It's still unclear on how far the Chicago suburbs actually stretch, it really depends on who you ask. So, for this one we'll say if you're from the Chicagoland area you'll be able to relate to these signs.
1. We still say we're from Chicago.
Illinois is a fairly large state and if I told you my actual hometown you would just give me a puzzled look and reply with "I've never heard of it." So I'll save us both some time and just say that I'm from Chicago.
2. Our accent isn't as bad as people make it out to be.
Do we actually have an accent? That is questionable. I can assure you that we do not have as heavy of an accent as Mike Ditka, that man is one of a kind.
3. Going to the beach means Lake Michigan.
Since there aren't any real beaches within a reasonable driving distance, going to the beach will mean Lake Michigan. The water may be kind of gross, but there's still sand and water so it serves its purpose during the summer.
4. Train > Driving.
We all know that Chicago rush hour traffic is a real thing so whenever you're taking a nice day trip to the city, the train is the way to go.
5. You're either Ogilvie or Union.
These two train stations are literally a five minute walk from each other but for some reason everyone has their preference on which one to take.
6. There's never a bad time to go to the city.
The summertime is best time to go to the city, in my opinion. If you're brave enough to battle the unpredictable weather, there's a plethora of things to do during any season.
7. No idea what the purpose of the bean is, but it's good for pictures.
It's just a giant silver bean, yet everyone loves taking pictures with it and everyone knows what it is. Why is it there? I couldn't tell you.
8. Anything above 32 degrees in the winter is borderline shorts weather.
When you're used to brutally cold winters that include plenty of snow and ice, it's hard not to break out the shorts when the temperature decides to stay above freezing.
9. We know how to drive in snow.
Again, winters are pretty bad. Does this stop us from driving? Absolutely not. As long as you pay attention and don't freak out you can still drive in the snow.
10. You can find your way home from I-90 or I-290.
I-90 goes east and west, I-290 goes north and south. If we can find either one of those highways we can find our way home no problem.
11. We live by the three P's: Pizza, Portillo's and Potbelly's.
I wouldn't be from the suburbs if I didn't bring food up at least once. Deep dish pizza is the greatest pizza on the planet, no if's, and's or but's about it. Portillo's is heaven and if you don't get cheese fries then you're definitely doing it wrong. Potbelly's is the staple sandwich place and is much more appetizing than a Subway or Jimmy Johns.
12. Summer, social gatherings revolve around playoff hockey.
"What are you doing for the Hawks game tonight?" is a common phrase during the summertime. Since they're really the only consistent winning team lately people will make any excuse to hold social gatherings to watch them.
13. Everything is a 30- to 45-minute drive away.
"How far away are you from (insert name here)?"
"Oh about 30-45 minutes."
