Growing up, my friends and peers always said how much they hated where we lived. Everyone was so ready to get out of our hometown, I feel like they took for granted everything that Pawleys Island had to offer. So here are ten reasons why we, and everyone else, should love the places that we call home.

1. No other town has exactly what yours does.

Every place is different, so we really should be thankful for everything our towns have to offer. Whether your hometown has amazing shopping, beautiful sunsets, or giant plates of bacon-cheesy-ranchy fries (thank you bisqit), there are some things that you can only get in your hometown and that you look forward to every time you go back home.

2. In your hometown, you always know exactly where you're going.

At home, you know every side street, every shortcut, and every cut through to get exactly where you're going, no GPS necessary. For me, I just love the feeling of going home and knowing exactly where everything I need is and how to get there. It's so much easier to relax when you don't have to look up where everything is like you do during your freshman year at college.

3. The feeling you get when you go back home is honestly unmatched.

Going to familiar places, seeing familiar people, and sleeping in your own bed are amazing feelings that you just don't get while you're away at school or living somewhere else. There are so many places at home that are so special to me and that I have such a connection with, and the feeling I get when I go back to those places is indescribable.

4. Even if you've been almost everywhere in your town, there's always something new to discover.

No matter how long you lived in your hometown, there is always something new to check out when you go back. Whether the cityscape has changed, a new hangout spot has popped up, or the menu at your favorite restaurant is different, it's always interesting to see how your city has evolved since the last time you were there. Even when you go home and think you've done everything there is to do there, you haven't!

5. Your hometown brings back some amazing memories.

This is where it all started. You went to school here. You made friends here. You cried here. You struggled here. But here, you made it through everything and came out as a better person. I can honestly say that I would not be the person I am today if I grew up somewhere different. I'm so thankful for the challenges I faced and the lessons I learned in my hometown, as well as for the person I have become as a result. Every time I go home, I am reminded of all of the things I did growing up, and I am so grateful to have so many amazing memories at home.

6. Your hometown will always be home.

No matter where life takes you, your hometown is the one place you can go that will always feel like home to you. College is great, but living in a dorm with 500 other students and sleeping on a mattress that who knows how many other people have slept on has nothing on going home and being with your family in your own house. The sense of independence that college gives you is super important, but staying true to your roots and remembering where you come from are equally crucial.

So, no matter what drama happened in high school, no matter what issues you may have faced at home, the truth is that there truly is no place like your hometown. So, to all the people still at home, please realize how lucky you have it. You're surrounded by memories, by family, and by people who have known you and loved you for longer than you may realize. Savor it, appreciate it, and always remember that, no matter where you end up, your hometown is where it all began.