Wow, I had not thought of the US in those terms. I always thought that there were certain states, not on the coast, that were geographically more insulated. I seem to recall reading years ago that cities on the coast, with ports ships etc tend to be more impacted by movement - of people, ideas, things… Maybe there is another dimension to this.
PS Thank you for the compliment on my name. Alas, my parents chose it and they are no longer around to receive compliments.