Considered one of the best places in the world, those of us who spend every summer on the Cape realize how lucky we are to have grown up here. While we don’t live here 24/7, it still feels like home.

1. You don’t consider yourself a tourist, but you don’t call yourself a resident either

You’re stuck in that awkward in between. You know your way around via the backroads, but you don’t know what it’s like to experience a winter down here. You don’t need a GPS like real tourists need, but you also haven’t lived with all of your favorite stores closed for the off season. I think it’s best we call ourselves temporary residents.

2. You know which beaches to visit and which to avoid

Working as a town of Dennis employee, the most popular question I get is “where is Mayflower beach?” Known as one of the best beaches in the country, Mayflower is also one of the most crowded beaches to go to. As a temporary resident, you make every effort to visit the quieter beaches in order to actually find some peace and relaxation.

3. You love the local restaurants, but you also miss the chain ones

The Cape is known for Mom and Pop type restaurants and nothing beats the locally made food. But, you can’t help but miss the cravings you have for Pizza Hut or California Pizza Kitchen. I actually shed a tear when there’s a Pizza Hut commercial on knowing there’s none on the Cape. In the end, you always end up appreciating the food you can only eat three months a year.

4. You have your hometown friends and your Cape friends

There’s the group of people you grew up with waiting for you back home, but you’re never lonely because you have your summertime friends. For me, most of my friends were met through work, but others grow up in the same neighborhood during the summer. You’ve become equally close with both group of friends and dread having to leave one for the other.

5. You have a job, but are only a seasonal employee

Pretty much every job on the Cape offers seasonal employment meaning you only work during the summer. You’re still an employee and your hometown friends are incredibly jealous that you get to make money where you vacation. These are the best summer jobs you could ask for.

6. You consider the Cape as much of a home as your hometown

You spend one fourth of every year down here and it starts to feel like your second home. Knowing that you get to return to the shops, restaurants, beaches, and weather are what keep you motivated all year long.

The summer population on the Cape doubles the year round population. While we might not be able to consider ourselves true Cape Codders, we’ll never see ourselves as tourists.