America's Finest City. That's a title that San Diego earned for a variety of reasons. Whether it's our world famous beaches, craft beer or biotech industry, there's a lot to look forward to. But what about the San Diegans who define themselves in the areas they live in? What makes them different from any other locals in places� like North County or East County?
For today, we'll be focusing on the top signs that show you grew up in the South Bay area of San Diego.
1. You lived close to the border.
Compared to others, it's a lot more convenient to make trips down south into Mexico. Whether it's for visiting family members, frequenting bars as early as 18 or to watch popular movie releases earlier, it's great to have those options.
2. Mexicans and Filipinos were probably the majority at school.
This is especially apparent if you were part of the Sweetwater Union High School District.
3. When someone refers to "SoBay," you know what it means.
It's self-explanatory.
4. You go/went to Tacos el Gordo at least once a month.
We like to exaggerate that you're not a San Diegan if you haven't tried this place, but you will be judged if you live in the south bay area and never made the effort to try it.
5. At least one person in your family was affiliated with the military.
It goes without saying that San Diego can be considered a "military town," so it contributes to that.
6. You have a love/hate relationship with the I-805 and I-5.
It can be reliable to get you to destinations up north, but if you're on the road during rush hour, it's an absolute disaster.
7. �You scoff at the idea that someone outside of San Diego (with the exception of people from Mexico) has had better Mexican food than you.
It's downright laughable when you hear someone say that Chipotle or Taco Bell is the best Mexican food ever.
8. It's difficult to think that someone from North County is a San Diegan.
As cleverly pointed out in a BuzzFeed video, if we met other San Diegans outside our area, you should expect to be slightly judged.
9. You either went to Sharp or Kaiser Permanente.
They are the biggest ones in San Diego and have their own specialties in care for patients.
10. You know buffalo fries are just as great as carne asada fries...
...especially in restaurants like Wings Empire New York Wings and Ribs.
11. You get extremely angry when a person with a Tijuana license plate cuts you off on the road.
You know who you are.
12. You could never decide on which mall to go to.
We have Los Americas, Chula Vista Mall and Plaza Bonita. Trust me, it's difficult to choose at times.
�13. You had easy access to Imperial Beach ("IB" for short) and visited every other week when you were young.
Its pier and yearly Sun and Sea Festival definitely count as some of the biggest attractions that it has -- that and visiting Cowabunga or IB Forum.
14. You used to watch movies at the drive-in theater.
It makes for extremely memorable and close moments for kids -- and even more so if it's just you and your loved one.
