021 YouGov survey found that 70% of Californians believe they’re more progressive than the rest of America. The state’s obsession with wellness, sustainability, and social justice often comes off as condescending to outsiders. If you’ve ever heard a San Franciscan lecture you on composting, you know exactly what we mean.
New York: The City That Never Sleeps (or Stops Bragging)
New Yorkers don’t just live in their city—they worship it. According to a Pew Research study, 65% believe NYC is the cultural capital of the world. Walk into any Brooklyn coffee shop, and you’ll hear debates about the best bagel spot like it’s a matter of life and death. The fast-paced, high-achieving attitude can be impressive, but it can also come across as arrogant. Try telling a Manhattanite you prefer Chicago pizza—just don’t expect to leave unscathed.
Massachusetts: The Intellectual Hub
With Harvard and MIT in its backyard, Massachusetts breeds a special kind of smugness—the “I’m smarter than you” variety. WalletHub ranked it the most educated state in 2023, with nearly half of residents holding bachelor’s degrees. Ever argued with a Bostonian? Good luck winning when they’ve got an Ivy League vocabulary and a stubborn belief in their own brilliance. They’ll correct your grammar while sipping artisan coffee in Cambridge.
Washington: The Tech-Driven Attitude
Seattle’s tech scene has turned it into a haven for smugness. A Statista report showed 62% of Washingtonians identify as liberal, and many act like they’re saving humanity one startup at a time. Amazon employees debate the ethics of AI over pour-over coffee, while Microsoft engineers humble-brag about their six-figure salaries. If you don’t recycle properly, prepare for a passive-aggressive lecture from your eco-conscious neighbor.
Oregon: The Hipster Capital
Portland takes smugness to another level. A Gallup poll found 58% of Oregonians are die-hard environmentalists—and they’ll remind you constantly. From their locally sourced kale to their handcrafted bicycles, everything is a statement. Vegan, zero-waste, and gluten-free aren’t just diets—they’re moral crusades. If you eat a burger in front of a Portlander, prepare for a pitying stare.
Vermont: The Small State with Big Attitudes
Vermont may be tiny, but its residents have egos the size of their maple syrup barrels. U.S. News ranked it second for quality of life in 2023, and Vermonters won’t let you forget it. They brag about their farm-to-table lifestyles, pristine nature, and progressive politics. Try suggesting that another state has better skiing—just don’t expect to be invited back for their organic, free-range Thanksgiving.
Colorado: The Outdoor Enthusiasts
Coloradans treat hiking like a religion, and they’re the high priests. A state health survey found 70% are gym rats or trail runners. If you don’t summit a 14,000-foot peak before breakfast, are you even trying? Their obsession with fitness and craft beer creates a unique brand of smugness—one where they pity anyone who doesn’t spend their weekends conquering mountains.
New Jersey: The Proud Garden State
New Jerseyans have a chip on their shoulder—and they turn it into smug pride. A 2023 travel survey showed 75% think their state is the best, despite what New Yorkers and Pennsylvanians say. They’ll defend their diners, their beaches, and even their turnpike with fiery passion. But cross them, and you’ll get a lecture on why Taylor Ham is better than pork roll (yes, it’s a real debate).
Illinois: The Chicago Effect
Chicagoans think their city is the greatest—period. A 2022 urban planning report found 68% believe it’s the best in the world, from deep-dish pizza to the Cubs. Mention New York or LA, and you’ll get a scoff and a rant about “real” cities. Their Midwest modesty disappears when defending their hometown—just don’t bring up the weather unless you want a smug “toughness” lecture.
Connecticut: The Underrated Smugness
Don’t overlook Connecticut—its wealth and proximity to NYC create quiet but pervasive smugness. Greenwich hedge fund managers drive luxury cars while complaining about taxes, and Yale alumni drop their alma mater into every conversation. They’ll judge your wine choice while sipping a $200 bottle, all while pretending they’re not doing it.
Final Thought
Smugness isn’t just about geography—it’s about attitude. Whether it’s coastal elites or mountain-dwelling fitness fanatics, every state has its own flavor of superiority. So next time someone acts like they’re better than you, just remember: they probably live in one of these places. Bet you didn’t see Connecticut coming, did you?
