The Midwest can get a bad rap. It’s not the historical, all-American East Coast. It’s not the beachy, hip West Coast. It’s not the traditional, sweet tea South. So where does that leave it? That’s right! In the middle. The Middle West is either loved or hated, but it should be appreciated. Not convinced yet? Here are some reasons why the Midwest is the best.

People are passionate about their team.

Everyone has a team that they support. Whether it be the Blues, Packers, Fighting Irish, or Cubs, Midwesterners are passionate about their sports teams. They love to show it too. Walk into a restaurant and you are bound to see multiple sports teams logos represented.

Midwesterners are friendly.

Everyone in the Midwest is friendly. The people here want to help out however they can and are happy to do it. The greatest part is they are genuinely interested in you. People care and take the time to get to know you and your story.

Steak 'n' Shake

There are Steak ‘n’ Shakes all over, but there are tons in the Midwest. It was the place to go after games and shows because it’s open 24 hours. Plus the food is the best fast food, but if you want to dine in it’s sit down style. Don’t worry though you get your food quickly! Just don’t go in groups of twenty. That takes a while.

Trips to the lake are our trips to the beach

Being land locked can be tough at times, but lucky for us there are plenty of lakes. Going to the lake is the thing to do and depending on where you live you can take your pick. If you are lucky enough to live near the Lake of the Ozarks and your family rents a condo there, you are set.

Puppy chow

More food on the list? Yes because the food here is amazing. This is a household favorite and friends are skeptical due to the title. Nope it’s not dog food, it’s Chex mix with peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar, and it’s delicious.

You’re in the middle of everything

A coast can be great, but being in the middle has its perks too. You are equidistant from New York and LA, and it’s even easier to pop over to Chicago at a moment’s notice. Only problem? No oceans.

The central time zone

This is the ideal time to live in if you like to watch TV, and who doesn’t? If you live out west the shows are so much earlier or not broadcast live. If you live far enough east everything is an hour later, which makes it hard to stay up for those late night talk shows. 8/7c is the way to go.

Low cost of living

Depending on what area you want to live, the cost of living can be relatively low. There are plenty of mid-size cities to park your self down for a while. Lots of these cities have a metropolitan area but if that’s not your speed there are plenty of wonderful smaller neighborhoods and communities.

The barbeque

Southerners might like to disagree about this, but the barbeque here is the best. It’s worth you while to make a trip to Kansas City just for the barbeque. Hit up Arthur Bryant’s or Jack Stack for some of the best barbeque ever. Of course you can, and should, visit Memphis and St. Louis for their barbeque as well. Just go to the Midwest, okay?