According to an article written by Nick James of RoadSnacks, Wilson, NC is No. 1 on a list of 10 worst places to live. I would have to disagree. Though I don’t have data to support these reasons, I have compiled thoughts and opinions from fellow Wilsonians.

1. Everybody knows everybody.

Some may consider this a bad thing, however, there’s nothing more special than having almost everyone in the entire town rallying together to support a child with hemophilia or to have the two biggest rival high schools in the county come together and support one another in the wake of the death of a former graduate.

2. It may not have everything you want, but it’s got everything you need.

It’s close enough to major cities; Raleigh, the state capital, is only 45 minutes away, and Wilmington, a beach town, is only two hours. As someone that currently lives in Raleigh, I can honestly tell you that big city living is not all it’s cracked up to be. Yes, living here has its advantages. But there’s nothing like being back at home where I can run into familiar faces and complete strangers that would gladly give me the shirt off their back.

3. Yes, we have crime, just like everywhere else.

I find it hard to believe the New Jersey is safer than a small Southern tobacco town. I have rarely, if ever, felt unsafe in Wilson. I know many people that feel comfortable enough to leave their doors unlocked. I also know many law enforcement officers personally and I believe they do everything in their power to keep the over 49,000 Wilsonians safe.

4. The restaurants are impeccable.

Whether you’re looking for something upscale like Jac’s Grill, The Beefmastor Inn, or Pup’s Steakhouse or if you’re looking for a great down home Southern BBQ restaurant like Bill’s or Parker’s, Wilson’s got it.

5. Yes, our public schools are overcrowded, but our graduates are cream of the crop.

As a graduate of Fike High School, I can honestly say that I received one of the best educational experiences I could have asked for. My teachers went above and beyond to ensure that they gave me the best education within their means. I had the opportunity to participate in the International Baccalaureate program and I also had the chance to take Advancement Placement courses. Thus, I was more than prepared for life at a university. Graduates from my high school now attend Harvard, Duke, Chapel Hill, ECU, NC State, and other prestigious institutions. I now attend NC State, and I can most certainly tell you that I am on my way to being a successful Biomedical Engineer and hopefully future physician due to the foundation I received as part of the Wilson County Public School System.

6. It’s a great place to raise a family.

Though I don’t have one of my own yet, I am grateful that all of my upbringing was in this town. There are more than enough activities for youth including: 4-H, various sports, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, dance studios and so many more. There are incredible places to work like BB&T, the Bridgestone Firestone Wilson Plant, Wilson Medical Center, many small businesses and others. Not to mention the vast number of churches, because let’s face it, Wilson is in the Bible belt. However in my opinion, a church is what makes this small town feel like home.

All in all, everyone will always say that want to leave but they always end up coming back. Whether it's the small town vibe, the friendly people, or the great food, Wilson has everything you need.