10 Reasons You Should Move to a Small Town
Are you ready for a change of pace?
I grew up in a town of 5,000 people.
I didn’t always love living in a small town. We didn’t have a movie theatre, there was nowhere to shop for anything but groceries, and we only had a handful of restaurants. I used to have to beg my parents to take me to the city an hour away for back-to-school shopping or to get my favourite treat, Dairy Queen.
So yes, the stereotypes are true. There’s nothing to do, plenty of gossiping, and many people stuck in their old-fashioned ways.
Once I graduated high school, I moved away for university. However, once I was finished with my degree, I moved back home, where my heart belongs.
For those of you who have never lived in a small town, or forget to appreciate its benefits, here is my list of the 10 biggest reasons you should move to a small town:
#10–There are plenty of outdoor activities
Sure, there isn’t much in terms of shopping or restaurants, but there are many outdoor activities to try. There is no shortage of lakes for fishing or boating, trails for walking or biking, and forests for hunting. It is also great for those who enjoy jogging. There is nothing in your way. No stoplights, rarely any other joggers, and few cars driving past you.
#9–It’s safer for kids
Now, this depends on the town, but small towns are safer for kids to play outside. You don’t have to worry about them crossing busy streets or getting lost.
I have a terrible sense of direction but always knew how to navigate my town. I knew where all of my friend’s houses were and most of my neighbours knew who I was and to keep an eye out for me when I was playing outside.
#8 — There aren’t many people around
There are rarely any lines, you won’t have to make reservations to go eat, and beaches are never crowded.
#7 — You can park anywhere
This goes with the last point. Because there’s never too many people in one place, there’s always parking. Not to mention that you also have the option of walking anywhere in town and getting there almost as quickly.
#6–There’s no rush hour
My town’s definition of “rush hour” is over five cars stuck at a stoplight. It takes about ten minutes to drive from one end of town to the other. This means that my commute to work is only seven minutes. This saves me so much time and money on gas. It’s also convenient on the days I’ve forgotten something at home or if I want to go home for lunch.
#5 — Making friends is easy
No matter where you go, you will run into the same people. Parties? All the same people. Town events? The same people. Grocery shopping? Same people. You are bound to make friends when you see the same people wherever you go.
#4 — It’s quiet (especially at night)
Gone are the days of waking up to sirens in the middle of the night. It is very rare to hear anything going on outside your home, especially at night.
This is a very peaceful setting. You can enjoy a cup of coffee on your porch or yoga in your backyard in near silence, only hearing the chirping of the birds or the buzzing of the insects occasionally.
#3– People are nicer
Of course, this doesn’t go for everyone, but people are nicer. Your neighbours are more neighbourly, strangers are friendlier. Overall, interacting with people is more pleasant.
#2 — You can slow down
Nobody’s working late nights. Everyone appreciates the value of being home in time for dinner. Nobody’s in a rush. Living in a small town allows you to slow down and appreciate life.
#1 — It’s cheaper
I bought two houses at twenty-three years old on a pretty small salary. The cost of a home, rent, food, and gas is cheaper in small towns. You also have fewer opportunities to spend money on entertainment, which is a great way to save.
Not only will you save money, but a home you could buy in a small town will be more spacious than the one you would buy in the city for an even higher price.
Small town life may not be for everyone, but if you’re looking for a way to slow down, enjoy life, and save money, it’s probably for you.
