My claim might sound retarded at first, but as you keep reading it starts to make more sense. **Things in common:** - Heavily-populated states with lots of open space - At least 3 major cities with their own identities - Sports with diehard fans (Dallas Cowboys + several colleges for Texas, Cleveland Browns + Ohio State for Ohio) - State capital that doubles as a large and techy college town - Beaches & mountains - Lusher environments the further east you go - In areas where multiple regions converge (Deep South + West for Texas, Midwest + Appalachia + Northeast for Ohio) - Major rivers making up southern borders - Higher than average property taxes