Exit Midwest…Enter Northwest. Here are some of the differences I’ve noted over the past few days after living in Portland and visiting Chicago/Indiana:

Midwest Benefits:
Gas is about $1 per gallon cheaper ($.50 in Chicago)
More sunshine
Tastier tenderloins
Less frequent rain
More professional sports teams to follow
Delicious Sweet Corn
Juicier watermelon
Better tomatoes
Straight flat roads
More diversity
Better basketball
Great Lakes
Less visible homelessness
Less bicycles, skateboards, and scooters
More skyscrapers
Bigger State Fairs
Lower cost of living
Better steaks
More content people (less protest)
Friendlier Folks
More visible sunsets
More lake homes
More parking
Little need for tire chains

Northwest Benefits:
Lower Humidity
Rainstorms are less violent (rare thunder and lightening)
The grass is greener
The flowers bloom longer
The trees are taller (Jurassic Lush)
Little ice and snow
More enthusiasm about soccer
Mountains and spectacular waterfalls
Twisting, hilly roads with stunning vistas
More food trucks
Huge outdoor markets
Pacific Coastline
More coffee shops
Better seafood
Better skiing
More things to do
More plaid and flannel
More diverse topography
Better wine
Healthier lifestyles
Less pollution
Legal cannabis
Fewer potholes/smaller in size