I moved from Wisconsin to New York City a decade ago. Here are 10 things that now surprise me when I visit the Midwest.

• I moved from Wisconsin to New York City over 10 years ago.
• The Midwest still surprises me with its lower prices, larger stores, and emptier airports.
• The Midwest's friendliness, passion for football, and strong accents also feel novel to me now.

Since moving from Wisconsin to New York City 10 years ago, I don't get to travel back to visit friends and family as often as I'd like to.

The longer I go without visiting the Midwest, the more novel it feels when I do return.