Indiana may be known for its quiet charm, small towns, and Hoosier hospitality, but if you’ve been living there long enough, you’ve likely encountered some classic experiences that make you feel like you’ve truly become a local. If you’ve lived through most of these, it might be time to admit that you’ve been in Indiana a little too long.
1. You’ve Attended a High School Basketball Game (And Probably Played)
Basketball is practically a religion in Indiana. Whether you were in the bleachers or on the court, if you’ve lived in Indiana long enough, you’ve been to a high school basketball game where the whole town came together to cheer. Bonus points if you’ve made the rounds in the iconic Hoosier gymnasiums.
2. You Know That “Crossroads of America” Isn’t Just a Catchphrase
Indiana’s location makes it the literal “Crossroads of America.” The state’s highways connect to just about everywhere, and the traffic often makes you well-acquainted with long road trips—whether you’re heading up to Chicago or down to Louisville.
3. You’ve Tried to Explain the Difference Between “Pop” and “Soda”
In Indiana, it’s “pop,” and if you’re from outside the state, you’ve probably spent hours explaining why it’s not “soda.” No matter how much you’ve tried to accommodate the out-of-state visitors, you know you’re sticking to your roots.
4. You’ve Gotten Used to the “Indy 500” Frenzy
The Indianapolis 500 is more than just a race; it’s an entire season of events that take over the state. If you’ve lived in Indiana long enough, you’ve probably experienced the city swarming with race fans, the traffic chaos, and maybe even taken part in the festivities (or avoided them entirely).
5. You’ve Learned to Love (or Tolerate) the Weather Extremes
Indiana weather can go from 70°F to 30°F in a matter of hours. If you’ve been there long enough, you’ve learned how to dress in layers, carry an umbrella “just in case,” and discuss the weather more than you’d like. You’ve probably experienced snow in May or sweltering heat in September.
6. You’ve Stopped Saying “I’m Going to the Store” and Just Say “Walmart”
If you live in Indiana, you probably find yourself saying “Walmart” the way you might say “the store.” Whether it’s for a quick errand or just to kill time, you know Walmart’s your go-to spot for just about everything.
7. You Can Name All the “Towns You’ve Never Heard Of”
You know every little town in Indiana, even the ones with names that are nearly impossible to pronounce. From Terre Haute to Kokomo to Whiting, you’ve got the Hoosier State’s geography down, and you’ve probably driven through a lot of these towns on the way to somewhere else.
8. You’ve Become a “Fried Food” Connoisseur
Whether it’s fried chicken, fried catfish, or the legendary breaded tenderloin, if you’ve lived in Indiana long enough, you’ve probably had a deep appreciation for fried food. You’ve also probably gotten a sense of pride in the Hoosier-style breaded pork tenderloin sandwiches.
9. You’ve Witnessed the “Changing of the Seasons” in Record Time
In Indiana, the change of seasons can feel like a flash, from hot summers to frigid winters, and there’s no “transition” phase. If you’ve been there long enough, you’ve likely packed away your summer clothes, only to pull them out again a week later because it’s suddenly 80°F in March.
10. You Know What “The Boilermakers” and “Hoosiers” Mean
Even if you didn’t attend Purdue University or Indiana University, you’ve learned that “Boilermakers” and “Hoosiers” represent the fierce college sports rivalry that dominates the state. Whether you’re for one team or just enduring the endless debates, you’ve experienced it firsthand.
If you’ve been through most (or all) of these, then it’s safe to say you’ve definitely lived in Indiana for far too long! It’s a state that leaves its mark on anyone who spends enough time there—quirks, traditions, and all.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/Indiana/comments/aw9q76/people_of_indiana_what_are_some_sterotypes_and/
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/Indiana/comments/1gm5vgc/what_are_your_favorite_things_about_living_in/
[3] https://www.sroa.com/blog/local-guides/pros-and-cons-of-living-in-indiana
[4] https://thehonestlocal.com/living-in-indiana-moving/
[5] https://wheninyourstate.com/indiana/how-to-tell-if-youre-really-from-indiana-12-signs-you-cant-deny/
