Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Ohio are all considered states of the Midwest.

These are usually the states nobody really cares about, but are definitely some of the best states to grow up in. Growing up in the Midwest, I lived a small-town lifestyle, and had a lot of friends since everyone knew everyone, literally. Although winters are brutal, summers are incredible, full of lake life, fireworks, great food, and family cookouts. And on top of that, you get to experience all four seasons, which can be pretty neat. The people are down to earth and kind, and running into someone you know wherever you go is not uncommon.

Although exploring outside of these states has been amazing, growing up in the Midwest has been a blessing, and I wouldn't take back this experience for the world.

1. Everybody knows everybody.

Which can be a very good thing, but also a very bad thing.

2. People break out their summer shorts when the temperature hits 50 degrees.

Because after you experience -10-degree weather every day, 50 degrees is pretty much blazing hot.

3. The snow is only nice for about a few weeks.

There are always people complaining about the cold weather on social media. Always.

4. The snow plows are always on the road, making you late to everything.

5. Towns are literally in the middle of nowhere.

There are probably two gas stations, an ice cream shop, and one grocery store...if you're lucky.

6. Lake life is so important.

Everyone spends their summer swimming in the lake, paddle boarding on the lake, fishing on the lake, etc.

7. The 4th of July is one of the best holidays in the Midwest.

We know what patriotism really means, and we let everyone know it.

8. Sadly, nobody really has style.

I mean, there's only so much you can wear when it is cold three-fourths of the year.

9. The highways are nearly empty.

Which is really, really nice for those of us who deal with road rage.

10. Everybody eats at Culver's or Taco Bell.

Because there really isn't much else to choose from.

11. "Oh, what's that? Another cornfield?"

They're everywhere.

12. Waving at strangers is actually pretty normal.

Friendly people are pretty easy to find.

13. There are trees and green land everywhere.

14. Friends and family are more important than careers in the Midwest.

The community you build is seen as much more important than the money you make.

15. There are bars... everywhere.

You will probably spot one at every corner.

16. Uggs and rain boots never go out of style.

17. The county fair is a week-long holiday.

And you probably looked forward to it all year long.

18. The weather is unpredictable. One day it may be beautiful and 75, and the next it is 30 degrees and snowing.

Never trust the weatherman.

19. If you aren't a sports fanatic, you're doing it wrong.

Most high schools care more about their sports teams than their academics.

20. While you may move away, or leave for college, coming back to your Midwest hometown always brings peace.

The Midwest is forever home, no matter what.