17 Things Only True Illinoisans Will Understand

Living in Illinois has its quirks and unique experiences. You know you're from Illinois when you know what "pop" is (it's not soda, folks). You've experienced the polar vortex firsthand and can navigate the Chicago "L" like a pro. You know that Portillo's is a must-visit restaurant and you have been to a Cubs game at Wrigley Field.

You've gotten lost in the cornfields at least once and know that Chicago-style pizza is the only authentic pizza. You know the difference between the Willis Tower and the Sears Tower (hint: only one of them is actually called the Willis Tower).

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The Land of Lincoln is not just a nickname for the state but also appears on Illinois license plates. You've eaten a corn dog from the Illinois State Fair and know there's more to the state than just Chicago. You've experienced the frustration of construction on the Kennedy Expressway and know that Lincoln's home is in Springfield, not Chicago.

You've gone to a high school football game on a Friday night and know that the "Second City" nickname refers to Chicago being the second city in the US to have a population of over one million people (not the second city in Illinois).

See This: 17 Things Only True Illinoisans Will Understand

You know that Chicago has its own style of hot dog, known as the "Chicago-style hot dog" (no ketchup allowed!). You know that Route 66 starts in Chicago and that the Chicago River is actually dyed green on St. Patrick's Day. You've been to a White Sox game at Guaranteed Rate Field (formerly known as Comiskey Park and U.S. Cellular Field, for those who can't keep up with the name changes).

And last but not least, you know that "The Bean" in Chicago's Millennium Park is actually called "Cloud Gate."

LOOK: Here are the 25 best places to live in Illinois

Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Illinois using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.

On the list, there's a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.