America's Least Recognized Region on City-Data

[Serious Conversation]

Originally Posted by jennifat

In what universe are Ohio and Illinois Upper Midwestern states? They border Southern states, for crying out loud.

They're on the border of Southern states, but culturally they are not Southern.

[cheese plate]

Sure, but the obvious point was that they are certainly not "Upper Midwestern" states. And southern IL has as much of a southern feel as the Missouri boot - Shawnee is south of most of Kentucky. Ever been there? A blend, sure, but much more Arkansas than Minnesota.