Welcome to Indiana, where the corn grows tall, the football is taken way too seriously, and the weather changes as quickly as the Indianapolis 500. Whether you’re cruising through the flatlands, cheering on the Hoosiers, or discovering the charm of small-town life, Indiana has its own set of quirks. Here are eight things no one tells you about living in Indiana—but you’ll quickly find out once you settle in.
Corn Is Everywhere (And You’ll Start to Take It Personally)
Indiana is known for its corn, and when you live here, you’ll start to realize just how central it is to life. From the fields surrounding you to the “corn maze” Halloween traditions, corn is more than a crop—it’s a way of life. You’ll find yourself talking about corn in ways you never thought possible and eventually defending the state’s corn-growing prowess with a level of passion usually reserved for sports fans.
Football Isn’t Just a Game—It’s a Way of Life
If you didn’t already know, Indiana is serious about football. Whether it’s high school, college (Go Hoosiers!), or the Indianapolis Colts, the obsession with football will consume you. Game days are not just about watching a game—they’re about tailgating, shouting at the TV, and making sure your team’s winning spirit is known to everyone within a 10-mile radius. Get ready for years of debate over which team’s the best, even if you’ve never cared about football before.
You’ll Learn to Love (and Defend) the “Indiana Left”
In Indiana, the “Indiana Left” is a local driving maneuver that involves making a left turn in the middle of the road by crossing over a median and heading back in the opposite direction. It’s a bit chaotic at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s surprisingly efficient—and it’ll become second nature. The best part? You’ll find yourself defending this method of traffic management as if it were a sacred tradition.
You’ll Be Shocked by How Seriously People Take “The State Fair”
The Indiana State Fair is more than just a chance to see livestock and eat fried foods—it’s the event of the year. Whether it’s the 4-H competitions, the food contests, or the endless entertainment, you’ll find yourself talking about it for months in advance. You’ll also quickly realize that the fried food at the fair is an experience you can’t miss—and that includes deep-fried butter. Yes, it’s a thing. Yes, people eat it.
The Weather Will Keep You Guessing (and Planning Your Wardrobe Accordingly)
Indiana weather is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re going to get. One day, it’s sunny and warm, and the next day you’re bundled up in three layers and bracing for a random snowstorm. You’ll get very good at layering, and soon enough, you’ll be making sure your raincoat, sunglasses, and flip-flops are all in the car, because you might need them all before the day’s over.
You’ll Start Saying “Hoosier” Like You Were Born Here
The term “Hoosier” is synonymous with Indiana pride, and soon enough, you’ll be proudly using it without thinking twice. Whether it’s a friendly reference to a fellow resident or a term used to show true state pride, “Hoosier” will become part of your daily lexicon. You might even end up defending the meaning of the word in a conversation—because in Indiana, being a Hoosier isn’t just about where you’re from; it’s about how you live.
You’ll Discover a Deep Love for “Pork Tenderloin”
If you’ve never had a pork tenderloin sandwich, prepare for an eye-opening experience. It’s essentially a breaded, deep-fried piece of pork served in a sandwich, and it’s delicious. Whether it’s from a local diner or a state fair booth, you’ll find yourself craving this Midwestern staple more often than you’d like to admit. Don’t worry about the calories—once you’ve tried it, you won’t care.
You’ll Find Yourself in “The Middle of Everywhere”
Indiana is known for being in the middle of the country, but after living here for a while, you’ll find that it’s actually the middle of everywhere. Whether it’s the perfect stop on a road trip or your weekend getaway destination, you’ll quickly learn to love the fact that you’re right in the middle of all the action. Want to go east? West? South? Indiana’s perfectly positioned for a spontaneous road trip to just about anywhere. You’ll soon realize that the state’s central location is convenient in more ways than one.
Living in Indiana is like living in a place where every day brings something new—whether it’s navigating the weather, the cornfields, or the football debates. From the State Fair to the “Indiana Left,” life here is filled with quirks that will grow on you until they become second nature. So, get ready to embrace the corn, the pride, and the football—because in Indiana, those are just a few of the things that make the state great.
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