There’s something special about growing up in New Orleans. From the community to the cuisine, you’re exposed to so much unique culture right from the start, you may take it for granted. Here are 7 ways growing up in New Orleans prepares you for the real world.

  1. You’re an expert at dodging pot holes

Mike Mozart/Flickr Pretty much every professional stunt driver probably practiced in New Orleans.

  1. You know food

Dennis Amith/Flickr Because we’ve got some of the most unique cuisine in the nation.

  1. Because of the cuisine, you’ve developed a bit of a cast iron stomach.

Michael Dales/Flickr Your definition of spicy is off the charts compared to other parts of the country.

  1. You’ve been exposed to amazing music since you were a kid.

Geoff Livingston/Flickr Amazing LIVE music.

  1. Partying is in your blood

Marc Monaghan/Flickr From Mardi Gras to the hundreds of festivals each year, New Orleanians know how to have a good time.

  1. You’re resilient

Scott S./Flickr New Orleanians can take whatever is thrown their way and bounce back.

  1. You can handle extreme heat

jalexaris/Flickr On the flip side, you probably don’t do well in extreme cold.

What are some other ways growing up in New Orleans prepares you for the real world? Add yours in the comments below!

Mike Mozart/Flickr

Pretty much every professional stunt driver probably practiced in New Orleans.

Dennis Amith/Flickr

Because we’ve got some of the most unique cuisine in the nation.

Michael Dales/Flickr

Your definition of spicy is off the charts compared to other parts of the country.

Geoff Livingston/Flickr

Amazing LIVE music.

Marc Monaghan/Flickr

From Mardi Gras to the hundreds of festivals each year, New Orleanians know how to have a good time.

Scott S./Flickr

New Orleanians can take whatever is thrown their way and bounce back.

jalexaris/Flickr

On the flip side, you probably don’t do well in extreme cold.

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