Seems like there is context though: location. In Western PA, if I hear someone talk about Indiana or Washington, I'm inclined to think of the counties/boroughs

Seems like there is context though: location. In Western PA, if I hear someone talk about Indiana or Washington, I'm inclined to think of the counties/boroughs first, because they're closer. If someone says they're going to college at Cal, I'd think of California University of Pennsylvania before the University of California, because that's one of the more popular state schools in the region and a lot of people go there. London, Ontario is a weird case because it is closer, but not close enough to be the better answer.