I'll probably get slammed or ignored but lets look at some external facts: Its a cartoon... by Matt Groening. I say this because Matt is known for his subversive comedy. All of the "clues" are meant to make it "anywhere, USA" as it has been said many times. In the various episodes where a map is shown Springfield is in a different place everytime. In the episode where they show the area code could be a red herring. Purposefully meant to be misleading. Just because its an area code from one state does not negate being in another. Who hasn't heard of people with cell phones from other states? Back to Matts sense of humor: when a "clue is given" consider the source. Homer for example is not known for his intellegence, Lisa is. Anytime a state is mentioned or hinted at it never really says difinitavely that they CURRENTLY LIVE THERE. Perhaps at one time they did, perhaps they didn't and its just mentioned or hinted at to give us all something to talk about. :) The fact is, because Matt is a comedian, we never will know what clues are clues, and which clues are just space filler and tricks. Matt himself has been quoted as saying they live in the "fictional state of North Takoma. If There were to be an actual state people wouldn't feel as much of a kinship to the family because of a shared statehood. A better way to look at where springfield is (an you will all flay me for this) imagine springfield and its surrounding area, is portable. That it is moving about the States like a floating Cloud city,landing temporarily at its destination which is decided by what fits the storyline, and then once again being lifted and transported to another location. The Simpsons Springfields' location is soft. I could go a little further but I'm tired now and am making so many spelling mistakes that I'm ashamed with myself. Feel free to debate as conversation and diversity of opinion is an awesome thing. :) IMhO there is no real State, but its fun to try anyway
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I'll probably get slammed or ignored but lets look at some external facts: Its a cartoon... by Matt Groening. I say this because Matt is known for his subversive comedy.
All of the "clues" are meant to make it "anywhere, USA" as it has been said many times. In the various episodes where a map is shown Springfield is in a different place everytime. In the episode where they show the area code could be a red herring. Purposefully meant to be misleading. Just because its an area code from one state does not negate being in another. Who hasn't heard of people with cell phones from other states?
Back to Matts sense of humor: when a "clue is given" consider the source. Homer for example is not known for his intellegence, Lisa is. Anytime a state is mentioned or hinted at it never really says difinitavely that they CURRENTLY LIVE THERE. Perhaps at one time they did, perhaps they didn't and its just mentioned or hinted at to give us all something to talk about. :) The fact is, because Matt is a comedian, we never will know what clues are clues, and which clues are just space filler and tricks.
Matt himself has been quoted as saying they live in the "fictional state of North Takoma. If There were to be an actual state people wouldn't feel as much of a kinship to the family because of a shared statehood.
A better way to look at where springfield is (an you will all flay me for this) imagine springfield and its surrounding area, is portable. That it is moving about the States like a floating Cloud city,landing temporarily at its destination which is decided by what fits the storyline, and then once again being lifted and transported to another location. The Simpsons Springfields' location is soft.
I could go a little further but I'm tired now and am making so many spelling mistakes that I'm ashamed with myself.
Feel free to debate as conversation and diversity of opinion is an awesome thing. :)
IMhO there is no real State, but its fun to try anyway
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Best. Answer. Ever. -Comic book guy