Rochester, N.Y. may not be the largest city around, but it's definitely known for a few things. Growing up in Rochester has definitely shaped me into the person I am, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

1. Wegmans.

They're everywhere. You can drive for 20 minutes around Rochester and pass three different Wegmans stores. Wegmans is the ultimate grocery store; you can find anything and everything you ever need there.

2. Snow.

Rochester is one of the snowiest cities. It takes a severe blizzard to close schools because our plows can handle much more than just the regular flurry.

3. Garbage plate.

Nick Tahou's is to blame for this phenomenon. There are many variations, but the basics are either a hamburger or hotdog with macaroni salad and home fires. And that stuff on top? It's meat hot sauce. While it looks disgusting to those that are foreign to the idea, it's the best food to satisfy your hunger after a night out.

4. The City.

When you talk to downstate New Yorkers, "the City" means Manhattan. But to Rochesterians, the City is the city of Rochester, which isn't quite as appealing as Manhattan.

5. Strong Memorial Hospital.

With all of the incredible doctors and specialty programs, Strong hospital is one of the few high ranked facilities in the country. Patients from all over the United States have come to Strong to receive top-notch care.

6. The accent.

People from Rochester often get mocked for the way we spread our vowels. For instance, we pronounce "Rochester" as "Rah-chester."

7. In line.

Rochesterians strongly disagree with all of the Long Islanders and others who say "on line." It's just wrong. On line means you're online, like the Internet. If you're waiting to be checked out at the grocery store, you're in line, not on it.

8. Crime.

Unfortunately, Rochester is known for having a high crime rate. The homicide rate for nation is four per 100,000 people. The homicide rate for Rochester is 13 per 100,000 people.

7. Park Ave Fest.

For one weekend during the summer, Park Avenue in Rochester is lined with vendors and live music for the Park Avenue Summer Art Fest. This year will be the 39th annual Fest.

8. Eastview Mall.

If you're from Rochester, then you know that Eastview Mall is where all the cool kids go. Technically, Eastview isn't even in Rochester, it's in Victor. But, compared to Rochester's Marketplace Mall and Greece Ridge Mall, Eastview is gold.

9. West Side vs. East Side.

There are definitely some stereotypes for Eastsiders and Westsiders. Eastsiders tend to be the more wealthy, preppy types, whereas Westsiders are more middle class. This stereotype is certainly not applicable to everyone, but when I know that when I think of Eastsider, I think money.

10. Family restaurants.

The family restaurants are everywhere in Rochester. They all have the same cozy atmosphere and delicious home-made food. Yum.

Rochester is a diverse place with many different unique characteristics, and it will always be the place I call home.