# Where do the Simpson's Live? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [May 27, 2004, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-the-simpsons-live/247342 "2004-05-27T14:44:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![dalovindj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/65b543/32.png) [@dalovindj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalovindj)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2004, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-the-simpsons-live/247342/1 "2004-05-27T14:44:40Z")
This has been [done before](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=200652), but that other thread doesn’t mention a recent episode which should shed some light. Recently, on ‘The Simpsons’, the couch part of the intro to the show featured a very cool sequence. The camera zoomed out from Homer’s head, past his house, above Springfield, above America, through the sky, through the Solar System, through the galaxies, through the superclusters, then the superclusters formed atoms, which formed DNA, which formed cells, which formed the skin on Homer’s head. Trippy. My question is this: Where in America did the zoom pull back from? I would need a freeze frame and a US map to place where they were. Perhaps a more geographically aware Doper remembers or has the resources to check. It seems they finally pointed to a location on the map and said ‘Springfield is here!’. Anyone know what I’m talking about? This was the best couch moment ever if you ask me . . . DalOvin’ Dj ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2004, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-the-simpsons-live/247342/2 "2004-05-27T15:04:29Z")
But all it would show is where the microscopic Simpsons live, not the full sized ones. Face it, it’s a running gag that has no real answer, and \*can’t \* have a real answer. ---
**Author:** ![dalovindj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/65b543/32.png) [@dalovindj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalovindj)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2004, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-the-simpsons-live/247342/3 "2004-05-27T15:10:40Z")
> [@](#): > > But all it would show is where the microscopic Simpsons live, not the full sized ones. They are one and the same. An infinite loop. A river with no beginning that flows into itself from all directions. A tapestry of infinite detail including everything and signifying nothing. In other words, where on the map were they? DaLovin’ Dj ---
**Author:** ![Ponder\_Stibbons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ponder_stibbons/32/343_2.png) [@Ponder\_Stibbons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponder_Stibbons)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2004, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-the-simpsons-live/247342/4 "2004-05-27T15:40:23Z")
> [@dalovindj](#): > > In other words, where on the map were they? Yes. Really, dude, Springfield moves. This isn’t the first episode with “conclusive” evidence of where it is … it’s just that all the various pieces of conclusive evidence are all self-contradictory! I seem to remember an episode where various self-contradictory pieces of evidence were mentioned all within that one episode. I suppose a more learned Simpsons scholar will come along in a moment to let us know the details … ---
**Author:** ![dalovindj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/65b543/32.png) [@dalovindj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalovindj)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2004, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-the-simpsons-live/247342/5 "2004-05-27T16:05:08Z")
> [@](#): > > Really, dude, Springfield moves. It’s all in the linked thread. I get it. I know that they contradict themselves and do it on purporse. I realize it is a cartoon and so they don’t really “live” anywhere. I just want to know where it was for that episode. Whether or not it can be solved conclusively doesn’t really matter. Anticipation of the thing is better than the thing itself anyway. > [@](#): > > The [findings](http://web.sfn.org/content/Publications/BrainWaves/) conclude that the anticipation of laughter, as much as the humor event itself, can initiate positive mood changes prior to the actual experience. > ~ **Lee Berk** , MD, PhD Even if there is never any payoff/total solution, it’s fun to try to put together a best case scenario and debate the merits of a theory among like minded people. A never-ending plate of delicious anticipation (mmm . . . anticipation) served cold and with beer. I understand it is a pointless activity, but my juvenile psyche is entertained by endless discussion of pop culture minutiae. Forgive me if you must, call me a glutton if you will, but I’d rather you indulge me and call me Lord of the Cats (or ‘Daddy’ if you’re into that sort of thing). Never deny kids. Never deny. DaLovin’ Dj ---
**Author:** ![Rex\_Fenestrarum](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rex_fenestrarum/32/7265_2.png) [@Rex\_Fenestrarum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rex_Fenestrarum)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2004, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-the-simpsons-live/247342/6 "2004-05-27T16:06:48Z")
In the “Behind the Laughter” episode (a take-off on VH1’s _Behind the Music_ show), one of the last lines in the show was something like… “and so, life goes on for this Kentucky family”. Which you’d think would seal the deal, but **that same episode** when shown in syndication says either Kentucky or Missouri. Honestly though, name _any_ city in America that has: a harbor, salt flats, a desert (different from the slat flats), mountains, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Mbossa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/73ab20/32.png) [@Mbossa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mbossa)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2004, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-the-simpsons-live/247342/7 "2004-05-27T16:10:48Z")
To answer the OP, I recall that it zoomed out from somewhere in the Chicago area. ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2004, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-the-simpsons-live/247342/8 "2004-05-27T16:22:11Z")
I remember one episode where Lisa said something about West Springfield being three times the size of Texas. So obviously Springfield makes up at least 10% of the country. ---
**Author:** ![dalovindj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/65b543/32.png) [@dalovindj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalovindj)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2004, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-the-simpsons-live/247342/9 "2004-05-27T16:24:01Z")
> [@](#): > > To answer the OP, I recall that it zoomed out from somewhere in the Chicago area. Thanks. Springfield is the capital of Illinois. That would also put in range of Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana, maybe Ohio, and Iowa. I wish I could find a freeze of that shot. Anyone remember the name of the episode or what it was about? I’m having trouble finding it on the net. I remember I laughed pretty hard if that helps. . . DaLovin’ Dj ---
**Author:** ![JayElle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/4bbf92/32.png) [@JayElle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JayElle)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2004, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-the-simpsons-live/247342/10 "2004-05-27T16:31:27Z")
Am I nuts, or was there a recent episode that showed the Simpsons return address on a letter? It said “Springfield IL.” I swear I saw that within the last few weeks. ---
**Author:** ![dalovindj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/65b543/32.png) [@dalovindj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalovindj)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2004, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-the-simpsons-live/247342/11 "2004-05-27T16:34:47Z")
> [@](#): > > **Ronaldo** : I wrote to you many times but I didn’t know what state you lived in. > **Lisa** : Actually it’s sort of a mystery. But if you put together the clues, you can pretty much figure it out. I just wanted to add that I had never even thought about this puzzle until I heard the above line earlier this year. Even if there is no answer, I gotta give the show props for being fun in such interesting ways. There are the obvious hit-you-over-the-head gags, the subtle jokes, the hidden jabs and even, it would seem, some games aimed at the audience. This show is so much fun. Groenig is great. You can see he puts alot of forethought and care into this show. Same with Futurama. There was an episode late in the series where they go back in time to the first episode. Someone pointed out that if you watch the first episode you see Nibler’s shadow. Nibler wasn’t introduced until well after the first episode. He planted the seeds for a gag and storyline that he didn’t plan to use for years! Incredible! Fun for me. Daddy likes. DaLovin’ Dj ---
**Author:** ![Mbossa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/73ab20/32.png) [@Mbossa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mbossa)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2004, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-the-simpsons-live/247342/12 "2004-05-27T16:39:17Z")
> [@dalovindj](#): > > Anyone remember the name of the episode or what it was about? I’m having trouble finding it on the net. I remember I laughed pretty hard if that helps. . . I don’t know the name of it, but it started out with Bart and Lisa being absolutely terrified by a movie that Homer took them to. Then, in a typical Simpsonesque plot twist, Arnie (Marge’s old boyfriend) makes an appearance and Homer ends up being framed and convicted for embezzlement that Arnie committed in the 90s. Here in New Zealand that episode was shown last Wednesday :D. ---
**Author:** ![Mbossa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/73ab20/32.png) [@Mbossa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mbossa)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2004, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-the-simpsons-live/247342/13 "2004-05-27T16:46:01Z")
Here’s what [The Simpsons Archive](http://www.snpp.com/episodeguide/season15.html) has to say about it: > [@](#): > > The Ziff Who Came to Dinner (#FABF08 / SI-1508) 14 Mar 2004 > Marge’s ex-boyfriend Artie Ziff is discovered in the Simpsons’ attic penniless, unemployed, and on the run from the authorities. When the feds come in to arrest Artie, they find that Homer has won all of Artie’s assets in a poker game and is now the primary stockholder, and he takes the fall for Artie’s shady business dealings. When Homer receives 10 years in the pokey, Marge becomes convinced that Artie is and will forever be the most selfish man on Earth, but a memorable night out with Selma helps Artie grow a conscience. Guest stars Jon Lovitz, reprising his role as Artie Ziff. **Artie** , not Arnie :smack: ---
**Author:** ![dalovindj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/65b543/32.png) [@dalovindj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalovindj)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2004, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-the-simpsons-live/247342/14 "2004-05-27T16:58:51Z")
I just found a [useful page](http://www.snpp.com/guides/springfield.list.html) for this game. It also has some good fan quotes, of which, I will list two. The first echoes my sophmoric enjoyment and the second offers a bold theory as to the final solution. > [@](#): > > First, you have to remember that nobody really believes Springfield is anywhere in particular. It’s just an ‘Anytown, USA’. Bearing this in mind, it’s still fun to see what sort of clues we’re given, to find out [if] it existed, where it would be. > **~ Raymond Chen** > [@](#): > > I noticed that the last line of Homer’s driver’s license reads: Springfield, NT 49007. Now, it is very well know that there is no state in the U.S. with the postal abbreviation NT, however, NT is the postal abbreviation for Northern Territory – the least populous region of Australia (cap.: Darwin). Unfortunately, I know for a fact that that there is no town with a population of over 50 people anywhere in the NT with the name "Springfield.’’ There is however, an interesting hypothesis which would explain ALL of the continuity problems in the show: > > The very real town of Tennant Creek, NT was said to have been founded when a road train (a tractor trailer-trailer-trailer another Outback phenomenon) laden with beer broke down on the road between Darwin and Alice Springs. The drivers made themselves comfortable to enjoy their cargo, found some ore deposits, and thereby founded the town. > > Now, Homer J. Simpson of Springfield, NT (a town of 0-20 or so people) was just such a driver, and the beer combined with the dry desert heat made him see all sorts of wonderful messages and dreams, the contents of which he wrote on the backs of over 200 empty beer cases. Matt Groening, on an Australian holiday, found the truck, the corpse, and the messages. And this was the origin of the show. > **~ Dmitri Brengauz** I gotta say, I like this theory . . . DaLovin’ Dj ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2004, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-the-simpsons-live/247342/15 "2004-05-27T17:09:53Z")
> [@dalovindj](#): > > I gotta say, I like this theory . . . > > DaLovin’ Dj Groening’s father is named Homer, IIRC. ---
**Author:** ![dalovindj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/65b543/32.png) [@dalovindj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalovindj)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2004, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-the-simpsons-live/247342/16 "2004-05-27T17:34:12Z")
Thanks, **Mbossa**. Armed with the episode title I was able to track down the following interesting information: > [@](#): > > The couch gag is a parody of a well-known film from science class circa 1977, “Powers of Ten”, a cinematic classic that opens at a lakeside picnic in Chicago and draws back in perspective by order of magnitudes of ten, every ten seconds, until the Milky Way is a dot of light lost amidst an unimaginably large universe, then reverses the journey, ending inside the proton of a carbon atom." Pretty standard short film of high school science classes the last 20 years; this is 0% a reference that the Simpsons live in the midwest–rather, since it is nearly a shot-for-shot parody, of course it starts over the Chicago area. Seems this writer discards this as a possible location reference, but It’s not so simple. All I have to do is divine it from what I know of Matt and the Simpsons. Is he the sort of man who would put meaningful references into his own shows? Now, a clever man would put the meaning deep in his art because he would know that only a great fool would reach for what he was given. I am not a great fool so I can clearly not choose that an obvious reference has merit…But he must have known that I was not a great fool; he would have counted on it, so I can clearly not dismiss out-of-hand obvious references. Not remotely! Because Groenig comes from the Pacific Northwest. As everyone knows, the Pacific Northwest is entirely peopled with musicians. And musicianss are used to having people not trust them, as Groenig is not trusted by me. So, I can clearly not choose to believe that obscure references, such as ‘Power of Ten’ are unimportant. And he must have suspected I would have known of his origin, so I can clearly not choose to accept information at the outskirts. He’s come out on top of the Hollywood game, which means he’s exceptionally cut-throat…so he could have put this reference in counting on my weakness to ruin me, so I can clearly not accept that this is a meaningless nod. But, he also has a father named Homer, which means he must have studied…and in studying he must have learned that Man is mortal so he would not dare toy with my intellect, so I can clearly not pay this couch gag any attention. Unless he’s found the fountain of youth . . . DaLovin’ Dj ---
**Author:** ![Telemark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/telemark/32/372_2.png) [@Telemark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Telemark)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2004, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-the-simpsons-live/247342/17 "2004-05-27T18:12:33Z")
I’d check your iocane resistance before you go too much further… ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Sparky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ac91a4/32.png) [@Saint\_Sparky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Sparky)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2004, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-the-simpsons-live/247342/18 "2004-05-27T18:30:05Z")
Until my dying day I will swear the Simpsons live in Oregen. I think it is a somewhat well-known fact that Matt Groening did model Springfield on the various towns around where he grew up in Oregen. Heck there is even a Springfield in Oregen. Thus by default, the Simpsons are the Simpsons of Oregen. 😉 Plus some other fun coinsidences, in the Navy episode they did seem to be a pacific costal town, not an Atlantic or Gulf, and the state has a female governor (in 1990 when the Simpsons where in there infancy, Oregen elected a female governor). Okay it is grasping at straws, but it is as good a theory as any. 😃 Actually my belief is when the final epsiode is shown many years down the road (which reporting to Matt Groening, he had wrote in like 1989), the State of the Simpsons will be revealed. Until then, we have all this fun discussion! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2004, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-the-simpsons-live/247342/19 "2004-05-27T18:51:30Z")
> [@Saint Sparky](#): > > Heck there is even a Springfield in Oregen. That’s part of the whole joke - there’s a Springfield in _every_ state. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2004, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-the-simpsons-live/247342/20 "2004-05-27T19:21:38Z")
> [@](#): > > Saint Sparky]Until my dying day I will swear the Simpsons live in Oregen. But they don’t. Homer’s boxing nickname is ‘the Southern Dandy,’ for one. But you’re right about the towns. Also, IMDb Groening named a number of the characters (including Flanders, Lovejoy, Terwilliger, and Kearney) after streets in the area where he grew up. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-the-simpsons-live/247342.md?page=2)