Reading, MA is a small-suburban town located about 20 minutes North of Boston. Just about everyone living there complains about how boring it is, but once you leave for an extended period of time you begin to appreciate the town you've called home for the past 18 years. Even though your middle-school self will resent you for saying it, you’re proud to call yourself a “townie” and here are just a few of the many reasons why:

A: Atlantic Food Mart

It was a sad day when the Atlantic Food Mart closed its doors in 2008. The Atlantic was the best grocery store in town mostly because it gave out free sugar cookies every time you went in.

B: Bagel World

Now this one's a given. Easily the most popular eatery in town where people willingly wait for an hour (or more) just to get their bagel and coffee fix. Not to mention, every time you're there it's like a high school reunion.

C: Construction

Good luck trying to get anywhere without at least three detours.

D: Dandilyon's Ice Cream

Sure, there's Orange Leaf, Zinga, and Richardson's all in Reading, but nothing beats the family-owned Dandilyon's on the corner of Main and Franklin Street.

E: Everyone Knows Everyone

As a small town with just under 25,000 people, everyone knows everyone (and everyone's business).

F: (Town) Forest

Hidden behind Meadow Brook and the town dump, the town forest offers a woodsy escape from the suburban atmosphere of town.

H: Harrow's Chicken Pies

If you haven't noticed already, the majority of Reading's highlights revolve around food, and Harrow's is no exception.

I: Imagination Station

Although it was taken down a few years ago due to the violations of health codes, Imagination Station will forever be the best playground in Reading.

J: Jordan's Furniture

Definitely not your typical furniture store. Growing up in Reading, you probably spend your half days here at Fuddruckers, Beantown, the trapeze or Richardson's and walking around until you got kicked out.

K: Killiam Koala's

... Joshua Eaton Jaguars, Birch Meadow Birchies, and Barrows Shining Stars; Reading just might have the most intimidating elementary school mascots around.

L: Londi's

It might be Anthony's now, but it will always be known as Londi's.

M: Mr. RMHS

The hilarious male beauty pageant put on by RMHS boys always to draws a crowd.

N: Nightspot

Throwback to when the go-to spot for middle schoolers on Friday nights was nightspot in the YMCA gym.

P: The Patch

Though you may feel like a middle-aged mom reading it, you have to keep up with the happenings in town somehow when you're not there.

Q: (Lake) Quannapowitt

Although it's not technically in Reading, Lake Quannapowitt offers a serene water view just a town over. A perfect spot to walk, bike or boat in the warm weather.

R: Rockets

Though it may seem like an odd or even vulgar school mascot, but the people of Reading have become accustomed to calling themselves Rockets. After all, the high school is built on an old rocket launching ground.

S: Summer Ave.

The prettiest street in Reading, hands down.

T: Title Town

If you aren't from here, you probably hate us. That's because whether it be Middlesex league or state titles, we've gotten them all in just about every sport — thus coining the name title town.

V: Victory Bell

Dedicated to the beloved former Assistant Principal, Michael Scarpitto, the victory bell sits outside the RMHS field house to celebrate victories within our community.

W: Wayside Bazaar

Can't forget the best place in town to get party supplies and toys that unfortunately closed its doors and turned into yet another restaurant in town.

X: Ima(X)

As if Jordan's Furniture didn't already have enough activities inside, it also has an imax theatre which allows movie go-ers a wrap around movie experience

Y: Yik Yak

The most inactive social media site in Reading except for when all the college students return and try to keep it as popular as it is at their schools.

Z: Zinga

If you're looking for a healthier option than ice cream, Zinga offers self-service froyo and toppings.