8 Quirky And Unusual Things No One Tells You About Living In Illinois

Welcome to Illinois, where Chicago deep-dish pizza is a religion, the weather will mess with your emotions, and the state pride runs deep—whether you’re from the bustling city or the sleepy corners of rural Illinois. Whether you’re braving the Windy City or enjoying the quiet charm of the downstate towns, Illinois is full of surprises. Here are eight things no one tells you about living in Illinois—but you’ll quickly discover once you’ve settled in.

The Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza Will Become Your New Obsession (Or Rivalry)

When you move to Illinois, you’ll soon realize that deep-dish pizza is serious business. Chicagoans will insist that their version of pizza (which is basically a pie) is the best thing since sliced bread. And you’ll find yourself in passionate debates with anyone from New York or anywhere else that dares call pizza a “flatbread.” You’ll learn to appreciate the gooey, cheesy goodness, but don’t be surprised if you spend more time defending it than eating it.

The Weather Will Make You Question Your Life Choices

Illinois weather is like a drama-filled soap opera—it will have highs, lows, and cliffhangers, all within the span of 24 hours. One minute it’s sunny and 75°F, and the next you’re bracing for snow. It’s a wild ride, and you’ll become a professional at layering clothes (and checking the weather app constantly). From freezing winters to humid summers, your wardrobe will constantly change to match the chaos outside.

The “Windy City” Isn’t Just About the Wind (But It Sure Is Windy)

Everyone knows Chicago is called the “Windy City,” but it’s not just about the wind. It’s about the political bluster, the constant energy, and the fact that the weather will hit you with a wind chill that could freeze your breath mid-sentence. If you’re walking down Michigan Avenue and feel like you’re being blasted by an Arctic gust, don’t worry—it’s just Chicago reminding you who’s boss.

You’ll End Up Defending (and Loving) The “Illinois Accent”

While Illinois may not have the strongest accent in the U.S., it definitely has some quirks, especially when it comes to how people pronounce certain words (cough, “roof” vs. “ruff” and “car” with a mysterious “r”). Soon enough, you’ll find yourself talking like a local, and defending your “normal” way of speaking. Whether you say “pop” instead of “soda” or “drivin’ down to the store,” you’ll soon have your own “Illinois dialect.”

You’ll Find Yourself Rooting for the Cubs (or the White Sox, Depending on Your Allegiance)

If you live in Illinois, you’ll either be a Cubs fan or a White Sox fan—and you’ll need to pick a side. While the Cubs have a world-renowned fan base with their beloved Wrigley Field, White Sox fans will remind you that they’re no slouches, either. The rivalry is real, and no matter which team you choose, you’ll find yourself getting way more emotionally invested in baseball than you ever thought possible.

You’ll Be Seriously Surprised by the State’s Beautiful Outdoors

When most people think of Illinois, they imagine Chicago and the skyscrapers—but don’t sleep on the state’s natural beauty. From the rolling hills of southern Illinois to the quiet charm of Starved Rock State Park, Illinois has a lot more to offer in terms of outdoor adventure than people realize. You’ll find yourself taking weekend trips to hiking trails, camping spots, and scenic riversides—you know, the great outdoors part of Illinois.

You’ll Get Involved in the Great “Hot Dog Debate”

Much like the pizza debates, Illinois is home to a serious hot dog rivalry. Whether it’s a Chicago-style dog (with mustard, onions, relish, tomatoes, and no ketchup—seriously, no ketchup) or a more basic version, people take their hot dogs very seriously here. Expect to get into passionate debates about the best dog in the state, and don’t even think about ordering ketchup on your dog—locals will side-eye you in a way that can only be described as judgmental love.

The “Illinois Left” Is More of a Tradition Than a Rule

If you’ve never been to Illinois, prepare to learn the fine art of the “Illinois Left”—a maneuver where you make a left turn across traffic, then use the next available intersection to make another left. It’s like an unspoken rule of traffic that you’ll quickly learn to navigate (and defend) without questioning. Whether you’re on the streets of Chicago or a smaller town, this unique traffic strategy will become second nature—just don’t tell the out-of-towners.

Living in Illinois means embracing the chaos of the weather, the spirited debates about food, and the love for your chosen sports team—no matter which one it is. Whether you’re navigating the windy streets of Chicago, taking a leisurely drive through small towns, or enjoying the surprisingly beautiful outdoor spaces, Illinois has a personality that surprises you with every turn. Just don’t forget your Chicago-style pizza, a hot dog with no ketchup, and a healthy amount of team spirit—life in Illinois is all about those things.

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