11 Strong Beliefs Pennsylvania Natives Stand By

We’re a pretty diverse bunch in Pennsylvania. Most of us would likely agree that we have our own opinions and aren’t afraid to share them. Despite our differences, there are some things about life in PA that we can probably all agree on. We might disagree on our football teams, but one thing we all share is an unshakable love for the quirks that make Pennsylvania, well, Pennsylvania. Let's dive in and explore these 11 hills Pennsylvanians are willing to die on.

1. Pennsylvanians Always Pick a Side – There’s No In-Between

Pennsylvania’s a big state, and that means choosing sides in quite a few ways. Do you call it pop or soda? Cheer on the Eagles or the Steelers? Stop for your coffee and snack at Sheetz or Wawa? It really depends on where in the state you’re from, and we’re okay with that. These friendly rivalries aren’t just part of the fun – they’re a symbol of how fiercely loyal Pennsylvanians are to their roots.

2. Just Call It PA – That’s How the Locals Do It

We don’t have anything against Pennsylvania. It’s just that we’ve always called it PA, and we always will. Saying ‘PA’ feels like shorthand for home – a cozy abbreviation that unites us no matter which corner of the state we come from.

3. Pennsylvania Turnpike Tolls Are Just Too Darn High

Turnpike tolls are too darn high, and as sure as the calendar turns to a new year at the stroke of midnight on January 1, the turnpike tolls go up. Every single year. Still, we’ll grumble and pay it – because where else are we going to get our Sheetz coffee fix?

4. Gas Prices in Pennsylvania Are Way Too High, Too

Gas prices are nuts as it is. Add the fact that Pennsylvanians pay the highest tax on gas in the United States, and who among us wouldn’t complain? At nearly 58 cents per gallon in taxes, it’s no surprise our wallets feel it every time we fill up.

5. Pennsylvanians Proudly Wear Shorts All Year Long

Forget waiting until the temps reach 50 or 60. We keep our shorts handy all year long, even wearing them outside after a fresh snowfall. Some of us might even slip on our trusty flip-flops, too. It’s practically a badge of honor to shovel snow in shorts – an actual test of PA toughness.

6. In PA, We Measure Distance in Time and Use Landmarks for Directions

We don’t mind if you ask us where something is and how to get there. However, don’t expect us to tell you how to get there in miles or with street names. Expect something like, "drive 20 minutes on the parkway, then turn right at the haunted house on the corner." In Pittsburgh, it’s "20 minutes over the bridge," while in Philly, it’s "past the Wawa on your left."

7. In Pennsylvania, We Even Put Butter on Our Sandwiches

Yep, nothing goes better on a cold-cut sandwich than a delightful layer of butter on the bread. From ham-and-cheese to bologna, butter adds that unmistakably rich touch we swear by.

8. In Pennsylvania, There Are Only Two Seasons – Winter and Construction

We know there are just two seasons, yet winter turns to construction season. While we might not embrace icy, snowy roads, we don’t like sitting in traffic for hours as winter fades and construction season inevitably arrives. If you’ve ever sat on I-76 for an hour to move two miles, you know exactly what we mean.

9. In Pennsylvania, You Can Experience All Four Seasons in One Day

Even though it might feel like there are just two seasons, we can actually experience all four in a single day. We might wake up and bundle up for the frigid temperatures of a winter day, only to return home in the afternoon to turn on the A/C. That proves that Pennsylvanians can handle change like pros. It’s not unusual to see snowflakes in the morning, sunshine at noon, and a thunderstorm by dinner.

10. When Snow’s Coming, Pennsylvanians Always Rush to the Store

Okay, well, maybe that’s not exactly 100 percent true. Half of us run to the store to stock up on the essentials – bread, milk, and toilet paper – at the mere mention of snow, while the other half of us roll our eyes and go on with our day. We may never use all that milk, but somehow, it just feels like the right thing to do.

11. Pennsylvanians Can Dish It Out – But We Sure Won’t Take It

Pennsylvania’s our home, so we can complain about it as much as we want. We can be downright rude. But if someone who’s not from here does the same? Well, that’s just not acceptable. At the end of the day, we love our state – quirks, potholes, and all.

And, living in PA, we have plenty of the best places to visit in Pennsylvania to enjoy nature, and we are proud of it! Do you agree that these are hills Pennsylvanians are willing to die on? What do you love about life in Pennsylvania? Let us know via this nomination page.

Our beautiful state lays claim to some pretty unique destinations – like this roadside attraction in Pennsylvania that belongs on your bucket list. Ready to explore the Keystone State? Please use our itinerary planner to plan your visit.