The Benefits Of Small Town Living Are Hard To Deny
What are the advantages of living in a small town? Are you tired of big city living and ready to move?
If those types of questions are on your mind. Then you have come to the right place!
Because I grew up in a town with just 5,000 residents. Leaving when I was 17 to head off for college. And what ultimately became a lifetime of living in a densely populated urban environment.
On the other hand, my dad still enjoys living there. A community he has called home his entire life. More than 90 years and counting!
As a result, please allow me to share with you what I believe to be the greatest benefits of small-town living.
If that sounds okay, let’s get moving. Then you can start your search for a new destination right away…
Advantages Of Living In A Small Town
My top 20 reasons to live in a small town are…
- Affordable housing
- Low cost of living
- Enduring residents
- Comfortable neighborly relations
- Like-minded people
- Pleasant sense of community
- Easy to stay informed
- Successful independent businesses
- Growing numbers of professional opportunities
- Less competition for jobs
- More individual attention in schools
- Fast delivery
- Low crime
- Minimal traffic
- Cleaner air
- Plenty of parking
- Lots of peaceful quiet
- Slower pace
- Access to the outdoors
- Less stress and better health
With that list of good things about small towns in mind. Let’s go through them one by one…
Disclosure: At no cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
Affordable Housing
By living in a small town, you will get more housing for less money. Simply because real estate is cheaper.
For example, my Dad and I own similar homes. 1,200 square foot single-story ranches.
While his house is in my old hometown. My house is in a modest suburb of a big city.
If we put them up for sale today. His home would sell for about $100,000. On the other hand, mine would cost a new buyer about $250,000.
That is two and half times the price. For basically the same house.
Furthermore, rental units are significantly less expensive too.
So, for affordable housing, think about a state like Indiana.
After all, outside of Indianapolis. It is essentially a collection of small towns.
And there you will find? Some of the most affordable housing in the country.
Finally, whether you choose to rent or buy. Make sure your credit score is in good shape. To get the best deal on rent or a new mortgage.
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But the savings don’t stop with housing. Leading us to the next one of the advantages of small towns…
Low Cost Of Living
Because monthly grocery and utility bills cost less. Gasoline prices at the pump are lower too.
And for reasons, that we will get to later. Such as little traffic and not much crime.
You can also plan on saving a bundle of money. Specifically, on home and auto insurance rates.
If lowering your bills for these things is of interest. Consider relocating to Arkansas.
Aside from lowering your cost of living. You won’t find expensive luxury outlets, electronics stores, or fancy nightclubs on every corner.
Thus, the temptations to spend money are dramatically less. Only adding to your savings account.
And with the money piling up…
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Okay. We are just starting to get on a roll.
So, here’s the next item on today’s list of advantages of living in a small town…
Enduring Residents
Now realize, that my Dad is an exception. Having lived in the same town for over 90 years.
But I think there is something to it. Because you will find that small-town residents move in and out less often.
In other words, people are not transient. Small towns have what I call sticky populations.
After all, people settle there for a reason.
And it’s not the glitz and glamour of the big city lights. Or, the high-paying job offer that could not be refused.
Leading us to the next one of the benefits of living in a small town…
Comfortable Neighborly Relations
I think you will find good neighbors to be a big part of small-town living.
First of all, they are quick to call your name to say hello. Or start up a chat across the backyard fence.
More importantly, they are ready to lend a hand. If and when you need it.
For example, several of my dad’s neighbors bring him a birthday gift every year.
Furthermore, his town friends will give him a ride. When he needs to get out of town and go.
And the young man that moved in across the street a couple of years ago?
Well, he is quick to fire up his snowblower when the winter white stuff piles up. To clear his driveway. And my dad’s!
It makes me think of living in Maine. Where the residents are a “clubby pack”. Always looking out on behalf of their neighbors.
For another one of the perks of living in a small town, consider this…
Like-Minded People
Residents tend to view things in similar ways. Whether it be politics, sports, family values, or money.
So, pick the right place. And surround yourself with like-minded people.
Leading us to another one of the benefits of a small town life…
Pleasant Sense Of Community
Because what you will find is a strong sense of community playing out in multiple ways. For example, churches are smaller and more intimate. Hospitality is often on display.
Also, it’s easy to get involved.
For example, volunteer at the public library. Support school activities. Join the chamber of commerce. Or, hit the trails with the local hiking club.
Doing so will build relationships in your close-knit community. That will last a lifetime.
And for one of the best community-minded regions of the country. You need to give North Carolina serious consideration.
Bring me to the next one of the good things about living in a small town…
Easy To Stay Informed
Because by building relationships with like-minded people. As part of an intimate community. It can only mean one thing.
Specifically, you will always know what’s going on. And you won’t have to listen to the news or read the newspaper to find out.
Whether it’s a new business being planned. For the east side of the downtown.
Or, a new family addition on the way. For that sweet young couple down the street.
Okay. Thus far, we have touched on the financial benefits of small-town living.
Also, how people and relationships come together. To make for a pleasant lifestyle in the best town of your choice.
Next, let’s focus on business, work, and school.
Because they are all important aspects of small-town life. That you should consider.
Successful Independent Businesses
Unlike the numerous chain restaurants and big box stores in metropolitan areas. Small towns are often served by small business concerns.
As a resident, it’s a great feeling to support these establishments. And if you are business-minded, a little town may be the perfect spot. To start a business of your own.
Just be sure to look for a niche that has gone unserved. That will attract and benefit the people of the community.
On the other hand, for all of you who prefer to work for someone else, you will find…
Growing Numbers Of Professional Opportunities
The growing trend toward remote employment. Which was accelerated by the global health crisis. Will play in your favor.
Thus, even big company managerial types and professionals. Accustomed to working for large organizations located in urban areas. Now have an opportunity to make a living in a small town.
Or, you can also choose to support the local business environment too…
Less Competition For Jobs
Because unlike a large city and sprawling metropolitan areas. The competition for jobs is much less.
So, for anyone with marketable skills and a strong work ethic. Steady jobs are available. Whether you are a plumber, bookkeeper, carpenter, lawyer, or school teacher.
Since certain skills will always be in demand. No matter where you choose to relocate.
And speaking of school teachers, I consider this next point to be another one of the big advantages of growing up in a small town.
At least it was for me…
More Individual Attention In Schools
Since teachers get to know their students better. Making for a richer educational experience. During this critical time of life for your children.
They are more than teachers. They are mentors and role models. And important contributors to the benefits of small-town living.
Furthermore, for excellent schools. Consider some of the small towns in the east coast state of Virginia.
But only in the central and western parts of the state. Far removed from the major population centers.
And like remote work. Here is another item that has leveled the playing field.
When comparing living in a city versus small town life…
Fast Delivery
It is the growth in online shopping. And delivery of just about anything you need right to your doorstep.
Thus, there is no longer the need to head off to the shopping mall 30 miles away. To find clothes, household goods, and electronic gadgets that have become a huge part of our lives.
Furthermore, you can do what we do. Use the money-back app from Rakuten. And get cash rebates for everything you buy online.
Next up, another one of the benefits of growing up in a small town…
Low Crime
Because the crime rate is lower. It’s just a fact of life in the United States. That there is more property crime and violent crime in urban areas.
So, you can go about your life feeling safe. You can let the kids ride their bikes. And play down the street and around the corner with their friends.
All the while, knowing that your family’s safety is so much greater.
Ready for another one of the pros of living in a small town? If so, here you go…
Minimal Traffic
When living in small-town America, you won’t find heavy traffic. Since there are no traffic jams. And little to no road rage that results from it.
Just hop in your car. And get where you want to go. Hassle-free.
If this appeals to you. I suggest that a state like Delaware won’t be for you. It is one of the most densely populated and urbanized states in our country.
And what does less traffic mean? Well, it brings me to another one of the advantages of small towns…
Cleaner Air
Specifically, the cleaner and healthier air to breathe. Because less traffic means lower emissions from automobiles.
Thus, no smog. And no air quality weather alerts to be concerned about.
So, if an environmentally friendly place is tops on your list. You are definitely in luck when choosing a place with a small population.
Speaking of cars, here I have another one of the good things about living in a small town…
Plenty Of Parking
You won’t have to worry about finding a place to park your vehicle. Or, need to pay for the privilege of doing so.
Put your auto in your garage, the driveway, or on the street.
When you visit your favorite local business or restaurant. Chances are good, there will be a spot near the front door.
Next, this may be my favorite thing about small-town living…
Lots Of Peaceful Quiet
It is the quiet of the surroundings. For example, just this last 4th of July, I was sitting on my dad’s patio overlooking his street.
I swear that hardly a car went by. As the time passed, I started to feel the tranquility take hold of me.
Specifically, feelings of simplicity, mindfulness, and calm.
And here’s a fun fact to consider…
Did you know this about Vermont? Of all the state’s cities, there is only one with a population greater than 40,000 people.
Slower Pace
Furthermore, many of the best things about small town life we have discussed thus far. Contribute to this characteristic…
People are more relaxed. And the pace of life you will experience in a little village. Is so much slower.
It makes me think of the warm southern hospitality this is offered up. In South Carolina a state to investigate for all of you small-town lovers.
Where the pace is a little more relaxed. And the people are oh so friendly.
Access To The Outdoors
No matter where you choose to live. There is always access to the outdoors.
But, it’s so much better when living in a small town.
For example, near my home in the suburbs of a major city. There is a popular bike and walking trail. It goes for many miles among the neighboring communities.
But here’s the rub. It’s crowded.
We like to walk. And bikes are always passing us.
Making our walk feel like a game of dodgeball. Rather than a relaxing stroll.
My neighbor was riding the path on his bike one weekend. And an aggressive rider forced him off. Worst yet, he fell and broke his arm.
So, for amazing outdoor spaces. And the limited effects of urbanization. You should explore Montana.
Know you will find it there. Specifically, much less competition for outdoor spaces.
You might like a rural community so much that investing in some nearby farmland may be on your mind. Doing so is a great way to put a financial stake in your new community.
Last but not least…
Less Stress And Better Health
What do fresh air, access to the outdoors, little crime, and low traffic among other things mean?
Simply put, it means lower stress levels. And a healthier lifestyle.
Amen to that!
Okay. That’s all I have for today.
So, allow me to close with a few parting thoughts…
Advantages Of Living In A Small Town
What are the advantages of living in a small town? Hopefully, today’s post has answered that question.
In my opinion, there are many things to like about small-town living…
From the lower cost of living, the fewer people, and the unique work opportunities. Also, less stress and benefits from a healthy lifestyle.
If you have made it this far. I think you are going to love living in a small town.
Resources To Make The Most Of Small Town Lifestyle Advantages
I mentioned several tools and resources to make the most of your money in a small town. Or, anywhere for that matter.
Best of all they are all free to sign and use for your benefit…
Manage your money with:
Check your credit score using:
Get cash rebates on all of your online purchases with:
All for now. Best of luck in finding your perfect small town to live in!
Author Bio: Tom Scott founded the consulting and coaching firm Dividends Diversify, LLC. He leverages his expertise and decades of experience in goal setting, relocation assistance, and investing for long-term wealth to help clients reach their full potential.