18 Harsh Realities of Life in Indiana

I have lived in Indiana my entire life, so I am well aware of its many perks - from the friendly, down-to-earth people to the rich history and gorgeous landscapes. But just like anywhere else, it’s not all smooth sailing. For those of us living here in the Hoosier State, or for those who may be considering a move to Indiana, there are some harsh realities we can’t ignore.

READ MORE: This Indiana Town is Ranked as the BEST Small City in America

I feel like I should pause right here and put some quotations around the word "harsh." I just want to be clear that while some things on this could legitimately be considered harsh. Most of them, though, really aren't - and "harsh" is used more tongue in cheek.

Harsh Realities of Living in Indiana - Honorable Mentions

The longer I thought about this list, the more things I came up with, but these two just didn't quite make the cut.

• Potholes Everywhere: If you’ve driven anywhere in Indiana, especially after winter, you’ve met the enemy: potholes. These pesky craters wreak havoc on tires and suspensions, and no matter how often road crews fill them, it seems like new ones pop up overnight.
• Allergies: Indiana is one of the worst states for allergy sufferers. Springtime can be particularly brutal as pollen counts soar. Those beautiful blooms bring on sneezes, coughs, and red eyes for many Hoosiers.

There are 18 more "harsh" Indiana realities below. Despite these challenges, we Hoosiers are a resilient bunch. We know how to embrace the good, roll with the bad, and continue enjoying all the things that make Indiana home – unpredictable weather and all!