If you have never experienced a northeastern winter, you are in for a surprise. If you have recently moved to the northeast U.S. from the west coast or the southern U.S., you will need to do a little planning before you experience your first winter in the northeast.
While you previously may not have experienced four distinct seasons, or you may have experienced very mild winters, your first winter in the northeast will definitely be a change-up. Here is what to expect from a northeastern winter:
Weather
Obviously, the biggest change for you may be the weather. While southern and east coast states may have very mild winters with some rain or light snow, the northeast has a very distinct winter season with sometimes extreme winter weather.
Temperatures are low, and depending on your location in the northeast can easily drop to the single digits in Fahrenheit. In addition, many locations will receive snow, sometimes several inches at a time, making commuting difficult. You will also need to be prepared for a wintery mix of snow and rain, or sleet, which can make road conditions icy.
Winter Prep
With the cold temperatures, snow, and other winter, you may find yourself preparing for winter in ways that you did not have to think of before. As a general rule, consider everything you personally will need for winter weather, and prepare as best as you can.
Preparation can take the form of purchasing winter clothes like a heavy winter coat, boots, and hats and gloves. You should also prepare your car by making sure the oil and antifreeze are topped off, have emergency supplies in your car, and possibly even putting on snow tires. You should also have your house prepared with a snow blower or shovel, rock salt or ice melt, and sand or kitty litter for traction.
There are certainly other things you should do to prepare for winter like making sure your home heating is in good working condition, but these are the basics to prepare for your first winter.
Winter Activities
There is also plenty of fun to be had in winter. There are so many activities reserved just for the cold weather, like skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snow shoeing, and more. If you like any of these activities or plan to take them up, the northeast is definitely the spot to do it.
If you want to live in the middle of the action in the northeast, so you can easily get to the mountains for skiing, or access other winter activities, you can look into some possibilities of cities in the northeast. For example, you can look for Boston, Buffalo, or Burlington houses for sale.
If you find yourself staring down your first winter in the northeast, prepare as best as you can, and also enjoy all of the activities that only a true winter season can provide. You will revel in the beauty of the silent snow falling for the first time each winter season.
