There are roughly 19,354 cities in the United States. Each one containing something unique about it that no other can claim. While I'm sure 19,353 of those cities are awesome, there's only one that truly has captured my heart--Charlotte, North Carolina. While it hasn't always been a city that people looked at as great, it's slowly now starting to get the recognition it always deserved. For those of us who were born and raised within it's wonderful streets and those who have flocked to the 704 for a new life, it's hard to argue that there's something special about the Queen City.

So here's 9 reasons why Charlotte is the best city in the world (okay, or at least very high up in the running)-----

1. THE CAROLINA PANTHERS.

For those of us who have grown up watching this team year after year, it's hard to put into words how this year has made us feel, so I'll try to sum it up with one word--PROUD. The entire city has come alive with supporting this team. It seems that everywhere you turn something is either lit up blue, or someone is dabbing (both of which are more than welcome). While both North and South Carolina claim the Panthers as their team, they call Charlotte their home. This is a team that knows how to excite their fans and keep them coming back week after week, and for that, the city will #KeepPounding forever.

2. CAM NEWTON.

This one ties in with the above, but deserves a point all on its own. While there are MANY who like to hate on our beloved quarterback, to us he is just that--LOVED. Every time this man dabs, celebrates, smiles, runs, or basically breathes, we all get happy. No matter how many people try to sue him for tearing down a flag, or how many parents write bitter letters over his celebrations, Charlotte stands behind this man. #dabonem

3. WE'VE GOT MORE THAN JUST COFFEE.

Countless juice bars and brewing companies line the streets of Charlotte, NC for all those who aren't big coffee drinkers...BUT for those of us who are, there are amazing shops that make lattes and pour overs that bring tears to your eyes. So come, sit, talk, enjoy the free wifi, and use that first free 90 minutes of parking with validation (curse you and your $2 for every 20 minutes parking fees, 7th Street).

4. THAT SKYLINE THO.

Sometimes it's easy to get used to things we see every day. We forget to continually take in their beauty and appreciate them for what they really are. But this skyline? How could anyone not look at that and see it for what it really is: an incredible work of art. From the ever changing Duke Energy lights, to the peak of the Bank of America building, to the way 77 just wraps perfectly around everything, this is a pretty city, and trust me, we all know it.

5. THE FOOD- NEW, OLD, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.

Your Mom's Donuts. Price's Chicken Coop. Amelie's French Bakery. Those are just 3 of LITERALLY hundreds of restaurants in the city. Food trucks? Mexican food? Ethiopian food? Thai food? Italian, Mediterranean, or sushi? Well you're in luck, because I'm willing to bet you that regardless of the kind of food you want, you'll be able to find it, and pretty easily at that. Charlotte has made one thing very clear: THEY LOVE TO EAT, and if that doesn't make us a real winner, then I don't know what does.

6. SOUTHEND-->UPTOWN-->NODA-->UNIVERSITY

Not many places have this diverse of areas all within a 10-mile radius. You can go from a younger just got out of college crowd, to the suit and tie business world, and then down to the artsy and college life all within 15 minutes. It's one of the most unique and best parts of Charlotte. No matter who you are, you're guaranteed to find a spot for yourself.

7. THE CHARLOTTE HORNETS (get out of here Bobcats).

While the Panthers may be getting most of the attention right now, we can't forget about our Charlotte Hornets. People fought long and hard to Bring the Buzz back, and now that it is, we proudly wear our blue and purple all around. (We also haven't forgotten about our Knights and Checkers. GO TEAM!)

8. THE PEOPLE.

Very rarely do you find a city that has people as awesome as the buildings in which they stand, but Charlotte is definitely one of those places. You'll never meet more enthusiastic, motivated, hospitable, or friendly faces than you will here.

9. IT'S A CITY ON FIRE FOR THE LORD.

The best part of Charlotte is definitely the fact that it's a city that is on fire for the Lord. With the help of churches, big and small, all different nonprofits, and just good individual people, the city is focused on changing the world for the better. You can feel the presence of the Lord through the streets, and I'm proud to be a part of a city that is working for His glory.

Charlotte we love you, and we can't wait to see what you continue to become.