Ask Lemmy

In most cases it isn't apparent and doesn't matter. But there are some that are* noticeable and do matter. Having traveled to most states via car, it's been interesting to see the ones that stood out.

Well, there's a big fucking river—so that helps.

Max speed limits can vary by states.

I can tell when I'm driving from NY into CT when suddenly there's traffic for no reason and everybody is driving like an asshat.

I don't live near the border but on a road trip I noticed an immediate difference in the quality of the road surface when I entered Alabama coming from Florida. Florida has pretty good roads. Alabama, uhh, not so much. Mississippi and Louisiana roads were also terrible. Texas was better but the quality was spottier.

I used to live near Cincinnati. You don't go to Kentucky by accident. The largest tributary of the Mississippi was in the way and all thats waiting for you is Kentucky. Also the traffic sucked

I can sometimes tell what county (not country) I am in from differences in the design of street signs (mostly the street name signs at stop lights), changes to the look of highway overpasses, and whether or not Flock cameras outnumber people.

Store brands are mostly about distance from the warehouse.

culture and language changes but there isn't normally a clear line of where one starts - it is a continum. (the minnesota accent is only spoken by a minority in mn)

Highways go from being free to costing money (Illinois 😒)

I live in New Jersey, so I usually notice I've left the state because I've driven over a bridge into a large city - that's usually my first clue.

I don't live near the border, but one difference I notice when crossing over is the roads are always better. Doesn't matter which state I cross over into; roads a better (ours are shit).

I knew a family who's house was in New York and the backyard was in New Jersey. No, you couldn't tell.

State line road. If I'm driving north I'm in Missouri. If I'm driving South, I'm in Kansas. (Kansas City, Missouri)

Most major roads have a sign. If I'm using Google Maps, it will yell at me: "WELCOME TO [STATE NAME]".

West Coast perspective:

• Siskiyou Pass is both the biggest change in elevation and steepest grade on I-5
• the grass is literally greener on the OR side. CA is known for its golden grass that is much dryer (hence the Golden Gate. As a child I was disappointed that it is painted orange and not gold)
• Agricultural Inspection Station mentioned in another comment (only when traveling into CA)
• not a huge cultural difference between upper NorCal and Southern Oregon though

Further north...

• crossing the Columbia, the biggest river in the region, also has one of only several interstate draw bridges in the US. Prepare to be stuck in traffic if you're remotely close to rush hour
• No sales tax in OR means there are large malls immediately off the first OR exits. Likewise there isn't a single Best Buy in Vancouver because everyone drives across the river to dodge sales tax for big ticket items

I cross a bridge over a river