Illinois is an interesting state in that it is like a microcosm of the United States. Northern and Southern Illinois are entirely different things. This is a large reason why it is difficult for some Illinoisians to feel like they are one and the same as other Illinoisians. Here are some of the biggest differences between us.
1. Northern Illinois fans are either Cubs or Sox fans, while southern Illinoisians are absolutely Cards fans.
3. People from northern Illinois tend to think there is not much south of I-80 other than Bears practices, while people from southern Illinois understand that this is the line where the state starts to get really interesting.
5. There is a much greater emphasis on farming and farm life in southern Illinois, while northern Illinois is more focused on farmers markets and farm to table restaurants.
6. Your big city in northern Illinois is obviously Chicago, but even if they are closer geographically to Chicago, people from southern Illinois tend to hit up St. Louis.
10. There seems to be less rush in southern Illinois, with enough time to say hi to one another, while in northern Illinois, it often feels like everyone is in a hurry.