Are you feeling the urge to leave behind city life and settle in a small town? You’re not alone. In the last few years, many are looking for an escape from hectic metropolitan areas. Leaving it all behind for a slower-paced lifestyle that’s offered by small towns. When thinking of moving anywhere, you need to know the advantages. Here are the benefits of living in a small town.
A sense of community
There’s something so special about living in a place where everyone knows each other. That sense of community and closeness is hard to find amidst the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life. But it’s still very much alive in small towns with fewer people.
When neighbors know one another by name, it creates an atmosphere that promotes cooperation between residents. There truly isn’t anything quite like it!
No traffic and better car insurance rates
For those looking to avoid traffic and save on car insurance premiums, small towns are the place to be. Unlike big cities where mental math is often required before leaving home, small town living offers much less hassle.
Not only that, but there are less instances of vandalism, theft and collisions. This ensures that drivers living in rural areas can also expect cheaper car insurance costs than their urban counterparts.
Less expensive housing
When it comes to affordability, small-town living is the clear winner. One of the primary reasons for this shift in cost can be attributed to housing. The average home price of a small town is considerably lower than its metropolitan counterpart.
In many instances, houses in rural areas will be priced up to half what urban properties go for. And we may be talking about less than an hour outside of a major city or suburb. In addition, when property values are lower, that means property taxes are lower as well. You’ll typically save on homeowners insurance too.
Buying local
Small towns provide an opportunity to shop unique items from local establishments. This is something that may be difficult to find anywhere else. Not only does this mean finding quality products and services, but it also lets residents give back.
When you’re buying from local establishments, you’re buying from a neighbor. It goes back to that sense of community. You’re also helping to stimulate the small town economy.
And if you’re looking to start your own business, you’ll probably have more luck keeping it profitable. Not only will the community want to support you, but there’s less competition. You could very well be providing a needed service within the town that wouldn’t have otherwise been there.
Family oriented
If you’re looking for a great place to raise children, you’ll find it in a small town. Along with all the advantages we’ve already discussed, there’s a better chance for a quality education. It can also mean a better social experience during childhood and teenage years.
With smaller populations, class sizes tend to be significantly lower than those in cities. One distinct benefit to that is the added attention your child will be able to receive from their teachers. Many city and suburban schools are overcrowded, or at least on the brink of it. A more beneficial teacher to student ratio allows educators the time and focus needed to directly impact each child’s education.
Another often overlooked advantage of smaller class sizes is that it’s easier for children to make friends. And to maintain them throughout life. In smaller rural communities, many times there may be one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school. So a child in first grade will probably make friends that will last through senior year!
Communing with nature
A small town will always have one major benefit that a city simply can’t provide. The ability to connect with nature and all the natural beauty that comes all with it. Taking the time to commune with nature can be a powerful and rewarding experience. It offers its own type of luxury.
When you live in a small town, chances are all you need to do is head outside. You can tune in to your environment, and get lost in the beauty or your surroundings. From lush landscapes to wide open spaces, nature and all its wonders can be found right in your backyard.
This can do wonders not only for physical health, but for your mental well-being too. It’s no secret that getting away from all the light and noise pollution of the big city creates a natural state of calm and peace.
Life in a small town also provides the ability to enjoy a more active lifestyle for yourself and your family. A more active lifestyle means a healthier lifestyle, and can add years to your life.
And we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the sportsman activities like a day on the lake fishing, or in a deer blind.
Conclusion
Small towns offer many advantages to those looking for a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of city life. From a lower cost of living, to closer relationships between residents, there’s plenty to offer!
Whatever you decide, we certainly hope this list of benefits of living in a small town has helped. Come back and see us real soon!