Connecticut is a New England state, bordered by Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York. Three of Connecticut's eight counties are in the New York City combined metro area, commonly called the Tri-State Region. Connecticut's center of population is in Cheshire. The state capital is Hartford, and the other major cities include Bridgeport, New Haven, Stamford, Waterbury, Danbury and New London. Most of western and southern Connecticut is strongly associated with New York City; this area is the most affluent and populous region of the state. Eastern Connecticut is more culturally influenced by the greater New England area, including the cities of Boston and Providence.