I'm a New Yorker who visited the Midwest for the first time. Here are 15 things that surprised me.

Frank OlitoJun 24, 2021, 01:24 IST

I took a trip to Chicago and Detroit for the first time.Frank Olito/ Insider

I traveled to Chicago and Detroit for the first time, and some things surprised me as a New Yorker.
The Midwestern cities seem to be quieter, slower, and more friendly.
I found warm weather and trendy restaurants on my trip, as well as a surprising amount of traffic.

Recently, I took a trip to Chicago and Detroit for the first time.

I visited Chicago and Detroit for the first time. Frank Olito/ Insider

There's an emptiness to the Midwest that I'm not used to as a New Yorker.

A completely empty subway station in Chicago. Frank Olito/ Insider

Everything moves at a slower pace in the Midwest, including trains and restaurant service.

Train run much slower in the Midwest. Frank Olito/ Insider

There seems to be a greater emphasis on nature than in New York City.

Lake Michigan from Chicago. Frank Olito/ Inisder

To my surprise, many Midwesterners told me winters aren't as bad as New Yorkers make them out to be.

Chicago in the winter isn't too bad. Shutterstock.

However, I was surprised to find "No Parking" signs that are weather dependent.

Street signs talking about the weather are common. Frank Olito/ Insider

I was even more surprised by how hot it gets in the Midwest.

Chicago was warmer than expected. Frank Olito/ Insider

Everyone is extremely nice in the Midwest, unlike some of my neighbors in New York City.

Midwesterners are always quick to help. Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via Getty Images

Pedestrians wave and thank cars as they cross intersections.

Pedestrians thank cars as they pass. Shutterstock

In my experience, things are cheaper in the Midwest, including grocery store items and drinks at restaurants.

Everything is cheaper in the Midwest. Frank Olito/ Insider

People love to say "cheers" in the Midwest.

"Cheers" is used more often in the Midwest. Rachel Askinasi/Insider

The Midwest has more than enough entertainment and culture to keep any traveler busy.

Detroit has trendy restaurants just like New York. Frank Olito/ Insider

New York City is known for its traffic, but I was surprised to learn Chicago has even more.

Traffic is common in Chicago. Frank Olito/ Insider

I found Uber and Lyft are less dependable in the Midwest than they are in New York.

Ubers were less dependable. Shutterstock

There are fewer homeless people on the streets of Midwestern cities.

There's less homelessness in the Midwest. Frank Olito/ Insider

Midwesterners make their pride for their cities clear on signs and branding throughout the streets - New Yorkers don't show their pride in the same way.

A flag reads "Chicago's Proudest Neighborhood." Frank Olito/ Insider

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