First semester is over, and for most of us, that means that we’re finally home enjoying the company of family and old friends. Now don’t get me wrong; San Diego is an amazing place, but there’s truly no place like home. For me, that’s the Bay Area and let me just say… OH MY GOSH. I have never appreciated the Bay Area more until I moved down to San Diego for college. And again, do not get me wrong because I do not dislike SD for any reason whatsoever… I just highly prefer the Bay for a variety of reasons.

1. We are the most diverse region anywhere.

Unless I am somehow mistaken, the Bay Area is home to everyone. We have people of every color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality, etc. (the list could go on and on). With that being said, growing up in such a diverse area has shaped me into what I hope is an accepting and understanding individual with an immense appreciation for all cultures and customs.

2. We have the best food.

Okay. Yes. I might be biased. I probably very much am, but I am sticking by this opinion. Like I mentioned previously, the Bay Area is home to practically all cultures, and therefore, cuisines. No matter what food you are craving, you will find it. Not only that, but you will always find hole-in-the-wall restaurants and shops that replicate the true flavors of the cuisine you are trying.

3. Boba.

Sticking with the “food” genre, I have to mention boba. Boba deserves its own section, and I say this with absolutely no doubt in my mind — we have THE BEST BOBA. HANDS DOWN. NO EXCEPTIONS.

No matter where you are in the Bay Area, I can almost guarantee that you will find a boba place in every complex. Most complexes have at least 2-3 boba shops. Excessive? Nope.

When I’m in San Diego, especially considering the fact that I do not have a car, I am deprived of my normal dosage of boba. Coming from an area where I would drink boba at least 3-4 times a week (my bank account hates me for it) and then suddenly being cut off from this supply and instead living off boba MAYBE once a week or every two weeks is torture. Complete and utter torture.

Even when I do get to drink boba, it’s not the same. I’ve had so many people tell me that San Diego has a variety of boba shops here and there, but every place I’ve tried cannot compare to the Bay Area. There’s a distinct flavor that’s unique to the Bay that I don’t think can be replicated anywhere else.

… and I will stop here because the more I write about boba, the crazier and more obsessed I sound.

4. Landscape/Environment.

No matter what you’re in the mood for — oceans, beaches, lakes, forests, etc. —you will find it. Living in the Bay grants you access to practically every environment.

5. Weather.

Okay, so we might not have all the seasons (especially not winter), but what I can say is that we do not have humid weather. If you’ve ever traveled to Hawaii or Florida (or anything along those lines), you will immediately notice that the air is humid, which has the possibility of making you feel sticky and gross after a few hours.

NO HUMID WEATHER HERE.

6. Culture, Music, Dance, Trends.

I won’t say much about this because I don’t want to create any excessive and unnecessary drama, but we have the best of all the points listed as #6.

Music is fire, the way people dance is not cringe-worthy, and we’re just the full package.

Okay, overall, I just want to throw out the disclaimer that I am not bashing any other area besides the Bay (but I will criticize all the places except the Bay for the boba choices). Every region has its own attractions and vibe, and I know I’m biased because I grew up where I did, but the Bay Area will always be home for me.

No matter where I go, I know I will always consider the Bay my home and where I belong. So whether you’re from here, or you’re from another part of the country, visit the Bay Area, and you’ll hopefully come to love it just as much as I do.