Waterbury, Connecticut owes much of its identity to brass.

Since 1802, the brass industry dominated Waterbury making our city the leading center in the United States for the manufacture of brassware. Although the brass industry is well in our past, we will forever be known to those who know us best as the Brass City.

Here are 20 signs you know Waterbury is your home:

1. Your neighborhood is like your family.

2. Everyone, everywhere knows each other's business.

3. Majority of local businesses are family owned and operated.

4. You're proud knowing that every brass buttons for military uniforms, and shell casings for ammo came from our factories during WWII.

5. Holy Land is considered our most touristy attraction.

6. If you went to school in the city, you know how easier it is to get called out for a snow day.

7. You know not to wander around behind the Waterbury mall -- unless you're there for Los Garcia tacos.

8. You know to take back roads in and out of Waterbury after 2 p.m. to avoid I-84 at all costs.

9. You're probably Italian -- and even if you're not you probably still go to at least one of our many Italian feasts over the summer.

10. You eat grinders, not hoagies -- and you know Cavallo's has the best.

11. You've experienced all four seasons in one week.

12. You know real rivalry is Holy Cross High School vs. Sacred Heart High School

13. You can't resist a $1.50 slice of pizza from Domenick & Pia's downtown

14. And you're more than willing to get up at 4 a.m. to get a freshly baked bagel from the one and only Ami's Bagels.

15. You're a UCONN Husky fan whether you went to school there or not.

16. You understand just how political a city can be -- if you know someone, you got the job.

17. You make sure not to leave anything of value in your car and double check to make sure you locked your car before leaving it parked in the mall parking lot.

18. Starbucks on West Main was the best thing that ever happened to us.

19. You can't help but admire the beauty that once reflected the streets of downtown Waterbury.

20. Until the day you die, when anyone ever asks you where you're from, you will proudly respond, "Waterbury."