The diner waitress who knows your order already is part of why a town feels like home.

Belonging is made mostly of being recognized by people who are not your friends. Somebody who starts your order before you speak is telling you that you are part of the furniture of a place, which is an underrated feeling and completely unavailable in a city where nobody repeats. A town feels like home because of a dozen small recognitions like that.

Keep going back to the same places rather than spreading yourself around. Learn the name of the person who knows your order, and tip like the knowing is worth something.