Local vs. Long-Distance Moves: Which Is Right For You?

Grant Cool • April 3, 2026

Deciding to pack up your entire life and move to a new home always brings a mix of excitement and anxiety. Once you decide to move, you face a major question: should you stay in your current city or cross state lines for a totally fresh start? Both options offer unique benefits and present specific challenges that will impact your family, your finances, and your daily routine. Understanding the difference between a local relocation and a long-distance move helps you plan your transition effectively. You need to weigh the financial costs, the logistical hurdles, and the emotional impact of leaving your current neighborhood behind. Making the right choice requires careful consideration of your personal goals and your budget.


This guide breaks down the true pros and cons of moving locally versus moving long distances. We will explore the hidden costs and the emotional factors you must consider before you start buying cardboard boxes. Finally, we will show you exactly how Prescott Moving Company provides the tailored, professional services you need to enjoy a completely stress-free moving experience.


The Pros and Cons of Moving Locally

A local move generally means relocating within the same city or within a radius of about 50 miles. Many people choose this option when they need a larger house, want to switch school districts, or simply desire a change of scenery without leaving their established community.


The Benefits of Staying Close to Home

The biggest advantage of a local move is the incredible convenience. You already know the area, which means you do not have to find a new doctor, a new favorite grocery store, or a new gym. You maintain your established routines and keep your current social circle completely intact. Cost also plays a massive role in local relocations. Local movers typically charge by the hour rather than by the weight of your belongings and the total mileage.


This pricing structure usually makes a local move significantly cheaper than a cross-country journey. Emotionally, staying local causes far less stress for families with children. Kids get to keep their friends, stay involved in their local sports teams, and experience less disruption to their daily lives. The familiar environment provides a strong sense of comfort during the chaotic transition period.


The Drawbacks of a Local Move

Despite the convenience, local moves come with their own unique set of frustrations. Because the distance is short, many homeowners try to manage the entire process themselves. They end up making dozens of exhausting trips back and forth across town in a rented truck. This DIY approach often leads to broken furniture, physical injuries, and immense mental burnout. Additionally, staying in the same city means you might not experience the massive lifestyle upgrade or the exciting fresh start you originally craved. You might find yourself stuck in the same traffic jams and dealing with the same local issues as before.


The Pros and Cons of Moving Long Distances

A long-distance move involves crossing state lines or traveling hundreds of miles away from your current home. This type of relocation usually happens due to a new job opportunity, a desire to be closer to extended family, or a need for a completely different climate and lifestyle.


The Excitement of a Fresh Start

Moving across the country offers an unmatched sense of adventure. You get to explore a brand-new city, experience a different regional culture, and completely reinvent your daily routine. This fresh start often provides the perfect catalyst for personal growth and exciting new career opportunities. A long-distance move also forces you to aggressively declutter your life. Because you pay by the weight of your items, you naturally get rid of old furniture, unworn clothes, and useless junk before the movers arrive. You arrive at your new house with only the items that truly matter to you.


The Challenges of Crossing State Lines

The logistics of a long-distance move require intense planning and precision. You cannot easily run back to your old house if you forget something in the attic. Coordinating the arrival of your belongings with your own travel plans often proves highly stressful without professional help. Cost represents another massive hurdle for long-distance relocations.


Transporting thousands of pounds of furniture across several states requires heavy fuel consumption, specialized trucks, and multiple days of professional labor. You must carefully budget for these substantial expenses well in advance. Finally, the emotional impact of a long-distance move hits hard. You have to leave your close friends, familiar haunts, and comfortable routines behind. Building a brand-new social network in an unfamiliar city takes significant time and emotional energy.


Key Factors to Consider Before You Pack

Before you make your final decision, you must evaluate a few crucial elements. Your specific situation dictates which type of move makes the most sense for your future.


Comparing Moving Costs

Local moves bill by the hour, meaning your final cost depends heavily on how well you prepare. If you pack your boxes efficiently and stage your furniture near the door, you save the moving crew time and save yourself money. Long-distance moves bill by weight and distance. You must request in-home estimates to get an accurate idea of the final price. Slashing your moving costs requires you to downsize your belongings aggressively before the movers load the truck.


Managing the Logistics

Local logistics usually involve securing a parking spot for the moving truck and ensuring your new home is ready for immediate move-in. The timeline is short, often wrapping up in a single afternoon. Long-distance logistics involve complex scheduling. You must arrange for temporary housing if your new home isn't ready, manage the transfer of utilities across state lines, and track the progress of your moving truck over several days. You absolutely need a highly organized moving company to manage these moving parts.


How Prescott Moving Company Makes Your Move Stress-Free

Whether you plan to move three streets over or three states away, you do not have to manage the heavy lifting alone. Prescott Moving Company provides the expert guidance, premium equipment, and dedicated labor you need to protect your belongings and your sanity.


Tailored Local Moving Services

For local moves, our highly trained crews arrive exactly on time and work with incredible efficiency. We know the local roads, traffic patterns, and neighborhood regulations. We carefully wrap your fragile items, protect your doorframes, and navigate tight stairwells with ease. We charge transparent, honest hourly rates with absolutely no hidden fees. Our team handles the exhausting physical labor so you can focus entirely on setting up your new home and settling into your new space.


Expert Long-Distance Relocation

Long-distance moves require a completely different level of expertise, and Prescott Moving Company delivers exactly that. We provide comprehensive, binding estimates so you know your exact costs upfront. We invent exactly what goes onto our trucks and track your belongings every single mile of the journey. Our dedicated long-distance drivers prioritize the safety and security of your household goods. We offer professional packing services to ensure your items survive the bumpy cross-country trip without a single scratch. From your current driveway to your new front door, we manage every single logistical detail for you.


Start Your Journey With Confidence

Choosing between a local and long-distance move depends entirely on your personal goals, your budget, and your appetite for adventure. Both options require careful planning, strict organization, and physical endurance. You simply cannot afford to trust your valuable possessions to an inexperienced or careless moving crew. Prescott Moving Company brings years of industry experience, specialized equipment, and a deep commitment to customer satisfaction to every single job.


We take incredible pride in delivering flawless, stress-free relocations that let our customers focus on their exciting new chapter. Do not let the logistics of moving overwhelm you and ruin your transition. Contact Prescott Moving Company today to schedule a comprehensive moving consultation. Let our expert team help you weigh your options and build a customized moving plan that fits your exact needs. Reach out now, and let us provide the professional, reliable moving assistance your family deserves.


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Meta title: Local vs Long-Distance Moves | Prescott Moving Company
Meta description: Discover the pros and cons of local and long-distance moves. Learn how Prescott Moving Company provides expert, tailored services for a stress-free relocation.


Students with backpacks walking toward a school entrance on a sunny day
By Grant Cool June 29, 2026
Relocating to a new city is exciting, but it comes with a long list of decisions. For families with children, one question rises above the rest: where will the kids go to school? The right school shapes your child's friendships, confidence, and future, so it deserves serious thought before you pick a neighborhood or sign a lease. Here's something most people don't expect. Prescott Moving Company does far more than load boxes onto a truck. The team knows Prescott inside and out, and that local knowledge becomes a real asset when you're trying to find the best schools and the right neighborhood for your family. This guide walks you through how a local moving company can support your school search, how Prescott's school options break down, and what to look for as you compare your choices. Why a Local Moving Company Is More Than a Truck When you hire movers from out of town, you get a service. When you hire a local Prescott team, you get a neighbor who actually lives here and understands the community. Prescott Moving Company has spent years helping families settle into homes across the area. Along the way, the team has learned which neighborhoods sit near top-rated schools, which areas offer short commutes, and how different parts of town feel day to day. That kind of insight doesn't show up on a real estate listing or a school ranking website. So while the crew handles the heavy lifting, they can also point you toward the resources and neighborhoods that match your family's needs. Think of them as part moving company, part community guide. Understanding School Districts in Prescott Before you compare individual schools, it helps to understand how districts work. A school district is a geographic area, and where you live usually determines which public schools your child can attend. Prescott and the surrounding region include several districts, each with its own boundaries, policies, and personality. The main district serving the city is the Prescott Unified School District, but nearby communities like Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, and Dewey-Humboldt have their own districts too. This matters more than many families realize. Two homes just a few miles apart can fall into completely different districts, which means different schools, different programs, and different commute times. Choosing your neighborhood and choosing your school are really one connected decision. This is exactly where local knowledge pays off. Prescott Moving Company can help you understand how district lines affect your housing search before you commit to an area. Public, Charter, and Private Schools: What's the Difference? Prescott families have several types of schools to choose from. Each one works a little differently, so it helps to know what sets them apart. Public Schools Public schools are funded by taxpayers and free to attend. Your home address typically assigns your child to a specific public school within your district. These schools follow state standards and serve the broadest range of students. They're a strong choice for families who want a neighborhood school with established programs and a built-in local community. Charter Schools Charter schools are also public and tuition-free, but they operate with more independence. Many focus on a specific teaching style, theme, or academic approach—think arts, science, or college prep. Charter schools usually accept students from across district lines, though popular ones may have waitlists or lotteries. They're worth considering if you want a specialized program for your child. Private Schools Private schools charge tuition and set their own curriculum, admissions standards, and values. Many offer smaller class sizes, religious instruction, or specialized academics. Because they aren't tied to district boundaries, your home address doesn't limit your options. Private schools suit families who want a particular environment and have the budget to match. There's no single "best" type. The right fit depends on your child, your priorities, and your budget. How to Evaluate Schools and Find the Right Fit Once you know your options, you need a way to compare them. Use these factors to guide your search. Academics Start with academic performance, but look deeper than a single score. Review test results, graduation rates, and class sizes. Ask about the curriculum, special education support, and programs for advanced learners. A school that challenges your child at the right level makes a real difference. Extracurriculars School is about more than the classroom. Sports, music, theater, robotics, and clubs help kids discover passions and build friendships. If your child loves soccer or coding, look for a school that supports that interest. Strong extracurriculars often signal a well-rounded, engaged community. Proximity and Commute A great school loses some shine if it sits 40 minutes away. Consider how far the school is from home and how your child will get there. Shorter commutes mean more family time, easier participation in after-school activities, and less daily stress. School Culture and Values Visit if you can. Walk the halls, talk to staff, and watch how students interact. A school's culture—its warmth, discipline, and energy—tells you a lot about whether your child will thrive there. Quick tip: Make a short list of your top three priorities before you tour any schools. It keeps your search focused and makes comparisons much easier. How Neighborhood Knowledge Helps You Settle Near the Right Schools This is where a local moving company becomes surprisingly valuable. Finding a good school is only half the equation. You also need to live somewhere that gives your family access to it. Prescott Moving Company knows the neighborhoods. The team can share what daily life looks like in different parts of town, how long the drive to certain schools really takes, and which areas tend to attract families with young children. That kind of grounded, local perspective helps you avoid surprises after you've already moved in. Maybe you've found a charter school you love but aren't sure which neighborhoods sit within an easy commute. Or perhaps you want a family-friendly area with parks, sidewalks, and a strong sense of community. A local crew that drives these streets every day can steer you in the right direction. By connecting your housing choice to your school choice early, you set your family up for a smoother, happier transition. The Overall Relocation Process Made Simple Moving to a new city involves a lot of moving parts. Here's how the process typically flows when you work with a local team. Plan early. Reach out as soon as you know you're relocating. The more lead time you give, the more support you can receive—including neighborhood and school guidance. Explore neighborhoods and schools together. Use the moving company's local knowledge to narrow down areas that fit your family's school priorities and lifestyle. Get a moving estimate. Once you've chosen a destination, the team provides a clear quote and timeline so there are no surprises. Pack and prepare. Whether you handle packing yourself or use professional packing services, the crew helps you stay organized. Move day. The team handles the heavy lifting, transport, and careful unloading so you can focus on your family. Settle in. With your belongings in place, you can turn your attention to enrolling your kids and helping them adjust to their new school. A good moving company smooths every step, so the stress of relocating doesn't overshadow the excitement of a fresh start. Ready to Make Your Move? Contact Prescott Moving Company Finding the right school and the right neighborhood doesn't have to feel overwhelming. With a knowledgeable local team in your corner, you get more than a smooth move—you get a trusted guide to the community you're about to call home. Prescott Moving Company is ready to help your family relocate with confidence. Reach out today to talk through your move, ask about neighborhoods and schools, and get a free estimate. Let's make your transition to Prescott a great one for the whole family. Frequently Asked Questions Does Prescott Moving Company really help with school and neighborhood decisions? Yes. While the team's core service is moving your belongings safely, they're also longtime locals who know Prescott's neighborhoods and school options. They're happy to share insights that help your family settle into the right area. How early should I contact a moving company when relocating with kids? The sooner, the better. Reaching out several weeks ahead gives you time to explore neighborhoods, weigh school options, and lock in your preferred moving date before the calendar fills up. What's the difference between charter and private schools in Prescott? Charter schools are public and tuition-free, often with a specialized focus, and they accept students across district lines. Private schools charge tuition, set their own curriculum, and aren't tied to district boundaries. How do school district boundaries affect where I should live? Public school assignments usually depend on your home address. Two nearby homes can fall into different districts, so it's smart to confirm boundaries before choosing a neighborhood. Can a local moving company help me understand commute times to schools? Absolutely. A team that works in the area every day knows the real-world drive times between neighborhoods and schools, which helps you choose a home with a manageable daily commute. Meta Title: How Prescott Moving Company Helps You Find the Right School Meta Description: Relocating to Prescott with kids? Learn how Prescott Moving Company's local knowledge helps families find the right schools and neighborhoods. Contact us today.
Aerial view of a suburban neighborhood with tree-lined streets, houses, and autumn-colored trees
By Grant Cool June 17, 2026
Prescott Moving Company helps families find safe neighborhoods by providing on-the-ground insights that online statistics miss. Because local movers navigate these streets daily, they understand traffic patterns, community engagement levels, and street lighting quality. This local expertise ensures your family relocates to a secure, welcoming environment. Relocating your family involves countless decisions, but none carry as much weight as selecting a secure environment to call home. Parents often spend hours analyzing crime maps and school ratings to ensure their children will thrive in a new city. These online metrics provide a helpful starting point, but they rarely capture the everyday reality of living on a specific street. Local professionals who travel these routes daily possess a wealth of untapped knowledge about community dynamics. A locally operated business like Prescott Moving Company understands the nuances of the region far better than out-of-state brokers. Because the crew at Prescott Moving Company physically works in these neighborhoods year-round, they observe how neighbors interact, the quality of local infrastructure, and the overall atmosphere of different subdivisions. This on-the-ground perspective proves invaluable when you are trying to narrow down your housing options. By consulting with an established local mover early in your relocation process, you gain access to practical, street-level intelligence. This guide explains how Prescott Moving Company supports families in prioritizing safety, minimizing moving risks, and confidently selecting a neighborhood that aligns with their security needs. How can local moving experts help you identify a safe neighborhood? What street-level details do local movers observe? Data aggregators update their statistics periodically, but moving crews see neighborhoods in real-time. The staff at Prescott Moving Company notices details like well-maintained sidewalks, active neighborhood watch signs, and children playing safely in front yards. These daily observations reveal the true character of a community. Choose a neighborhood heavily recommended by local workers if you prioritize active community engagement over isolated living. Furthermore, local movers understand the daily rhythms of a city. They know which residential streets become dangerous shortcuts during rush hour and which communities remain quiet throughout the day. This practical knowledge helps parents avoid buying homes on seemingly quiet streets that actually experience hazardous traffic patterns. How does geographic knowledge prevent relocation mistakes? A neighborhood might look flawless on a real estate website while sitting directly adjacent to a noisy industrial zone or a high-traffic intersection. Prescott Moving Company navigates these logistical hurdles constantly. The company can warn families about difficult access roads, poor street lighting at night, or areas prone to heavy congestion. Relying on this geographic knowledge prevents families from committing to a house that compromises their daily peace of mind. Moving is a massive investment of time and capital. Checking in with local experts ensures you do not inadvertently move your family into a location that looks great on paper but fails to deliver a secure environment in reality. Why is Prescott considered one of the safest cities in Arizona? Families migrating across the city or from another state often look at Prescott, Arizona, due to its exceptional reputation. Prescott is widely known as one of the safest cities in Arizona, making the town a premier destination for raising children or enjoying retirement. The city features a vibrant community atmosphere anchored by regular town gatherings. According to the team at Prescott Moving Company, local events foster strong bonds among residents. The annual Whiskey Row Marathon brings runners from across the globe to compete at 5,800 feet above sea level. During the winter, the town huddles around the Courthouse Square in downtown Prescott to enjoy the traditional Courthouse Lighting. Strong community bonds naturally deter crime and encourage neighbors to look out for one another. The diverse age groups and ethnicities residing in Prescott further contribute to a rich, welcoming environment where safety remains a shared priority. How does Prescott Moving Company protect your physical safety during relocation? Why is professional lifting critical for family safety? Selecting a secure neighborhood is only the first step. Arriving at your new home without injury is equally important. Statistically, the average weight of all items transported in a common residential move exceeds 6,500 pounds. Attempting to maneuver refrigerators, washing machines, and heavy entertainment centers significantly increases the risk of severe back injuries or property damage. Prescott Moving Company employs trained professionals equipped with dollies, moving pads, and proper lifting techniques. Delegating this intense physical labor to Prescott Moving Company keeps your family out of harm's way. Choose professional packing and loading services if protecting your physical health matters more than saving a small fraction of your moving budget. How do full-service movers reduce moving anxiety? Research consistently shows that moving ranks as the third most stressful event in a person's life. On average, a person living in the United States will relocate 11 times during their life. High stress levels can lead to distracted driving, rushed packing, and unnecessary physical accidents. Prescott Moving Company alleviates this pressure by handling everything from supplying packing cartons to safely unloading delicate items at your destination. By managing the logistical heavy lifting, Prescott Moving Company allows parents to focus entirely on settling their children into their new, safe environment. What criteria should you use to evaluate a new community? When deciding where to put down roots, families should establish clear decision criteria. Focus on physical safety metrics, such as well-lit streets, maintained public parks, and proximity to emergency services. Next, evaluate the community lifestyle. Walk the streets during different times of the day to gauge noise levels and traffic patterns. Take the time to evaluate the financial safety of the move as well. According to industry data, the average American moving company charges approximately $25 per hour per mover. However, Prescott Moving Company offers rates that are historically lower than the national average. Budgeting accurately for a professional moving service ensures you have more financial padding to handle any unexpected home repairs in your new neighborhood. Finally, ask local service providers for their candid opinions. When you request a quote from Prescott Moving Company, take the opportunity to ask the staff about their experiences in your target subdivision. Their daily operations provide them with a transparent view of the area's livability, giving you an extra layer of confidence before signing a lease or mortgage. Secure your family's next chapter with confidence Securing a safe home requires diligent research and trusted local partnerships. Online statistics only tell a fraction of the story. Engaging a locally rooted business like Prescott Moving Company equips you with real-world insights and guarantees a physically safe transition of your belongings. Start planning your transition well in advance. Drive through your prospective neighborhoods, speak with the residents, and secure a reputable moving team to handle the heavy lifting. Contact Prescott Moving Company at (928) 264-9779 to discuss your upcoming move and leverage their extensive knowledge of the safest communities in the area. Frequently asked questions about moving safely How do I choose the safest neighborhood for my family? You should review local crime maps, visit the area during both the day and night, and consult local professionals. Local service workers, including the staff at Prescott Moving Company, can provide real-time feedback on neighborhood conditions, traffic safety, and community engagement. What are the safest areas to live in Arizona? Prescott consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in Arizona. The town offers a family-friendly environment, strong community engagement through local events, and a low crime rate, making Prescott an ideal location for families and retirees. How much does it cost to hire Prescott Moving Company? Moving costs vary based on the distance and size of your home. While the national average for moving companies is around $25 per hour per mover, Prescott Moving Company offers rates that are historically lower than the national average. They provide personalized quotes based on specific relocation needs. Why should I hire a professional moving company instead of moving myself? Hiring a professional moving company prevents physical injuries associated with lifting heavy furniture and appliances. The average residential move involves transporting over 6,500 pounds of household goods. Professionals use proper equipment and techniques to ensure your belongings and your family remain safe. When is the best time of year to schedule a family move? The peak season for moving in the United States occurs between May and September. Scheduling your relocation outside of these peak months can result in more flexible dates and potentially lower rates from your chosen moving provider. Meta data Meta title: Find a Safe Neighborhood With Prescott Moving Company Meta description: Learn how Prescott Moving Company leverages local expertise to help your family find a safe, secure neighborhood in Arizona. Plan your relocation today.
Overhead view of toast, avocado, and berry bowls on a wooden table
By Grant Cool June 8, 2026
Moving to a new city means rebuilding your daily routines from scratch. The commute changes. The grocery store is different. And that first morning when you wake up in your new home craving a good cup of coffee and a hot plate of eggs — you have no idea where to go. At Prescott Moving Company, we help with more than the move itself. We have spent years getting to know this city, street by street, neighborhood by neighborhood. One of the most common questions we hear from new residents is simple: "Where should I go for breakfast?" We love that question, and we always have an answer. Why a Breakfast Spot Matters More Than You Think It sounds small, but finding a go-to breakfast place is one of the fastest ways to start feeling like you belong somewhere. A familiar corner table, a server who remembers your order, the smell of fresh coffee when you walk through the door — those small rituals turn a new place into home faster than almost anything else. Prescott has that kind of breakfast culture. The city is full of local spots with real personality, and once you find your place, you will wonder how you ever went without it. What Prescott's Morning Scene Looks Like Prescott is not a chain-restaurant kind of town. The locals support their own, and the breakfast scene reflects that. You will find family-run diners that have been packing tables since before most residents were born, cozy coffee shops that feel more like living rooms than storefronts, and newer cafes that bring fresh ideas while still fitting naturally into the community. The options are spread across the city, which means the right spot for you often depends on where you land. A breakfast place that is perfect for someone in a quiet neighborhood near the forest might not be the most convenient choice for someone closer to downtown. That is where knowing the area makes a real difference. The Heart of the Morning: Downtown Prescott The area around Courthouse Plaza comes alive in the morning. Locally owned cafes and diners fill up early with a mix of regulars, walkers fresh off a morning trail, and people taking their time over a second cup of coffee. Whiskey Row, which draws a livelier crowd in the evenings, has a completely different feel at 8 a.m. The pace slows down, the light hits the old storefronts in a way that feels genuinely cinematic, and breakfast near the plaza can stretch into a full morning without anyone rushing you along. If you like the idea of walking to breakfast from a central neighborhood, downtown Prescott delivers that lifestyle in a way that is hard to find in a lot of small cities. Coffee That Earns Your Loyalty Prescott has a handful of coffee shops that regulars treat as a second home. These are not grab-and-go spots. They are places where people settle in, bring their laptops, catch up with neighbors, and spend a genuine hour before the day picks up momentum. A good local coffee shop also functions as an informal community hub. You learn who lives nearby, which events are coming up, and where the best hiking trails are — all through casual conversation over a well-made cup. For new residents, that kind of natural social entry point is genuinely valuable. Our crew has their favorites, and we are always happy to share them when we move you in. Morning Routines That Help You Settle In Faster One thing we have noticed over the years of moving people into Prescott is that the residents who settle in fastest are the ones who build a morning routine early. It does not have to be elaborate. A consistent coffee shop, a regular breakfast order, a familiar walk to get there — those small anchors make the early weeks feel far less disorienting. Prescott is a walkable city in many of its neighborhoods, and morning is one of the best times to explore on foot. Pairing a short walk with a destination worth walking to creates a routine that connects you to your surroundings in a way that staying home never does. How We Help You Get There When Prescott Moving Company finishes your move, we do not just hand you a receipt. We take a few minutes to talk about the neighborhood you are moving into and share honest, first-hand recommendations — including where to go the next morning when the coffee situation at your new place is not yet sorted out. We know which spots open early, which ones have the best outdoor seating for mild mornings, and which diners have the kind of no-fuss breakfast that feels perfect after a big move. We also know which places tend to get crowded on weekends and which ones are best kept as a weekday secret. That local knowledge is not something you can always find online. It comes from being embedded in the community and paying attention to what residents actually love about their city. Prescott Is a City Worth Waking Up In A lot of new residents tell us that the mornings are what really sold them on Prescott. The air is clean, the light is different at this elevation, and the city has a pace that makes starting your day here feel genuinely enjoyable rather than rushed. Finding your breakfast spot is one of the first steps in that direction. And with a little local guidance, you do not have to spend weeks figuring it out on your own. Start Your Mornings Right — We Will Help You Get There Prescott Moving Company is here for the move and for everything that comes after it. We handle your belongings with care, keep your schedule on track, and make sure you walk into your new home ready to start building the life you came here for. Contact Prescott Moving Company today to plan your move. When the last box is in the door, we will point you straight to the best breakfast in town.