In Stranger Things, the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, draws inspiration from real-life locations in the 1980s. Originally, creators Matt and Ross Duffer envisioned the series set in Montauk, a coastal town on Long Island, New York, known for its mysterious and eerie atmosphere. While the show ultimately landed in the heartland of America, Montauk's influence is palpable, lending an air of authenticity to the 80s setting of Hawkins.