Which region is the most similar to the Midwest culturally? (construction, versus)
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It's not midwestern but I would say it's most similar to northeast Ohio in look/feel/culture.
The only time I've been to northeast Ohio/NW PA, it seemed like a very similar region. That area between Pittsburgh and Cleveland feels pretty similar throughout.
When I think of the cultural midwest I think of the corn belt. I made a thread about this years ago and the midwest isn't as uniformed as the south or New England so people's perception of the midwest varies depending where they're from.
The only time I've been to northeast Ohio/NW PA, it seemed like a very similar region. That area between Pittsburgh and Cleveland feels pretty similar throughout.
But I've only been once.
I mean, I don't think you'll find a dramatic different immediately at many state borders (and there's not much of PA in between Pittsburgh and the Ohio border, frankly), but beyond OH/PA border, about 100 miles west, I think is where the quintessential view of the "Midwest" kicks in.
When I think of the cultural midwest I think of the corn belt. I made a thread about this years ago and the midwest isn't as uniformed as the south or New England so people's perception of the midwest varies depending where they're from.
I'd argue the south isn't that unified either, when you consider the Deep South, Appalachia, the Ozarks, South Florida, etc.
I mean, I don't think you'll find a dramatic different immediately at many state borders (and there's not much of PA in between Pittsburgh and the Ohio border, frankly), but beyond OH/PA border, about 100 miles west, I think is where the quintessential view of the "Midwest" kicks in.
As someone who has lived almost my entire life in Northeast Ohio, it's pretty easy for me to pick up on the subtle differences where the Great Lakes, stereotypical "quintessential" Midwest and Appalachia all converge ... roughly around Canton/Massillon. That's the only area where I think you can argue it's "quintessential Midwest" "Great Lakes" or "Appalachian" and not be wrong in whatever answer you choose.
Appalachian would, IMO, be third of those choices for that area, but you go maybe 10 miles south and it would turn into an easy No. 1. You go 10 miles north and it's easily Great Lakes. 10 miles west (Wayne County) and it's easily quintessential Midwest. You go 10 miles east and you're getting into the Youngstown area which would be more a mix of Great Lakes/Appalachia ... and less quintessential Midwest.
With that, there isn't really a hard line, but Northeast Ohio more than any is where you can see a shift from not just two regions/sub-regions, but three.
I see many saying how cities such as Pittsburgh and Buffalo feel more similar to the midwestern than the northeast or outright claiming these cities to be Midwestern in culture.
As a Midwesterner born and raised, and having visited the, I disagree on all.
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