Small Town Living: Why I Prefer It Over Big City Life
Hey y’all! As someone who has lived in both small towns and big cities, I can tell you firsthand that small town living takes the cake. Now, don’t get me wrong, city life can be exciting and bustling, but there’s just something special about living in a small close-knit community. Let me break down some reasons why I believe small towns are better than cities.
1. Introduction
First things first, let’s define what we mean by small town and city. For the purpose of this blog, a small town is any community with a population under 10,000 people, while a city is any community with a population of over 100,000 people. Of course, there are varying degrees in between those two, but for simplicity’s sake, we’ll use those definitions.
Reason 1: Cost of Living
Let me tell you, living in a small town has been a game-changer for my bank account. The cost of living is significantly lower than in the city, which means I get to stretch my dollars further.
I did some research and found that real estate prices are much cheaper in small towns. According to Being Expat, the cost of a home in a small town can be up to 50% less than in the city. This means that not only can I afford a bigger house but also have more financial freedom to spend on other things.
Another perk of living in a small town is that taxes are lower. I can put more money towards savings or having fun rather than giving it to the government.
Finally, living expenses such as groceries, gas, and entertainment tend to be cheaper in small towns. I don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for a night out or a carton of milk.
In conclusion, the lower cost of living is one of the top reasons why I prefer small towns over cities. It allows me to have a better quality of life and financial freedom.
Reason 2: Proximity to Nature
Living in a small town has many perks, but the main reason I love it so much is the proximity to nature. In the city, it can be easy to forget about the natural world and get lost in the hustle and bustle. But in a small town, you’re never far from a hiking trail or a park.
The abundance of outdoor activities is one of the things I cherish most about living here. I can go for a hike in the morning, have a picnic by the lake in the afternoon, and go stargazing at night. The natural beauty of the earth never ceases to amaze me, and I’m grateful to have it so close by.
There are also more green spaces in small towns, which is great for both the environment and our mental health. Seeing plants and trees every day has a calming effect on the mind and can help reduce stress. And having access to fresh air and open spaces is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Living close to nature also means being able to appreciate the changing seasons. Watching the leaves change colors in the fall and seeing the first flowers bloom in the spring is a magical experience. In the city, you might be too busy to notice these small miracles, but in a small town, they’re right outside your doorstep.
All in all, living close to nature is one of the main reasons I love living in a small town. It’s a reminder that we’re all a part of something bigger than ourselves and that we need to be good stewards of the earth. And it’s a daily reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the world around us.
Reason 3: Community Feel
Living in a small town means having a stronger sense of community than in a city. Everyone knows each other and it’s easier to make meaningful connections. It’s not uncommon to run into someone you know at the local grocery store or gas station, and it’s much easier to strike up a conversation with a friendly face.
One of the great things about living in a close-knit community is the greater social support network that comes with it. In small towns, people look out for each other and are always willing to lend a helping hand. Whether it’s a neighbor who needs help shoveling snow or someone who needs a ride to the airport, there’s always someone willing to step up and help.
The sense of community in a small town can be felt in many other ways as well. Local events and festivals are often organized and run by volunteers from the community, creating a real sense of ownership and pride. It’s also common for small towns to have community centers where people can come together for activities, clubs and events.
All of these factors contribute to a greater feeling of belonging in small towns. When you’re part of a close-knit community, you feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself. It creates a sense of pride and purpose and makes it easier to build a happy and fulfilling life.
Reason 4: Safety – Don’t Mess with Small Town Living
Let me tell you, I feel a lot safer in my small town than I ever did living in a big city. For starters, the crime rates are significantly lower. I don’t worry about my home getting broken into or my car being stolen. And when I’m out and about, I don’t feel like I have to constantly watch my back. It’s a much more peaceful way of life.Plus, the overall quality of life is just better. I don’t live in fear of getting mugged or assaulted. I can walk around at night without feeling like I’m putting myself in danger. And because the community is smaller, people tend to look out for each other. If something does happen, it’s more likely that someone will step in and help.Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But what about emergencies? Wouldn’t it be better to have a big city hospital nearby?” Sure, that’s a valid concern. But honestly, I’ve never had an issue. The local hospital may not be as big or flashy, but they have everything they need to handle emergencies. And because the community is so tight-knit, people tend to rally around each other in times of need. It’s not uncommon for a family to have meals brought to them or offers of help when someone is going through a tough time.At the end of the day, small towns just have a different vibe when it comes to safety. It’s hard to explain, but you can feel it when you’re there. It’s like everyone has each other’s backs and people genuinely care about their neighbors. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
Reason 5: Sense of Belonging
Growing up in a small town has given me a strong sense of belonging. When you live in a small town, everyone knows each other. People wave hello as they walk by, and stopping for a quick chat is common. It’s easy to make meaningful connections with others because of the close-knit community. In the city, it’s easy to feel lost in the crowd, and making connections can be harder. Living in a small town also means that people tend to look out for one another. There’s a sense of camaraderie and willingness to help when someone is in need. In a large city, it can be hard to find that kind of support system. Another benefit of living in a small town is that you get to know the area really well. You learn the back roads and the best places to go for a hike or picnic. It becomes familiar and comforting. In a large city, it can be overwhelming and hard to navigate. Of course, there are downsides to small-town living too. Sometimes it can feel like everyone knows your business. Gossip can spread quickly, and it can be hard to escape a bad reputation. But overall, the sense of community and belonging makes it worth it. I wouldn’t trade my small-town upbringing for anything.
Final Thoughts on Why Small Towns Are Better Than Cities
Well folks, that wraps up my thoughts on why small towns reign supreme over cities. Let me tell you, I’ve lived in both types of communities, and in my humble opinion, small towns just can’t be beat.
Not only is the cost of living lower, but you also get to enjoy the beautiful outdoors without sacrificing your budget. It’s amazing how many more green spaces and outdoor activities are available when you’re not surrounded by concrete and skyscrapers.
But the real secret sauce of small towns comes from the sense of community that you just can’t find in a big city. People know each other and are always willing to lend a helping hand. This creates a powerful sense of belonging that just can’t be replicated in a more anonymous environment.
And let’s not forget about safety. Small towns generally have lower crime rates and a better quality of life overall. Plus, it’s much easier to make meaningful connections with people when you’re not battling constant crowds and noise levels that rival a jet engine.
So there you have it folks- the reasons why small towns are better than cities. Of course, this is all just my opinion. But if you’re on the fence about where to live, I encourage you to consider the benefits of small town living. You won’t regret it!
