Because The Problems Of Living In A Small Town Are Hard To Ignore
The disadvantages of living in a small town still haunt me to this day. Why?
Because I grew up in a small town of just 5,000 residents. While planning my escape for years with great resolve.
As a result, at the age of 17, I headed off to college. And never looked back!
So, allow me to air out my dirty laundry. And share with you my top 20 problems of living in a small town.
Let’s go…
Disadvantage Of Living In A Small Town
As I see it, the worst problems in small communities include:
- Old housing stock
- Scarcity of apartment rentals
- Inadequate public services
- Inconvenient access to health care
- Limited job opportunities
- Fewer resources at local schools
- Limited higher education opportunities
- Lack of privacy and anonymity
- Awkward dating scene
- Limited diversity
- Short supply of creative thinking
- Limited social circle
- Tough for transplants to fit in
- Overbearing law enforcement
- No public transportation
- Automobiles are a must
- The inconvenience of air travel
- Limited commercial entertainment
- Sparse shopping alternatives
- Meager nightlife options
Next, let’s go through each of these points about the issues with small town living one by one…
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Old Housing Stock
Home price appreciation is minimal. Even in the best communities to live.
Thus, homeowners are reluctant to update and remodel their houses. Low demand also means there is no new construction.
So, the housing stock ages and deteriorates.
Scarcity Of Apartment Rentals
And the same situation applies to apartment complexes and multi-unit buildings. What few there are, get run down over time.
So, good luck finding a nice place to live.
Next, I have yet another one of the negatives of small town living…
Inadequate Public Services
Because of the low property tax base. Government and public services can be lacking.
It’s one of the big problems in small communities.
For example, the water supply in the town I grew up was disgusting. You couldn’t drink the water. So, we were forced to buy it at the store.
Internet service can be spotty at best. Especially in the more rural areas. So, be careful if you want a town with fast internet.
When the electricity goes out because of regional storms. Be prepared to wait. With so few residents, you will be low on the priority list.
Next, another one of the big disadvantages of small towns…
Inconvenient Access To Health Care
In the best cases, you may have access to a local doctor. But not always.
Furthermore, if a hospital, emergency room, or specialized care is required. Be prepared to drive the necessary distance to a city that can provide what you need.
Take it from me. My parents were en route to the hospital when I was born.
They didn’t make it in time. And my Dad had to do the delivery in the car.
I guess that’s why I have never been good at making a first impression!
For me, this next item may have been one of the biggest cons of living in a small town…
Limited Job Opportunities
It’s hard finding a good job. Because most opportunities will be lower-paying and lower-skilled labor.
You aren’t going to see many professional opportunities. Or, managerial positions with large businesses.
As a result, crafting the perfect resume. Well, that probably won’t be necessary.
From my perspective as a youth, here is one of the disadvantages of growing up in a small town…
Fewer Resources At Local Schools
Once again, tax dollars are in short supply. So, the public schools are underfunded.
Thus, the schools don’t attract the best teachers.
While sports programs and education in the arts too are lacking funds. Whether it be for the best equipment. Or, high-quality facilities.
Continuing with the school theme…
Limited Higher Education Opportunities
There aren’t many good higher education options. So, you won’t be able to keep the kids home for college.
Thus, add room and board to the tuition bill. As you save for their education.
Okay. We have covered housing, public services, health care, jobs, and education. Are you starting to get the picture?
However, I’m just getting warmed up. So, get ready.
As the next few points are going to cover the characteristics of small town people.
It’s not that they are bad folks so to speak. That’s not what I’m trying to say.
On the other hand, life in a small town brings out some less-than-best behaviors. At least in my opinion.
So, if these things turn you off. Then it’s a good idea to consider a high-quality mid-size city to live in.
Where you might be able to find some of the best aspects of a small town. Without having to deal with small-town people.
Let’s discuss, so you can decide what’s right for you…
Lack Of Privacy And Anonymity
If you are the type of person who likes the anonymity of a very large city. You aren’t going to find it.
This is one of the big reasons why I hate small towns. Because everyone will know you. And what you do or don’t do.
For better or worse, opinions get formed. And small-town life means people dig into your business.
The gossip flows. Whether you like it or not.
Then just try to grow beyond the pigeon hole you have been placed in. Well, it’s difficult.
Leading us to another one of the worst things about small-town living…
Awkward Dating Scene
The dating pool in a small town is less than desirable. Plus there is nowhere good to take a date. Thus, plan on going out of town.
Then if you do meet someone to go out with. Everyone in town will know their name. And all about it.
Thus, it’s hard to test the waters. When you are looking for the perfect partner.
Limited Diversity
Everyone is the same. It’s one of the bad things about living in a small town.
Since you will find very little racial, ethnic, or cultural diversity.
After all, there isn’t much to attract diversity. So these places tend to attract the same types of small-town people who already live there.
Short Supply Of Creative Thinking
Furthermore, everyone thinks the same. Thus, creative thinking is in short supply.
So, don’t plan on promoting any “out of the box” ideas. Because they won’t be received in a positive light.
Limited Social Circle
Plan on having a small circle of friends. I guess that’s not so bad. Assuming you can find the right people.
But if you want to have a robust social life. Peppered with lots of people from different backgrounds and influences.
It’s not likely to happen.
Tough For Transplants To Fit In
When moving to a small town. Do your research. And make sure it’s the right place for you.
Because you might have a hard time fitting in. Being viewed as an outsider by the locals.
Just wait until you walk into a local bar or diner. And everyone turns around to give you the “stink eye”.
Overbearing Law Enforcement
On a positive note, small towns have low crime rates. But that leaves the law enforcement officials (if there are any) with a lot of time on their hands.
Chasing down unnecessary stuff. That people living in the best larger cities wouldn’t think twice about.
For example, setting up a speed trap. And doing so on the one major street that goes through town.
Okay. That concludes my rant about small-town people.
But, I’m not done. Because problems of living in a small town include many things we large city dwellers just take for granted.
Such as these next several points…
No Public Transportation
Forget about taking a bus, train, or taxi. Because you won’t find any public transportation.
So, plan on driving everywhere you need to go.
Automobiles Are A Must
This means you need a car in these towns. With all the maintenance, insurance, and licensing costs that come with it.
Inconvenience Of Air Travel
If air travel isn’t bad enough. Living in a small town only makes it less desirable. Whether you travel for business or pleasure.
Because you will likely be many miles away from the nearest airport. Which adds significant amounts of time to get to your ultimate destination.
Then if you are forced to fly out of a small regional airport. Airfares will be higher. And connecting flights will often be required.
To me, air travel is one of the biggest disadvantages of living in a small town.
Next up, there is so little to do…
Limited Commercial Entertainment
If you are the type of person that enjoys concerts, the theatre, professional sports, or other forms of live entertainment.
Guess what? You will be out of luck.
Things like museums and art galleries? Forget about it.
Because these places are short on culture. And long on nothing to do.
Based on my experience, it was one of the big disadvantages of growing up in a small town.
And for you lovers of shopping…
Sparse Shopping Alternatives
The growth of big box stores in regional population centers has destroyed small town merchants. Thus, downtown streets are usually full of vacant buildings.
So, for any decent shopping. Plan on getting in your car and traveling to a larger city. Even for basic household items.
No shopping. Not much to do. I guess small-town living seems to be a good way to save money.
Last but not least. Item number 20. On my list of problems of living in a small town. Then I will wrap up.
Meager Nightlife Options
What businesses remain, close up shop early. The local movie theatre, if there ever was one, has probably closed down.
Clubs and nice restaurants will be in short supply. Of course, there might be a hole-in-the-wall bar open until midnight.
But who wants to hang out there? Not me.
Okay. That’s it.
Have I depressed you? Sorry if I did.
But as I said at the beginning. The disadvantages of small town living are hard to deny.
On the other hand, I’m not all doom and gloom.
So, if you are up for it. You should examine a positive perspective on small-town life.
Otherwise, allow me to close with a few parting comments.
Disadvantage Of Living In A Small Town
Yes, I grew up in a small town. And my dad still lives in that town. So, I visit often.
On the other hand, I would never consider moving back. The small-town people and the way they behave would drive me nuts.
Because I enjoy a healthy dose of anonymity, big city amenities, and diversity in my life. And it’s hard to find those things in small communities.
So, if you are thinking about moving to a small town. Be sure to think twice and do your research. So you make the best choice for your tastes and circumstances.
I know you can find a good place to live here…
It just may not be in a small community.
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.