10 Reasons Marblehead is Better than Swampscott

Heading into at , here are the 10 reasons we think Marblehead is head and shoulders over Swampscott. Let's face it, that town's only good to us for their gas stations.

1. We're the Birthplace of the American Navy: Marblehead residents are proud to live in a town that is home to the and is known as the "Birthplace of the American Navy." Which part of the US military is Swampscott responsible for?

2. Our High School is Nicer: Both Marblehead and Swampscott are proud of their state-of-the art high schools, but we think is easier on the eyes. What time does the bank open in the lobby of their high school? You mean they don't have one?

3. We Play Better Rounds at Tedesco Country Club: The pristine links of may be situated on the Marblehead/Swampscott border, but everyone knows our town residents and are better. Which team won this year's Tedesco Cup?

4. We Have Abbot Hall: Swampscott can only dream that any of their municipal buildings could be as historic or beautiful as our very own . Our Selectmen sit in front of the Spirit of '76 when they make decisions - which American masterpiece is hanging in the meeting room at Town Hall in Swampscott?

5. We're Bigger: We may not be a city by a long shot, but Marblehead boasts a larger population than our neighbors in Swampscott. According to a 2010 census, Marblehead's population was 19,705 and Swampscott's was 13,883.

6. We Have Fort Sewall: I'm sure that many of the visitors who flock to in the summer months make sure to stop and take a tour of Swampscott's historic fort on the way into town. Does anyone know the address?

7. Our Streets are Safer: In September, Marblehead Patch offered a comparison of five North Shore communities using According to that report, Marblehead had fewer reported robberies, larcenies, property crimes, burglaries and arsons. Don't forget and .

8. We Don't Try to Drive Through Flood Waters: Was anyone down near Paradise Road during ? Someone should have reminded a few of those Swampscott drivers that their compact sedans were not duck boats and that the Red Sox hadn't won the World Series.

9. Our Parks are Nicer: Let's face it - , , and offer some the finest harbor views in New England. The parks in Swampscott simply don't measure up.

10. We're the Sailing Capital of New England: Marblehead is home to the , , and . The Swampscott Yacht Club just doesn't compare.

Have another reason that you think Marblehead is better than Swampscott? Let us know in the comments section.