When I was about 12, I moved to a small city outside of Portland, Oregon. I learned to like where my family chose to live. As I developed in age and maturity, I began to realize a few things. I can't say they are true for all kids in suburbs, but they are relatable for some kids in mine.

1. The majority of us love the city.

When people ask me where I am from I always say Portland Area. Not necessarily because I am embarrassed by my hometown. It's mostly because no one outside of the state of Oregon knows what my suburb is. If I'm being totally honest though, I love Portland more than where I am from. There are many notable differences between people and culture once you get into the city. Differences that I like better in the city.

2. There seems to be a stereotype that suburban kids are stuck up.

In high school, there were kids that met this stereotype. I tried my best to steer clear of them. I will admit I am privileged. But, I wouldn't say I'm stuck up. Most suburban kids aren't stuck up. There are some, but not everyone is.

3. Being from a suburb, whenever I met kids from Portland, they referred to me as the "LO girl".

I never quite understood how this made me feel. They had a tendency to ask me how things were in the small town. Of course, compared to Portland, my suburb is a small town. But I always thought it was funny that I was referred to as my hometown as if I was significantly different.

4. Most kids I've met have 'getting out' first on their checklist.

Almost all of my friends couldn't have been more excited to leave our suburb. Many kids went off to college either in Eugene or Corvallis or they simply left the state. Others moved to Portland. I didn't meet anyone who wanted to stay in our suburb.

5. There are some of us that will come back to raise our kids exactly the way we were raised.

They won't admit it, but they will come right back. I don't plan on doing this. In all honesty, moving back to a suburb and taking the mainstream approach terrifies me. Who knows though, anything could happen.

6. Most suburbs don't have a lot of character.

Sadly, most suburbs (especially mine) are filled with two children families, where the kids play soccer or lacrosse. One parent is in charge of getting the kids off the school or sports, while the other works. It's not very original. Of course, not all families are like this, but most are.

7. From what I saw in high school, most kids wanted to look exactly the same.

Coordinating outfits, hair and only dating within their group. Looking back at pictures I was a lot preppier in high school, perhaps in an effort to fit in. I've changed since I've left. There wasn't a lot of acceptance for kids who didn't play sports or something that made the school look good. If I could do it differently, I would have invested into the school newspaper or the arts. I wouldn't have taken place in sports.

8. Kids tend to stay in the same groups.

I moved when I was about 12, and I had a lot of trouble making friends. A lot of kids are very cliquey, I never understood why, but it made certain people very intimidating.

For example: At my sophomore year homecoming, I brought some of my friends who went to a high school in inner city Portland. They thought it was odd that everyone was dancing in their own groups, and there wasn't one giant mesh of people. When I went to their homecoming, everyone was dancing together. There were no small groups. It felt more comforting.

9. Like small towns, everyone knows everyone.

I've had people tap on my shoulder in grocery stores saying they know my mother, and I have no idea who they are. The gossip may not be spread around like wild fire. But, if you have a sibling in sports, everyone can know your name.

10. City life is very different.

The kids I've met from the city are much more cultured and open minded. It may be due to more diversity and acceptance. But, all most friends who didn't go to my high school had a very different perspective. It was refreshing.

Suburbs are not for everyone, they can be a great place to raise a family. Some people love them, unfortunately, I'm not one of those people.