Welcome to St. Louis, Missouri, aka the Lou, the 314, the Gateway to the Midwest, or arguably the best city in the United States. Located centrally on the map, St. Louis is the 60th most populous city in the U.S., and home of some of the friendliest people and most amazing places on earth. Many of us are lucky to still call St. Louis home, and many are even luckier to have grown up here. So, what are the telltale signs you're from this Midwestern gem of a city?
1. "What high school did you go to?"
You could be a thousand miles outside of St. Louis, and meet someone from STL and immediately ask them what high school they went to. It's the best gauge of who they may know, who you may know that they may know, and so forth. There's a pretty high chance you'll have at least five mutual friends after you figure out what high school they went to.
2. Out of towners will never understand your home town food.
Toasted Ravioli? Imo's? Ted Drewes? St. Louis Style BBQ? Pork Steaks? Slingers? Gooey Butter Cake? The world really doesn't know what it's missing. Bet you're hungry now, aren't you?
3. When you were growing up, Lake of the Ozark's trips made you giddy like a kid on Christmas morning.
Whether you had a house there, your family did, or your friends did, Lake of the Ozark's trips always meant long days swimming and fishing and longer nights running around with the other children.
4. Heat and humidity have a different meaning to you.
Nothing like mid-August humidity that's so bad you can barely breathe outside.
5. You bleed blue.
To everyone else, this term might sound strange but only St. Louisan's truly know what it means to bleed blue. You felt cool because you knew T.J. Oshie before T.J. Sochi and you secretly (or not) shed a tear every time the Blues are eliminated in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Either way, you can't wait for the day the hometown boys bring home the Stanley Cup. LGB!
6. Don't forget about the red!
Home of the 11 time World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals. Yeah, we're pretty much the best.
7. Honorable Mention: The Rams.
It was good while it lasted with you, boys. We didn't need you anyway though.
8. Only in St. Louis does half of a giant coat hanger sticking out of the ground signify home.
Point proven:
9. You're never truly just from "St. Louis," because...
The city and county are divided into strict districts, each with unique and painfully true identifiers. Below is the Judgmental Map of St. Louis:
10. And each of these places have unique spots within them, usually known for the food and nightlife.
Soulard, the Hill, the Loop, the Central West End...you name it.
11. You'll never be able to call Highway 40 by its real name, Highway 64.
You also know to never expect to get anywhere on this highway during rush hours, on any game days, or like...ever. 
12. Our city is home of the best free zoo.
Props to St. Louis for keeping our wonderful zoo completely free! Although it may cost you an arm and a leg to eat inside the zoo, you can always pack a picnic lunch and enjoy an awesome day.
13. We always have fun things to do during the weekend, or during the summer.
The City Museum, Forest Park, and the St. Louis Art Museum are only a few of the amazing places to check out whenever. Six Flags is also a great attraction, but a bit of a drive from the heart of the city.
14. There's a plethora of break taking scenic areas and pristine parks in or around St. Louis.
#Blessed to live in one of the most scenic states.
15. You know early September can only mean one thing, LouFest.
Looking to go to a kick ass music festival with talented local bands and bigger well known artists, but you don't want to spend a fortune? We have you covered.
16. You live in the most diverse, creative, unique, and undeniably awesome city in the whole United States.
Yeah we get it, we get it. St. Louis has amazing food and great communities, but what's so special about it? We have the best people on Earth living in this quaint but bustling city and the suburbs, and they are truly what makes this city so awesome. Don't believe it? Check it out for yourself! We'd love to have you!
