Lifestyle 23 things you don't understand about Chicago's South Side (unless you're from there)

Believe it or not, the South Side of Chicago isn't the heaping pile that the national media has made it out to be, something you know if you're from here, and one of the many things you don't if you're not. Well, it's about time we got you up to speed, starting with these 23 South Side truisms.

1. We’re pissed that the Red Line only goes to 95th South Siders hate a commute as much as anyone, but the Red Line goes all the way up to Evanston. Can we get to Blue Island at least?

2. We despise the nickname Chiraq Of course the South Side has its problems, but comparing it to a war-torn foreign country is just dumb.

3. We've known about how great Jackie Robinson West is for decades The rest of the world just caught up.

4. We go to Indiana to buy gas and cheap cigarettes In your face, Cook County taxes!

5. The best estate and garage sales are here Englewood, South Shore (Jackson Park Highlands = goldmine), Hyde Park, and Pill Hill are some of best spots to pick up discarded gems in the entire city.

6. A pickup game is as easy to find as a Walgreens That's because we love basketball more than life itself.

7. Those soccer games in Marquette Park though... I'm not saying the soccer leagues in Marquette Park rival the intensity of World Cup games, but that's actually kind of exactly what I'm saying. Related: same goes for the cricket games in Washington Park.

8. We laugh when people say the South Side is a scary place Trust me, Lincoln Park and Wicker Park are scarier between the hours of 10pm and 2am.

9. We were sad to see Evergreen Plaza go Even though many of us hadn’t shopped there in years.

10. We had to harbor Ernie Banks during his career Due to how things were here in Chicago (and still are in some places), Mr. Cub couldn't live anywhere near Wrigley, so he parked it in South Shore for a number of years.

11. Dibs is non-negotiable You mess with someone's spot, you might find a rock in your front seat. Just saying.

Kailley Lindman

12. Harold’s Chicken is the best fried chicken in the world Don't even try to argue this one in the comments, 'cause you're wrong. Harold's is even on Groupon now, which means the world will know what mild sauce is.

13. The South Side might be the most religious place outside of the Vatican I doubt you'll find more churches per capita anywhere else -- I grew up within walking distance of five churches with different denominations.

14. Your favorite band probably ripped off a South Side artist Starting with Led Zeppelin taking "Whole Lotta Love" from Willie Dixon and Muddy Waters.

15. The Bud Billiken Parade is the city's best Our back-to-school parade is the only place where you can get a hot dog, a can of MGD, loose cigarettes, and a Young Jeezy snowman (the one wearing a White Sox cap) T-shirt without leaving your block. Parade sponsors raise money for college scholarships for local youth. See? We DO care about education, Mayor Rahm.

16. We're not all gangbangers But we do know what gang is in each neighborhood for safe passage purposes.

17. We used to have our own pro football team The Chicago (now Arizona, and before that, St. Louis) Cardinals were the South Side’s NFL team way back when. They played at Comiskey while the Bears played at Wrigley.

Mike Gebert

18. We often argue over who has the best BBQ -- Leon's or Lem's People will go for days without speaking to each other after arguing about this.

19. We throw the best house parties Whether sending a cousin off to prom or throwing a quinceañera, ain't no party like a South Side party.

20. Gately Stadium is one of the best places to watch a football game At the corner of 103rd and Cottage Grove, Gately Stadium is where most public and Catholic leagues play their games and one of the best places to see the next Donovan McNabb or Simeon Rice in the making.