Living in Mississippi is a unique experience; one you won’t understand unless you actually live here. Sure, you can do all the research you want, but there are some things only residents can tell you. So, if you just moved or are thinking about relocating to the Magnolia State, read on for 12 things longtime Mississippians wish they could tell you.

1. Say goodbye to your diet.
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The food in Mississippi is good. Really, really good. So sticking to a diet while living in the Magnolia State is probably not going to work out.
2. The heat and humidity are as bad as you’ve heard.
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Until you’ve experienced a Mississippi summer for yourself, you couldn’t possibly fathom how hot it is. And to put it lightly, it’s unbearable.
3. Being eaten alive is a real possibility.
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Fire ants in Mississippi mean business, so watch out for ant hills or you could suffer the "itchy" consequences.
4. Surprise attacks can happen at any time.
Michael Lehenbauer/Flickr
Be on the lookout for these guys, especially since some of them fly!
5. Home invasions are rather common.
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The animals in Mississippi seem to be just as friendly as the people, so don’t be surprised if a rodent, reptile, or some other wild animal drops in for a quick visit.
6. The seasons are a bit different here.
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Other states have spring, summer, winter, and fall. But in Mississippi, we have summer, hunting season, football season, and hurricane season.

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7. The residents are much smarter than given credit for.
IIP Photo Archive/Flickr
People assume that Mississippians aren’t smart, but that’s simply not true. In addition to performing many medical firsts, Mississippi is responsible for producing some of the nation’s best literary wonders, including Tennessee Williams, Eudora Welty, and William Faulkner.
8. Driving on country roads is an acquired skill.
David Clow/Flickr
Navigating the roads in rural Mississippi can be pretty difficult. In addition to sharp curves and no street lights, you have to keep an eye out for animals, like cows, deer, possum, and squirrels, that like to dart out in front of cars.
9. Manners matter.
Joe Wolf/Flickr
Mississippi isn’t called the "Hospitality State" for nothing. We care about manners here, and if you don’t like it, bless your heart.
10. Forget everything you thought you knew about gas station food.
Ann Fisher/Flickr
Mississippi gas stations serve some of the best food ever. Trust us.
11. Even rural Mississippi has traffic jams.
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You're bound to get stuck behind one of these sooner or later.
12. Small talk is the official language of the state.
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Mississippi is known for its friendly residents, so you can expect to engage in small talk just about everywhere you go…and it’s great.

So, what do you think? Agree with everything listed above? Have a few things to add to the list? Tell us in the comments section.

Did you enjoy this article? If so, be sure to check out “13 Awkward Moments Every Mississippian Has Endured At Least Once.“

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