Leaving Pennsylvania often means more than just changing your address—it’s saying goodbye to a unique blend of traditions, flavors, and quirks that you might not realize you’ll miss until they’re gone. Here are 11 things that surprise many former Pennsylvanians with nostalgia:
1. The Food You Can’t Find Anywhere Else
Pennsylvania is a culinary crossroads, with specialties like Philly cheesesteaks, hoagies, scrapple, soft pretzels, water ice, and Amish pretzels. These iconic eats are tough to replicate outside the state, and substitutes rarely satisfy.
2. Wawa (and Tastykake)
Wawa isn’t just a convenience store—it’s a way of life. From custom hoagies to coffee runs, Wawa is deeply woven into daily routines. Tastykake snack cakes, found at every Wawa, are another treat that’s hard to find elsewhere.
3. The Sports Fandom
Whether it’s the Eagles, Phillies, Sixers, or Flyers, Pennsylvania’s sports culture is intense and communal. Outside the state, you’ll miss the camaraderie of being surrounded by fellow fans and the electric atmosphere of game days at the sports complex.
4. Old-Timey Neighborhood Charm
Pennsylvania’s towns and cities are known for their close-knit communities and old-fashioned neighborhoods. The sense of belonging and community pride is something you’ll realize is rare elsewhere.
5. BYOB Culture
Thanks to Pennsylvania’s quirky liquor laws, BYOB restaurants and entertainment venues are everywhere. This unique dining experience is hard to find in other states, where bringing your own bottle is often met with confusion.
6. Murals and Public Art
Philadelphia, in particular, boasts more murals than any other U.S. city, turning neighborhoods into living art galleries. Once you leave, you’ll notice the absence of vibrant street art and the city’s creative spirit.
7. Unique Accents and Slang
Pennsylvanians have a distinctive way of speaking, peppered with terms like “jawn” and “wooder.” Hearing someone else use these words outside the state is a rare and instant connection to home.
8. The Crayola Factory and Quirky Museums
From watching crayons being made in Easton to exploring Philadelphia’s offbeat museums (like the Mütter Museum or Magic Gardens), Pennsylvania’s array of unusual attractions is unmatched.
9. The Weather—Yes, Even the Snow
While many grumble about Pennsylvania winters, the first time you miss a white Christmas or a snow day, you’ll realize how much you took the changing seasons for granted.
10. Knoebels Amusement Resort
This beloved, family-owned amusement park offers free admission and a nostalgic, old-school vibe. Knoebels is a summer tradition for many, and its absence can leave a hole in your heart (and your summer plans).
11. The Convenience of Proximity
In Pennsylvania, everything feels close—major cities, sports venues, mountains, and even other states. The ease of hopping from Philly to the Poconos or to the Jersey Shore is something you’ll miss when distances elsewhere seem daunting.
“The rest of the world isn’t like what we have here. They just don’t do things like we do ‘em. From food, to culture, to social scenes, the rest of the world just feels so…weird.”
Leaving Pennsylvania means leaving behind a tapestry of traditions, tastes, and experiences that are hard to find anywhere else. It’s only after you’ve gone that you realize just how special—and irreplaceable—those little things really are.
Sources:
- https://www.movoto.com/blog/leaving-pennsylvania/
- https://ambereverywhere.com/living-in-pennsylvania-pros-and-cons/
- https://wmmr.com/listicle/things-people-miss-about-philadelphia/
- https://wooderice.com/11-things-philadelphians-miss-the-most-when-they-move-away/
- https://www.businessinsider.com/things-i-miss-about-philadelphia-after-moving-to-grand-rapids-2022-4
