Hannah Montana said it best with her song entitled “You’ll Always Find Your Way back Home.” For those that have watched the series growing up, you’ll recall that young Miley moved from her small town to the big city to live out her dream as a teen pop sensation. And it was a success! She created her alter ego, sold tons of albums, and met her bffs Lily and Oliver. Of course, in Hannah Montana: The Movie, the audience gets a glimpse of what her hometown really looks like, what the people are like, and most importantly that that it’s more than a town - it’s a community; a family. Hannah realized that she had let fame and fortune become too much of a priority that she was forgetting who she truly was and where she came from.

I’m sure we’ve all had that experience - where we have been caught up in finishing degrees, new jobs, or even moving away from home that we forget to pause, reflect, and revisit our roots. It’s not a bad thing to do so. It remind us how far we have come. It also brings back high school memories, and, of course, we see so many familiar faces.

Tulare, CA is my personal Crowley Corners, with farmer’s markets, flea markets, and livestock galore. I am extremely proud to have grown up where I did. Every time I visit I am reminded of how much I have accomplished given my limited resources. What’s even better is that I always feel that I am returning to a FAMILY. My old neighbors are all still mostly there. The popular places there were to eat ten years ago are still there (with some improvements in technology). Most importantly, my momma is always there with SO MUCH DELICIOUS FOOD.

Here are my top 5 reasons why growing up in a small (mostly Hispanic) town is so much better than growing up in a big city.

1. Taco Trucks, hello. Three within a mile radius of my house.
2. The corner store manager knows you by name and can let you get away with free chicken strips every now and then
3. You actually know your neighbors by name
4. You can walk to your best friend’s house in the middle of the night without worry
5. The stars. Man, so many stars.

Growing up in a small town is a beautiful thing. It humbles you before you take your first steps into the “real world”. Of course, once one has come of age and made wonderful memories in their little picture-perfect town, it’s time for said person to get the hell out of there and experience the REAL good life in an urban environment! PARTY TIME SUCKERS!! DRINKS ON ME! (cue “Purple Lamborghini” by Skrillex & Rick Ross)