As much as we love the city, even die-hard Chicagoans have to move away sometimes. Be it for a job, school, or just a change of pace, there are a few that just about everyone has when they move away. Here are 11 things people from Chicago think about when they leave the city.

1. "Nothing beats a Lake Michigan sunrise."
Pixabay/rlobes
No matter where you go, you'll always be comparing sunrises to those in Chicago. Some people get up early with their cameras just to catch these lovely scenes each morning.
2. "Where's the mixed popcorn?"
Flickr/snowpea&bokchoi
Chicagoans are so used to our own style of popcorn that we miss it terribly when we leave the city. Nothing beats the sweet n' salty taste of cheddar and caramel corn swirled together.
3. "I miss the views."
Flickr/Pedro Szekely
From the lake to the skyline, there are many things about Chicago that make it the most beautiful place in the nation. You may find you're not taking as many pictures in your new town.
4. "Where are all of the historical attractions?"
Wikipedia/Daniel Schwen
It is impossible to avoid history in Chicago. Many theatres, shopping centers, and other attractions are housed in buildings soaked with history. If our walls could talk...
5. "You call this cold?"
Pixabay/Cookiesnbytes
Not many know cold better than a person from Chicago. Our thoughts on snow are the same as anyone who lives in a northern state: we're used to dealing with it and are not too surprised by winters elsewhere.

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6. "Chicago traffic isn't all that bad after all."
Flickr/Ken Lund
When you leave the city, you'll find that traffic is pretty terrible most places. All states have horrible drivers and everyone living in big cities deals with bumper-to-bumper traffic. You may even miss the nuances of Chicago drivers.
7. "So, this is what winning feels like..."
Flickr/Mike Morbeck
When it comes to football, Chicago has been taken off the map by the Bears, as their record has been less than successful for quite some time. It's surprisingly nice to be in a different city where the home team comes out on top.
8. "Flat pizza is not pizza."
Wikimedia Commons/caribb
Our thoughts on pizza are much different from those of the rest of the country. While most are familiar with a hand-tossed or thin crust pizza being the norm, Chicagoans are used to this thick and tall beauty.
9. "Where's the street art?"
Wikimedia Commons/Yinan Chen
Our city is filled with art and you can find it around just about every corner. Not all towns are as culturally progressive or diverse, so you'll likely miss this aspect of Chicago when you leave.
10. "There's nothing to do."
Flickr/Bryan Thompson
You'll never think this in Chicago, but depending on where you move to, there might be much less to do. If your calendar is lacking activities, plan a trip back to Chicago.
11. "When can I go home?"
Flickr/Tripp
Of course, you'll always be planning your return when you leave the city! Whether it's for friends and family or for your favorite sights, sounds, and eats, there's always a reason to come back.

While you’re out of the city, you’ll likely also get nostalgic. Here are 14 things that make every Chicagoan think of home.

What other thoughts have you had after leaving Chicago? Share your experiences with us!

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