Living in a big city is overrated – ask anyone who’s moved to a small town. I moved all the way from New York City to the gorgeous countryside of Ontario, and have never been happier. Whether you want to slow down the pace and get rid of the bustle, or raise your kids in a better area, there are ton of benefits. Here’s why to downsize your living situation.
1. The small the population is, the better the sense of community is. In big cities, it’s easy to feel isolated, but in a town, your community will rally together especially in the face of a crisis. It’s like one big family!
2. Because light pollution the city is terrible, and stargazing at night is the best form of entertainment. Best of all, it’s free!
3. There’s nothing like fresh country air. As soon as you’ve experienced it, going back to the city seems impossibly stuffy and stinky – especially in the summertime. Fumes and smog really don’t compare to blossoms and country air.
4. A big downfall of living in the city is never being able to find parking, and the torture of waiting in traffic for what seems like infinity. Small towns don’t really face this issue, and your grocery store will always have plenty of parking. Goodbye, road rage!
5. There’s just a simple aspect to living in a smaller community. Tons of restaurants, nightclubs, and malls aren’t competing for your attention. You get to go back to your roots and enjoy more meaningful activities like baking, woodwork, or hiking with your dog. Quality time over mindless time, right?
6. The beautiful quiet is so peaceful, especially when compared to the constant honking, shouting, and sirens of the city. It’s a constant background noise you get used to, but feels kind of traumatic if you ever leave it and then return.
7. Being in the country presents you with nature’s greatest gifts and encourages people to actually spend time with each others as opposed to glued to their phones or wasting money on useless things. Small town families also love doing activities with each other instead of adults only going out and leaving kids with a sitter.
8. If you’re ever in trouble or any danger, a neighbor will know and come to assist you much quicker than any of your city neighbors would. They know where you walk the dog, what car you drive, and when your kids go to soccer practice. Sure, the downside of this is a little nosiness, but isn’t it worth the safety of you and your family?
9. There’s statistically less crime than there is in a bigger city. It might not disappear and this definitely depends on the town, but the chances that you’ll be the victim of a crime drop when you become a member of a small town.
10. Talking to strangers feels a lot less awkward. If you talk to someone random in a big city, chances are they’ll think you’re a serial killer or at the least, a complete weirdo. Living in the same small space gives you a ton in common already!
11. Sunday is a proper day of rest. In most small towns, stores are closed, and people go over to a friend or family member’s house for a home cooked meal or to watch the game. Also, naps. Naps are very important.
12. Living in a small town can often mean lower property taxes, and generally lower costs of living, which allows you to save money for your future dreams and goals.