I moved from Wisconsin to New York City over a decade ago. Here are the biggest culture shocks that surprise me when I return to the Midwest.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Technology
Talia Lakritz exploring Seven Bridges Trail in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Exploring Seven Bridges Trail in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Jay Lakritz

We moved from Los Angeles to Milwaukee. Our friends were surprised, but our only regret is that we didn't do it sooner.

Tech Insider : Business
The writer, her husband, and their child in Wisconsin.
I love how easy it is for us to visit lakes, beaches, and parks in Wisconsin.

Daria Solovieva

I never had any desire to visit the Midwest until a fall trip to Wisconsin changed my entire outlook on travel

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Author Hayley Hutson walking in Peninsula State Park
I had an amazing time visiting Door County, Wisconsin.

Hayley Hutson

I never had any desire to visit the Midwest until a fall trip to Door County changed my entire outlook on travel

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Author Hayley Hutson walking in Peninsula State Park
I had an amazing time visiting Door County, Wisconsin, in the fall.

Hayley Hutson

I shopped at Ollie's Bargain Outlet for the first time and found lower prices than at Target and Walmart

Tech Insider : Business
A yellow Ollie's water bottle.
Ollie's slogan is "Good Stuff Cheap."

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

We moved from the Midwest to Florida 5 years ago. Living here has been filled with surprise expenses and unexpected weather.

Tech Insider : Business
Allie Hubers and husband smiling at sunset in front of beach in Florida
I moved to the Florida Panhandle from the Midwest with my husband, and it's come with many surprises, from chilly winters to the high cost of living.

Allie Hubers

What it's like to shop at Menards, the Midwest home-improvement chain owned by a Wisconsin billionaire

Tech Insider : Business, Style
A Menards store in Wisconsin.
A Menards store in Wisconsin.

Talia Lakritz/Business Insider

I visited a national park in the Midwest that felt like a coastal getaway — even though it's near a major city

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
West Beach at Indiana Dunes National Park.
In my opinion, Indiana Dunes National Park is the perfect hidden-gem vacation spot.

Emily Pogue

Renters can still get a spacious apartment for $1,500 a month in these 10 cities

Tech Insider : Business
Toldeo, Ohio.
Toldeo, Ohio.

Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

The 30% rule is now unrealistic. Here are 3 places you won't have to blow your budget to afford a home right now.

Tech Insider : Business, Economy
A group of identical homes.
A report says the typical American will have to spend more than 30% of their income to buy a home.

Yuriy T/Getty Images

Subscribe to Midwest