Living in a town on Long Island where you have to drive everywhere gets really frustrating, especially when it came to making plans growing up. Other towns have places to walk around, such as strip malls or boardwalks. As high school was ending, all I ever heard was how excited everyone was to go far away from Long Island. Now, living away from home for almost a full school year, I have realized that there is no place else in the entire world that I would have wanted to grow up.

Here are 8 things that I didn’t realize I took for granted about Long Island until I left:

1. Pizza and Bagels

There is absolutely nothing like the pizza and bagels from NY. We know they are the best and that is why there are several of each store in every town all over Long Island. Everyone has their favorite place but I would take any Long Island store over the pizza and bagels here in Maryland.

2. Driving Wherever You Want

On Long Island, you have to drive EVERYWHERE. There is no avoiding learning how to drive because you don’t have another option. This becomes the norm and I miss being able to drive around aimlessly with the music playing. In college, I walk everywhere and I miss having my car with me at all times.

3. Having Easy Access to NYC

4. Being Able to go to North and South Shore Beaches

Having lived on Long Island my whole life, I never knew what it was like to not have access to a beach. Long Island is unique, with its rocky northern beaches and sandy southern ones. Learning that not everyone has easy access to the beach was a game changer when I came to college.

5. So Many Clothing Stores

I never realized that Long Island was unique for its clothing stores until my college friends decided that they wanted to come home with me to take them shopping. They all say they only have one boutique to buy typical everyday clothing which is something that I would struggle with since I am so picky!

6. Going to the Diner After a Night Out

I, for one, have never been a huge fan of going to the diner. However, going to the diner after a night of partying is so common as it is open 24/7. Everyone orders greasy food and milkshakes and squeezes into a booth together. Being away from Long Island, people don't understand that a diner is a type of restaurant and not the campus dining hall.

7. Ralph's Famous Italian Ices

If you have ever tried this pure deliciousness, you would know that no more words are needed. Ralph's is the BEST. End case.

8. Everyone Loving Billy Joel

Every Long Islander loves Billy Joel. Even if you don't love Billy Joel, you love Billy Joel. It is weird to me when my college friends aren't as obsessed with him as me.

I love my college town but nothing will ever compare to living on Long Island. Hopefully, people will take this from me and stop complaining before they no longer have it easily accessible.