Where's Stranger Things Set? Unraveling the Location Mystery

Hello, fellow '80s nostalgia enthusiasts! We're about to dive into the Upside Down of geography and find out what state is Stranger Things in. So, grab your Eggo waffles and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and what state is stranger things in.

The Duffer Brothers' Hometown Inspiration

Before we pinpoint the exact location, let's talk about the creators of this smash-hit series, the Duffer Brothers. Matt and Ross Duffer grew up in the small town of Durham, North Carolina, and their experiences there heavily influenced the setting of Stranger Things.

Durham, located in the Research Triangle region of North Carolina, is home to several universities and research institutions, which might remind you of Hawkins' Laboratory and its mysterious experiments. Plus, the town's small-town charm and '80s vibe were the perfect backdrop for the show.

Hawkins: A Fictional Town with Real-World Roots

Now, let's talk about Hawkins, the fictional town where Stranger Things unfolds. While it's not an exact replica of any real place, the show's creators have admitted that Hawkins is inspired by various small towns across America, including their own hometown of Durham.

Some of the most iconic locations in Stranger Things, like the Byers' house and the Hawkins Middle School, were actually filmed in various locations around Georgia, as we'll discuss later. But the overall atmosphere and layout of Hawkins are heavily influenced by small towns like Durham, with their tight-knit communities, vintage stores, and retro architecture.

Filming Locations: Georgia on Our Minds

While Stranger Things is set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, most of the show's filming took place in various locations around Georgia. The state's generous film incentives and diverse landscapes made it an attractive choice for the production team.

Here are some of the Georgia locations that brought Hawkins to life:

1. Jackson, Georgia: This small town served as the primary filming location for many of Hawkins' exterior shots. The historic downtown area was dressed up to resemble the '80s, with vintage signage and decorations.
2. Lynwood Middle School, Stockbridge, Georgia: This school was used as the exterior for Hawkins Middle School, where our young heroes attend classes and navigate the challenges of adolescence.
3. Baxley, Georgia: This town was transformed into the fictional town of "Lake Erics," where Eleven and her friends search for clues about her past.
4. Pinewood Studios, Fayetteville, Georgia: Many of the show's interior scenes were filmed on soundstages at Pinewood Studios, including the Byers' house, Joyce's apartment, and the Hawkins National Laboratory.

Indiana Inspiration: The Hoosier State Connection

Although most of Stranger Things was filmed in Georgia, there are some Indiana connections that might make you think the show is set in the Hoosier State. Here are a few examples:

1. The Muncie Connection: The town of Muncie, Indiana, has a unique connection to Stranger Things. In the '80s, Muncie was home to a Ball Brothers Research Corporation facility that conducted research on behalf of the U.S. government, including work on the Manhattan Project. This real-life history might have inspired the show's fictional Hawkins Laboratory.
2. Indiana License Plates: Throughout the series, you'll notice that many of the vehicles sport Indiana license plates. This could be a subtle nod to the show's Indiana inspiration or simply a practical choice for the production team, as they were filming in Georgia.

Why Indiana? The Appeal of the Midwest

So, why did the Duffer Brothers choose Indiana as the fictional home for Stranger Things? In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Matt and Ross Duffer explained that they wanted to set the show in a small, midwestern town to capture the feeling of their own upbringing in North Carolina.

Indiana, with its rich history of manufacturing and farming, provided the perfect backdrop for a story about the tension between progress and tradition, as well as the impact of government secrecy on small-town life.

The Mystery of Eleven's Origin: California Dreams?

While most of Stranger Things takes place in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, there's one major plot point that ties the story to a real-life location: Eleven's origin story.

In season one, we learn that Eleven was born in a lab in Hawkins, but her mother, Terry Ives, was actually from the real-life town of Montauk, New York. Terry's memories of her time in Montauk are fragmented and disturbing, hinting at some sort of government experimentation.

The town of Montauk has a real-life connection to government secrecy and paranormal research, thanks to a series of events known as "The Montauk Project." While there's no evidence to support the existence of this project, it's a popular theory among conspiracy theorists, and it might have inspired the Duffer Brothers' decision to set Eleven's origin story in Montauk.

Conclusion: Stranger Things' Location is a Blend of Reality and Fiction

So, what state is Stranger Things in? While the show's fictional town of Hawkins is inspired by various small towns across America, the majority of the series was filmed in Georgia. The show's creators, the Duffer Brothers, drew inspiration from their own upbringing in North Carolina, as well as the real-life history of Indiana and New York, to create the unique and captivating world of Stranger Things.

At the end of the day, the location of Stranger Things is less important than the story it tells about friendship, family, and the darker side of government secrets. But whether you're a die-hard fan of the show or just a curious viewer, understanding the real-life inspirations behind Hawkins can only enhance your enjoyment of this beloved series.

So, grab your walkie-talkies, channel your inner Eleven, and get ready to explore the mysterious and nostalgic world of Stranger Things. Who knows what secrets you might uncover along the way? Until next time, stay safe, and remember: friends don't lie.