New York state is probably filled with the most diverse group of people you'll ever come across. Of course being a NYS native makes me biased, but I've moved around the state to know that we can be both humble and prideful, arrogant and open-minded. We'll defend our hometown till the day we die, but most importantly, we don't all live in Manhattan. Seriously guys, get a map. Here are 25 signs that prove you grew up in "upstate" New York.
1. When people ask where you’re from you just say upstate because it might as well be Canada to a non-native.
Like who taught you US geography?
2. You hate deer because they are just everywhere and can wreck your car in an instant.
Seriously, where did you come from??
3. High school sports games are a citywide event.
Half of your closet is dedicated to the colors of your high school.
4. The whole town comes out for high school graduation.
I mean half the town is related anyway.
5.Your love for Stewart's ice cream surpasses all.
Fireworks over everything.
6. Being annoyed that people don’t understand how big NY really is.
62 counties, people.
7. Arguing about what actually is “upstate” with other natives.
It's subjective really. (Anything north of Albany)
8. Judging people by what SUNY school they go to.
9. Walmart trips at 3am because where else would you go?
Nevertheless, you will regret it every time.
10. Calling the town next down snobby or crappy even though it’s the same as yours.
Newburgh anyone?
11. When people who live in Westchester say they’re from upstate and you just laugh.
Clearly you've never looked at a map.
12. When people assume you live on a farm.
I mean, my neighbors have a horse but I don't.
13. Snow days are not a thing.
Two feet is basically a joke.
14. Wegmans v. Hannaford v. Adam’s.
Die hard loyalty to these places.
15. Bagels. Enough said.
And depending on where you live you pronounced the word differently.
16. Having a friend with a pool/ hot tub.
All of your high school parties were held here.
17. Having another friend with a fire pit.
Equally important friendships.
18. You wait all year for the perfect time to go apple picking.
And then rushing home to make apple themed everything.
19. Or pumpkin picking, or strawberries, or basically any produce because you can grow things.
Berries on berries on berries.
20. Mighty Taco puts Taco Bell to shame a thousand times over.
You haven't lived till you've tried this place.
21. Back roads and fall foliage cloud your social media.
There are just trees everywhere.
22. Vacations at the lake.
George, Saranac, Placid, you name it.
23. In the course of 20 minutes you could probably drive through your town and 3 neighboring town.
Don't blink, or you might miss it.
24. Empty cars are always running in the parking lot of the supermarket
Everyone trusts each other here
25. You have security lights on your house and garage but still leave them unlocked.
We may trust eachother a little too much.
Overall, I'm thankful to have been able to grow in New York, despite no one ever knowing where my town is located. And for the last time, yes I have been to New York City and no I do not live near Canada.
