How did geography influence the way the English colonies developed?

Answer 1

The first English colonies developed along the Atlantic coast of North America which gave them the quickest access to the mother country and vice versa.

Answer 2

They also tended to find good harbors, particularly at the mouths of rivers which gave them access to the interior. This was before the age of railroads, cars, trucks and planes so the fast and easy way to get around was by boat even if you did not have to take heavy cargo with you. Notice that the colonies were east of the mountains. It was tough walking or even riding a horse over the mountains and you certainly did not want to carry much with you getting across so penetration to the west waited for the Erie Canal and real roadways later after the Revolution.
(I build ships by the way :)