I grew up in Maryland and have lived there for most of my life. When I was thinking about where I wanted to go to college, I knew I wanted to be out of state. I wanted to go somewhere I wasn't used to just to get a change of scenery.
My home in Maryland is about 5 minutes away from the beach which was always nice growing up, but that needed to change, so I decided I wanted to be in the mountains which led to me looking at colleges in Pennsylvania.
1. The people talk funny.
Their northern accents aren't like a New Yorkers, but they do say things a little weird than what I'm used to. They also talk really fast.
2. The roads are terrible.
There are potholes everywhere, and no one really seems to care about them. People just drive like the roads are completely fine.
3. Sweet tea is NOT sweet tea.
I wasn't surprised by this, but it is really annoying when I order sweet tea and it's stale or it's unsweet. Not what I wanted.
4. Seafood isn't common.
As I mentioned earlier, I grew up near water so most of the food selection is seafood. When I came to Pennsylvania, I knew I wouldn't have as much (especially since it's not fresh), but it's really not sold anywhere.
5. It's cold.
It's always about 10 degrees warmer at my house than it is in PA. I'm not a fan.
6. The "snow season" is way too long.
It wouldn't be unheard of to start snowing in late October all the way to early April. It's not a fun time.
7. There's fog.
There usually isn't fog in Maryland. There is sometimes, but not like in PA where it causes you not to see 5 feet in front of you.
8. The first day of deer season is a holiday.
It's not an actual holiday, but it might as well be treated as one. The public schools are even closed just so kids can go hunting.
9. People look at you funny when you say, "Y'all."
I remember the first time I said it, I got so many looks from people. It was like I was speaking a different language. Three years later, nothing has changed.