Brand-new Illinoisans need a bit of time to get their bearings. Residents of Illinois are a welcoming bunch, but we operate in some unique ways! Most of our quirks are fairly easy to pick up on, it’s simply a matter of learning more about living in the Prairie State. Here’s what new residents will need to know first:
- Is it soda, or is it pop? You must take a side.
Heather/Flickr It seems every Illinoisan has an opinion on the rightful name for soft drinks. Think it through, and be ready to back up your opinion, because you’re bound to encounter opposition!
- Superman’s Metropolis actually exists.
Mark and Allegra/Flickr The tiny town of Metropolis in Illinois takes its association with Superman very seriously. There’s a museum, a giant statue, and other memorabilia scattered throughout the area.
- The amount of farmland is nothing short of amazing.
H. Michael Miley/Flickr Many people think of Chicago first when you tell them you live in Illinois. However, nearly 80% of the state is farmland, so it’s more likely that you live near a farm than a skyscraper.
- Always bring multiple layers of clothing when you leave the house.
cotaro70s/Flickr Illinois weather is fickle. We experience heavy snowfall one day, and the next it’s warm enough for shorts. Be prepared for it all when you walk out the door each morning!
- In the fall, pumpkins are everywhere - and for good reason.
I, DL/Flickr Illinois is the highest producer of pumpkins in the United States. In fact, more than 85% of the packaged pumpkin produced in our country comes from Morton, Illinois.
- Caramel has just two syllables.
Kim Love/Flickr This is a subject of debate across the country, but not in Illinois. Around here, it’s “car-mull”, not “care-a-mell”.
- You will never drive anywhere without running into road construction.
Adam Moss/Flickr In part because of our tumultuous weather patterns, Illinois’ roads nearly always need fixing. That means drivers are often encountering detours or slowed traffic. It’s all part of the charm!
- Get your favorite casserole recipe down, because there’s going to be potlucks.
Steven Depolo/Flickr Midwesterners love casseroles; the often cheesey, mayonaise-filled dishes are a favorite among many of us. The perfect place to try out a new recipe is at one of our many potluck dinners.
- Cubs, White Sox, or Cardinals - you must choose one.
Caitriana Nicholson/Flickr Illinoisans are passionate about baseball. But, we cannot all agree on who we’re rooting for. We make our statement by purchasing a hat or jersey for our favorite team and then wearing it in public!
- There are vanity license plates every where you turn.
internetcases/Flickr Nearly 640,000 vehicles registered in Illinois have vanity plates. We Illinoisans are creative, so you’ll have fun trying to figure out what each one means.
- When all else fails, blame it on Indiana.
Kevin Stephenson/Flickr We like to blame things on our neighbor to the East, no matter what it is. It’s not always fair or accurate, but a little sibling rivalry is good for us!
- You have to really love Lincoln.
Joseph Novak/Flickr This state deeply loves Abraham Lincoln, and we show it through various monuments and statues throughout Illinois. When you see one, go ahead and rub his nose - it’s good luck.
- The fresh produce in the summer will completely spoil you.
Gemma Billings/Flickr Our farmers produce some of the most abundant, delicious harvests of vegetables for many months of the year. Lucky for us, they swing by farmer’s markets so we can enjoy it fresh from the farm.
If you’ve lived in Illinois for awhile, what advice would you give to newcomers? Let us know in the comments.
Heather/Flickr
It seems every Illinoisan has an opinion on the rightful name for soft drinks. Think it through, and be ready to back up your opinion, because you’re bound to encounter opposition!
Mark and Allegra/Flickr
The tiny town of Metropolis in Illinois takes its association with Superman very seriously. There’s a museum, a giant statue, and other memorabilia scattered throughout the area.
H. Michael Miley/Flickr
Many people think of Chicago first when you tell them you live in Illinois. However, nearly 80% of the state is farmland, so it’s more likely that you live near a farm than a skyscraper.
cotaro70s/Flickr
Illinois weather is fickle. We experience heavy snowfall one day, and the next it’s warm enough for shorts. Be prepared for it all when you walk out the door each morning!
I, DL/Flickr
Illinois is the highest producer of pumpkins in the United States. In fact, more than 85% of the packaged pumpkin produced in our country comes from Morton, Illinois.
Kim Love/Flickr
This is a subject of debate across the country, but not in Illinois. Around here, it’s “car-mull”, not “care-a-mell”.
Adam Moss/Flickr
In part because of our tumultuous weather patterns, Illinois’ roads nearly always need fixing. That means drivers are often encountering detours or slowed traffic. It’s all part of the charm!
Steven Depolo/Flickr
Midwesterners love casseroles; the often cheesey, mayonaise-filled dishes are a favorite among many of us. The perfect place to try out a new recipe is at one of our many potluck dinners.
Caitriana Nicholson/Flickr
Illinoisans are passionate about baseball. But, we cannot all agree on who we’re rooting for. We make our statement by purchasing a hat or jersey for our favorite team and then wearing it in public!
internetcases/Flickr
Nearly 640,000 vehicles registered in Illinois have vanity plates. We Illinoisans are creative, so you’ll have fun trying to figure out what each one means.
Kevin Stephenson/Flickr
We like to blame things on our neighbor to the East, no matter what it is. It’s not always fair or accurate, but a little sibling rivalry is good for us!
Joseph Novak/Flickr
This state deeply loves Abraham Lincoln, and we show it through various monuments and statues throughout Illinois. When you see one, go ahead and rub his nose - it’s good luck.
Gemma Billings/Flickr
Our farmers produce some of the most abundant, delicious harvests of vegetables for many months of the year. Lucky for us, they swing by farmer’s markets so we can enjoy it fresh from the farm.
And, if you’re new to Illinois and want to be prepared for anything, here are 9 Weird Things Only People From Illinois Do.
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