If you grew up at or near the Virginia Beach oceanfront, you know that every day can be an adventure. But you also know that it can be hard being a local in a sea of tourists. In the 23 years of living here, I have found a few things that just never seem to change. No matter what you do in Virginia Beach, there is never a dull moment or an excuse to be bored.

1. Be prepared to have an anxiety attack anytime you have to drive on Atlantic Avenue during tourist season.

If you’ve driven on Atlantic Avenue anytime between May and September, you’ll understand that the whole time you’re probably just wishing you had taken a Xanax before turning onto that treacherous road.

2. If you want to go to the beach, the north end is where you want to be.

Don’t even bother going to the beach anywhere below 50th Street — its just overrun by tourists and killer umbrellas.

3. There is so much fun stuff to do, but all of it is geared towards tourists.

Everything fun to do in Virginia Beach costs your firstborn child because people on vacation don’t mind paying the price.

4. Avoid Hilltop Shopping Center at lunchtime at absolutely all costs.

Do not enter the black hole of Hilltop Shopping center between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. — unless you’re going to Taste Unlimited, then you have an excuse.

5. You can’t go look at the Neptune Statue on the boardwalk without seeing at least one person taking a selfie with it.

Because did you really see Neptune at Virginia Beach if you don’t post it on Instagram?

6. You never get to actually go on vacation because all your friends and family come to visit you.

According to your parents, apparently you don’t need to go on a vacation when you live at the beach.

7. People constantly ask to park at your house.

Since parking at the oceanfront is like it’s own version of "The Hunger Games," people try to bypass it by parking at your house instead.

8. There is never a dull moment of people-watching at the boardwalk.

No matter where you are, there will always be something (or someone) crazy to see.

9. You can never have peace and quiet because there are constant jet noises.

You gotta love the sound of freedom.

10. Any kind of food you could imagine, Virginia Beach has it.

No matter what you’re craving, VB has it, and probably the best of it, like my personal favorite ice cream, Kohrs Brothers.

11. You can’t go a mile without seeing a 7-Eleven.

If you forget something, you can always get it at the local 7-Eleven on every corner.

12. You can have a mini vacation whenever you want.

You can go out your front door and start your own staycation whenever you please. It’s fun to pretend to be a tourist sometimes.

13. You wouldn't want to call any other place home.

Even though sometimes it feels like you live at a circus, you wouldn't wanna live anywhere else.

I'm so lucky I was able to grow up and still live in Virginia Beach, even though sometimes it can feel like you're a small guppy living in a sea full of tourist sharks who have taken over your home. When you know the tips, tricks, and secrets of the beach it's all worth it. I'm proud to call Virginia Beach my home.