I moved to the Midwest after living in the Northeast my whole life. Here are 5 things that surprised me since relocating.

I didn't know what to expect when I packed up my house and moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the fall of 2021.

I was born and raised in the Philadelphia area and went to a big university in Pennsylvania, so I wasn't used to living anywhere but the Northeast. I knew it was going to be a challenge to adjust to a new region with its own culture and history that I wasn't familiar with.

I knew that Midwest winters could be brutal before I moved here. I expected a lot of snow and inclement weather due to the lake effect, but I also knew that people in the Midwest are used to it.

What I didn't consider was how dry my skin and hair would feel after a few days of snow and wind. I had to switch over to a heavier moisturizer and add an oil to my hair routine to help combat dehydration, which is something I never had to do back home.

Next year, I'll be sure to stock up on winter beauty products ahead of time.

It didn't take me long to find a lot of great, small artists based in my area on Instagram and Etsy. There are lots of markets and studios in my area that display work from local artisans who hold pop-up shops to sell their work. I was happy to say that I bought a few prints and pieces from Western Michigan-area artists that I can take with me.

I'd love to visit Chicago soon, which is a massive hub for art not just in the Midwest, but in the nation. I'm excited to continue digging into the Midwest's underground music and arts scene.

One of the things I'm happy I can still do is explore small towns away from the city. The suburbs of Philadelphia were packed with a variety of small towns with their own shops, restaurants, and culture. I admit I was a little worried that there wouldn't be much to do outside the cities in the Midwest.

Once I did a little research, I learned more about some smaller towns within driving distance and what they have to offer. I'm especially stoked to go to nearby Holland's Tulip Time Festival in May when people from all over come to see the gorgeous flowers and attend fun events.

I love vintage shopping and thrifting. It was a big part of my life in the Northeast and although I was ready to try out some new shops, I was unsure of what kind of things I might find in the Midwest.

I can honestly say that some of my favorite books, clothing, and home decor have come from Midwest thrift shops. I've seen some designer items in shops and have purchased some really quality pieces that I will cherish for a long time, just like I did at home.

In the Grand Rapids area, a lot of vintage and antique markets will divide their stores into booths and bring in local sellers to use them. The region has a whole new history I knew nothing about, and I can't wait to dive into it through vintage shopping.