There is a special place in all of our hearts for the town we grew up in, and in my case that town is Roanoke, VA. This is a place for families to grow and settle down, a place to learn about life, and for the most part, a safe place to be. Here's a list of things we can all relate to growing up in the valley.

1. The Roanoke Star.

Via Gutter Pup Adventures

We've all visited the top of Mill Mountain to see our beautiful symbol up close. It's where we take our friends who are visiting the city, not because it's the only thing to do, but because the view is actually breathtaking.

2. High School Rivalries.

Via The Roanoke Times

Whether it's Cave Spring vs. Hidden Valley, Northside vs. Patrick Henry or Salem vs. Glenvar, there is always a side to pick. We love having friends from the opposite school, so we can rub it in their faces just how awesome we are.

3. Festivals.

Via The Roanoke Times

We love festivals! We've got Greek festivals, Lebanese festivals, Local Colors, Strawberry festivals, Microfestivus beer festival, chili cook-offs, you name it! Our weekends are jam-packed with ways to celebrate our local community.

4. Knowing someone wherever you go.

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Living in a small town, you're bound to run into people you know from school, sports, church, etc. Our favorite place to meet each other: the Kroger down the street.

5. Forever dreaming of a bigger mall.

Via More Than Turquoise

The mall scene is pretty bad. We spent our youthful rainy days running around it just to occupy our time and now we can't even be alone there unless we're adults. We waited years for fashionable stores to come, but even now, it doesn't satisfy our shopaholic wishes.

6. Salem Fair.

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Everyone and their mothers come out to the fair every year, and although it may not be the cleanest or the classiest of them all, we look forward to it every single summer.

7. Hiking.

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Growing up surrounded by mountains, we all just love hiking. With so many trails around us, it's pretty easy to hike a new trail everyday if you wanted. From the Cascades in Blacksburg to Dragon's Tooth in Catawba to Roanoke Mountain, there are plenty to choose from.

8. Katie's Ice Cream and Chocolates.

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This is a staple place in the southwest Roanoke community. They serve up delicious ice cream all the time and a candy bar you could stare at for hours.

9. Living right outside the Hokie Nation.

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Even though, we're over 30 miles from Virginia Tech's campus, Roanoke locals have a strong connection to the Hokie nation. You don't have to have any direct connection to the school other than living close enough to attend plenty of games. You can't walk more than about 20 feet in Roanoke without seeing some sort of Hokie swag.

10. Having to explain to outsiders that you are the closest big city.

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Outsiders assume we live close to another big city, but the truth is, we are 3 hours away from Richmond, 4 hours away from Washington, and 2 hours away from Greensboro. It may not be the biggest, but we still have a historic downtown, Uber and nightlife, so that's good enough for us.

11. Living here is a family affair.

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Roanoke is a great place to raise your children and grow as a family, so it's not uncommon to run into young adults who are ready to get the heck out. Fear not, they'll proabably be back when they're ready to settle down.