Why Would You Want To Live in a Small Rural Town?
By ©SDB November 7, 2011 All Rights Reserved

The charms of living in a small town are many. For one they are at the same time charming as well as nostalgic, sometimes quaint. A small town engulfs the senses with the simpler times gone past and are filled with an eclectic variety of very knowledgeable people who come from all walks of life that love the small town life style.

Many people living in small towns have that greener pastures syndrome that affects cows and think if they could just live somewhere else life would be so much better. No matter where you go, there you are. So, if you have personal issues, problems and grumpy outlook on life, there you will be again in the same place only in different surroundings eventually looking for the greener pastures once again.

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine." -Anthony D'Angelo This quote seems to describe those who have well adjusted lives and see life in simper terms, they wouldn't leave the small town rural life for the world. Then again, they would probably be happy no matter where they lived. You can take a person out of the country but you will never take the country from their heart .

It would seem that most who love the rural small town life, have found the basics in life are what is important. They are not affected by the glamour or social strata of life in the city or in any setting. That might convey to one that you can have that small town lifestyle anywhere one might choose to live, as it is an attitude and how we conduct our lives.

Many people that have no experience of living in a small town often ask why would anyone choose to live in a small town??? It certainly isn’t because one likes living in a fishbowl, but then again, maybe it is why some like small town life. As, Mr. Dowd said in the quote above from the movie Harvey, everyone knows your name, good or bad as that may be, it gives one a sense of belonging, which is sorely needed in this transient society we live in today. Friendships that are formed in small towns are deep and long lasting and formed on real terms. They are not based on your social status, your bank account, the job you hold, how old you are or where you come from. They are based on you as a person and on your character. They can be counted on in times of need. You can have friends in the city, but so much time is spent getting to and from work, family life and the daily living in a fast pace society it oftentimes leaves little time for friends and it is not always possible to be there when one would like to be.

There is a country song that says ‘anyone can be famous in a small town’. As one said one time, ‘I’m not famous but people talk about me as if I am.’ That is just part of life in a small town and those that love the life know small town life is a pandora’s box of pros and cons. That happens anywhere you live, but in a small town, you are more aware of it, but at least you know who and what you are dealing with. You have a limited population and location which may possibly be a hindrance depending on where your small town is located, but opportunities can be in abundance. It depends on your perspective and outlook on life as to how you see your life no matter where you live. Those who live, love, and understand the machinations of living in a small town, know that no matter where you live you will always have those who have nothing better to do than create drama and not much stock is ever taken as to what they say. It certainly is not something that should deter anyone for living in a small town and enjoying all the positives that certainly outweigh any negatives.

A small town has a plethora of pluses to offer. Housing is usually far cheaper in a small town than it is in a large city. There is less competition if you open a business. Your contacts in a small town will be far more helpful to you in sending people your way, as long as you are trustworthy, honest and doing a good job at what you do. People are much more willing to help in times of need. If you find yourself with a flat tire just outside of town, more than likely someone will have seen your plight and help will be on the way before you have time to get the spare tire out. There are no traffic jams, unless you get stuck behind a tractor or combine, and then one can just enjoy his own thoughts and the surrounding beauty of the countryside for a spell. There is usually no hurry to be somewhere as most in rural areas leave in plenty of time to get where they are going. Those are just a few of the numerous positives for living in a small town.

Living in a smaller town for some is becoming easier in this day and age. With the conveniences of technology many are afforded the ability to work from home and are able live wherever they wish.

"A writer observed: "We grow good people in our small towns, with honesty, sincerity, and dignity." I know just the kind of people that writer had in mind when he praised Harry Truman. I grew up with those people. They are the ones who do some of the hardest work in America ... who grow our food, run our factories, and fight our wars. They love their country, in good times and bad, and they're always proud of America. I had the privilege of living most of my life in a small town."…Sarah Palin

Many Americans would love to live in a smaller town or rural area, but for one reason or the other they haven’t acted on it. The attraction for living in a small town rural life seems to be rooted in the culture of rural life and is part of our history. Those who long for the life want the slower pace and where people know each other. They desire the lifestyle that one has with the sense of community, where the whole town shows up for festivals, sporting events, fundraisers, dinners, weddings, funerals. Where young and old mingle together as true friends and not just as some part of a segment in society. It is genuine friendships based and rooted partly in the history of families, friends, but mostly due to the rural lifestyle. The commonality that binds the townspeople regardless of age is in their love of the rural life, the small town atmosphere. A place where people are there for their neighbors in good times and in times of need, are more accepting, where life is slower and less stressful.

If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, take a trip to a small town. Slow down, sit a spell and enjoy the flavor of the rural lifestyle even for just a day, you’ll be glad you did and you just might find you’ll be longing for a move to a place where everyone knows your name.

A couple of quotes to ruminate on ….

“The country life is to be preferred, for there we see the works of God; but in cities little else but the works of men. And the one makes a better subject for contemplation than the other.” -- William Penn

“…it's passionately interesting for me that the things that I learned in a small town, in a very modest home, are just the things that I believe have won the election.“--Margaret Thatcher