Everyone has a hometown, and some enjoy theirs more than others.

While I will always have mixed opinions on where I grew up, Kansas City will always be my home. Anyone who grew up there will tell you there are a few things everyone should know about Kansas City.

1. Yes, Kansas City spreads into two states and it’s not that complicated

Kansas City covers area in both Kansas and Missouri, covering 14 counties and having a population of over 2 million. There is a road named “State Line” which is actually the state line between Kansas and Missouri. Your look of awe was cute the first time, but you can really stop acting like this is a miracle.

2. We will always love our boys in blue, more than you love your team

The Royals aren’t just another baseball team for another town, they mean the world to us. We’re the ultimate underdog, and the complete comeback kid. All of which makes us amazing to cheer for and an unforgettable team.

3. Football isn’t just a sport, it’s a religion

If there is anything we’re more passionate about than the Royals, it our football team the Chiefs. We’re the type of fans who camp out in the parking lot tailgating for hours before the game in rain, snow, and tornados. Then we spend the whole game on our feet cheering for every single yard. This is our kingdom, our house, and something we built as a city.

4. No, we really don’t have an accent

Ask anyone who lives here, and we will swear on barbeque and fountains that our voices have no accent. They’re plain and have no ‘twang’ that you speak of.

5. Yes, we’ve heard your Wizard of Oz joke, and, no, it isn’t funny

“Oh, my gosh! Have you seen Dorothy or the yellow brick road around?” That’s very funny, you know, because we live in Kansas. After the thousandth time, we’ve been asked that or another Wizard of Oz joke the laughter fades and you will receive a straight glare.

6. There are more to us than just wheat fields and farms

Kansas grows and produces more than wheat, so it doesn’t quite make sense that just because we live in KANSAS City that that’s all you see when you drive. Are some parts made up of farms and fields? Absolutely! But so is every state that produces some kind of produce.

7. You aren’t “Raised Royal” if you just moved to Kansas City and didn’t grow up here

Recently the Royals coined the term, “Raised Royal” as a term of endearment for their loyal fans. This term is not to be used by people who have just moved to Kansas City and are attending their first Royals game. It’s exciting to say, but being “Raised Royal” means you were there for the struggle when every team overlooked us as an easy series win, then the almost World Series win against the San Francisco Giants only to come back a year later to win it all. It means being there for the wins, but most importantly the losses. So, don’t #hashtag it or use it as a Snapchap filter if you don’t know what it means to truly be “Raised Royal”.

8. We’re not just a fly over city

We know it's hard to understand if you don't live here, but we're a city where you know your next-door neighbor's names and cheer on the sports teams like your family. Kansas City is so much more than where you have your layover from LA to NYC, or a flyover on your way from Florida to Washington. We may not have oceans or mountains or beaches or mega downtowns, but we have so much more. We've got the best barbecue you've even tried, historic fountains, amazing parks, the first outdoor shopping mall, and much much more.

Think about that the next time you consider asking what makes Kansas City so special.