Living in a Small Town: All You Need to Know
Living in a small town means many things, but the rush is in a big city. Escaping from the crowded streets and catching the little details is what a small town offers to you. It’s more of a unique lifestyle than having a similar trend with so many people in the big cities. Moreover, it brings a strong sense of community as you don’t have many options when it comes to getting a service. There is maybe one place that everyone around knows.
Besides all, a small town these days doesn’t only mean a place where you can lie down on the grass without any technology. It depends on your choices and the destination. You can also continue scrolling down on your phone or listen to a podcast with beautiful scenery.
Let’s discover what today’s small towns may offer to you and realize the pros and cons of living in a small-town life.
Benefits of Living in a Small Town
Let’s first focus on the bright side of a small town and discover what the slower pace brings to your life.
- Lower living expenses, including affordable housing options and grocery shopping.
- Closer relationships with the local community, having a sense of belonging to the location and neighborhood, and support of the local networks.
- Safe and secure environment with lower crime rates and a sense of community watch.
- Slower life, a more relaxed atmosphere, less stressful days, and more time for new hobbies or your passion in life.
- The advantages of the natural environment are that it is without the burden of traffic, has cleaner air, and has easier access to outdoor beauty.
- Additionally, having improved mental health, a chance to create a local business, and better sleep quality.
Challenges of Living in a Small Town
Like life itself, living in a small town also has ups and downs. Let’s see what are the possible challenges you may face:
- Limited entertainment options, fewer cultural activities available, fewer restaurant options, and not much nightlife compared to big cities.
- Job market considerations, potentially fewer job options, especially in more specialized fields and career paths.
- Limited access to services such as healthcare specialists, educational options, and diversity and specialized stores.
- The feeling of isolation, the potential downside of a close-knit community, and limited privacy.
- Limitations in transportation include using personal vehicles more often and possibly higher costs of transportation.
Making the Choice
After considering the pros and cons of living in a small town, you might come up with new ideas for your choices. Some downsides we mentioned above might be a positive detail for you. So, it’s up to you how to prioritize your choice. The unique advantages, in any situation, are waiting for you in your new lifestyle preference.
Best Small Towns to Live in
After a brief introduction to the topic, we’re now on one of the most wondered parts. All is okay, but where exactly will you live? Where are these small towns in these hypothetical considerations?
So, let’s see together!
Americas Best Small Towns
We start this journey with the Americas. Here are the top choices:
Bar Harbor – Small Towns to Visit in the USA
Population: 8,943
Bar Harbor is known as the gateway to Acadia National Park. The picturesque destination offers water views and rugged coastlines located along Frenchman Bay. Seafood lovers may enjoy Bar Harbor and visit the local lobster place to enjoy the cuisine and relax.
Telluride – Small Towns to Visit in the USA
Population: 2,588
Telluride is a Colorado mountain town. Its name is unique, derived from the word “tellurium.” The word’s origin meaning signifies gold deposits. It’s interesting that in the 19th century, fortune-seekers were using this term, and it’s possible that the name of the town refers to the region’s mining town atmosphere.
What else can come to your mind when you’re in the mountains. Yes, skiing! Experts and beginners find it fascinating to visit the town’s ski terrain.
Monterey – Small Towns to Visit in the USA
Population: 29,571
You will find California’s unique blend of SoCal laid-back and NorCal sophisticated lifestyles at Monterey County. The colorful crops and easygoing opulence are like symbols of a beautiful small town. In addition, a different vibe and atmosphere can be found at Carmel-by-the-Sea. It’s a perfect family gateway destination where you can find out golf courses and many seafood restaurants.
Nantucket – Small Towns to Visit in the USA
Population: 11.327
Nantucket is known more of as a refined vacation destination. The town is located 30 miles south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. A visit to Nantucket may probably involve riding through cobblestone streets, renting a bike or having a relaxing moment on the shore.
Jackson Hole – Small Towns to Visit in the USA
Population: 10,698
The Jackson Hole valley is surrounded by Grand Teton National Park and national forest. Being in between natural beauties, it has been a hub for local industries like logging, ranching, and fur trading. The tourism in Jackson Hole is also developed and there are also notable art and performance venues. The luxurious upgrades to this region doesn’t stop it from remaining as the heart of mountain country.
Westlake, Florida – Small Towns to Live in the USA
Westlake, Florida, is a developed town when it comes to properties. You can find a planned community with residential, commercial, and public property options. There is an emergency care facility, which can be a reason for many to consider when deciding to move to a smaller town.
Vineyard, Utah – Small Towns to Live in the USA
Population: 14,535
Vineyard is a town on the eastern shore. Since the closure of Geneva Steel Mill in 2001, Vineyard has grown significantly. The focus on commercial properties and residential neighborhoods increased as well as the population growth. Despite all these developments, Vineyard is still a self-sufficient town.
Fulshear, Texas – Small Towns to Live in the USA
Population: 34,264
Founded by Churchill Fulshear in 1824, Fulshear was a rural agricultural community until the 1970s. However, starting from 1977, the town became an incorporated city.
The town holds to its past. So when you wander around, you’ll discover many nods to its past. You can encounter acres of rolling farmland dotted with hay bales and grazing cows and horses.
If you consider yourself someone who loves seeing historic buildings and realizes that they could stay as they were, barely changed, it means that you’ll love many things about Fulshear. The little details you’ll find around the town, for example, the little post offices, will make you feel you live in a different time when things were just simpler.
Timnath, Colorado – Small Towns to Live in the USA
Population: 9,344
Fort Collins’ expansion enabled Timnath to experience growth. This small town, that is located north of Denver has a man street where you can find local shops, restaurants, and a post office. Moreover, there are larger shopping options in Timnath and nearby town residents also prefer going when they need to visit these larger retail options like Walmart and Costco.
Iowa Colony, Texas – Small Towns to Live in the USA
Population: 13,031
The small town in southeastern Texas, Iowa Colony, was founded in 1908 by Des Moines, Iowa founders. There were a few dozen residents initially. It then expanded with the Houston metro area and reached more than a thousand residents in 2010. In the last decade, Iowa’s population has nearly tenfold increased. Many builders are working to develop new neighborhoods. So it’s easy to find homes for sale that are new construction.
Best Small Towns in Europe
Not let’s turn our heads over the continent of Europe and see what’s hidden in the most touristic countries’ back streets of small towns.
Guimarães, Portugal – Small Towns to Live in Europe
Population: 156,830
Exploring Portugal is interesting itself. And some not-that-popular areas like Guimarães are even more fun to discover. This town has a UNESCO-listed city center where you can find out 600-year-old Portuguese architecture. Imagine? The town plazas and family-owned shops. It would be quite a story in itself to buy a storybook that explains Portugal’s smallest villages while showing the country’s rich history.
Český Krumlov, Czech Republic – Small Towns to Live in Europe
Population: 13,000
Eastern Europe offers many natural beauties. Český Krumlov is a town in South Bohemia, and it’s actually like a small-scale version of Prague. Shoutout to Prague lovers. Would you like a version that’s less populated? You’ll discover red-roofed houses, like a fairytale, fountain-filled plazas, and, of course, if we’re in the Czech Republic, see a Gothic castle that is also accessible within under 30 minutes.
Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland – Small Towns to Live in Europe
Welcome to an Alpine town, Lauterbrunnen. In this town, there are chalet-style houses and small village churches. Moreover, it’s popular for its natural surroundings from towering rock faces to mountain peaks and the tallest free-flowing waterfalls in Europe.
Eguisheim, France – Small Towns to Live in Europe
If you consider yourself as someone who can dream of details, you can try and picture Eguisheim, such a perfect French village. From half-timbered houses to cobblestone streets, medieval churches, and even a Christmas market, you’ll find it all in this town.
Bled, Slovenia – Small Towns to Live in Europe
Bled is Slovenia’s small town with a 17th-century church inside. Outdoor activities are popular in Bled, like skiing and tobogganing. You’ll be amazed by the stunning views of the water many times when you’re in Bled, Slovenia.
Seydisfjordur, Iceland – Small Towns to Live in Europe
Seydisfjordur is a small town in eastern Iceland. The arts scene is popular in this town as well as guesthouses, breweries and restaurants. The population is not much yet it is one of the best small towns in Iceland. Ferry connects it to Denmark and Faroe islands. The majestic scenery in this town would worth visiting and living.
Best Small Towns in Asia
Here are some of the most picturesque and inspiring towns in Asian countries. Discover if you can become a digital nomad in one small town in Asia.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Are there any photographers reading this article? Hoi An has many beautiful places for you, plus it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. Food and arhcitecture in this town attracts visitors. It’s located on Vietnam’s central coast, a vital commercial hub. From bars to boutiques there are many local shops.
Yufuin, Japan
Yufuin is a small town in Oita Prefecture, Japan. It’s known for its peaceful atmosphere, onsen baths, and natural scenery. The town is surrounded by Mount Yufu. You can experience onsens at local guesthouses or public baths. On Yunotsubo Street, there’s a variety of artsy boutiques, tea shops, and restaurants. If you’re an art lover, you can explore more than twenty galleries.
George Town, Malaysia
George Town is a cultural hub in Malaysia. It has a rich history spanning nearly 500 years. Pastel-painted shophouses, Chinese mansions, European government buildings, varied religious structures, festivals, music, food, and strongholds all contribute to the region’s distinct character. Major landmarks include Fort Cornwallis, St George’s, Sri Mahamariamman Temple, and City Hall. The old area is recognized for its vivid street art and is dubbed the “food capital of Malaysia.” Hawker centers such as Sri Weld Culinary Court, New Lane Hawker Center, and Cheapside Hawker Centre provide good culinary alternatives. Local food reflects George Town’s eclectic heritage, including dishes like char koay kak, Hokkien mee, rojak, Assam laksa, and kaya toast.
City of Vigan, Philippines
Vigan is a UNESCO World Heritage City located on the Philippine island of Luzon. It’s a top site for Spanish colonial architecture. Established in 1572, it includes churches, schools, and grand mansions with capiz-shell windows and dark wood interiors. Plaza Salcedo, the city’s center square, is home to the majority of colonial buildings, including St. Paul’s Cathedral. Calle Crisologo, a cobbled lane lined with heritage houses, bars, and kalesa, is another notable feature. Visitors can also visit the RG Jar Factory, a ceramic business, and the Vigan Public Market, which features everyday scenes and empanadas.
Conclusion
In this article, it felt like we traveled through beautiful small towns in various parts of the world. Imagining what it would be like living in one of them is exciting. If you find out that small-town life is what you need, you can start making a list of options from above and start discovering what’s hidden in there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth it to live in a small town?
For us, absolutely! You’ll find a slower pace in a small town, communities that have stronger relations, and lower costs in many expenses. However, it’s important to remember how you’ll include your work life in a small town as it may be limited to discovering new job options and entertainment. Small-town life means small but stronger communities. You might not find that in a large city. Rural residents are like experts in small-town living. So it wouldn’t hurt to ask them as well.
How does living in a small town affect you?
A quieter life brings less stress to your life. A big change should be less traffic and more safety compared to a big city. A tight-knit community will help you with a sense of belonging and you’ll feel the support of your neighbors.
Are there advantages to living in a small town?
A strong community is not granted everywhere but it’s much more possible to find yourself in one of them in a small town. It’s good to feel supportive in a friendly atmosphere. Plus lower costs of housing, maybe having even a better alternative than you have in a city is a great benefit of living in a small town. Surely a peaceful environment is a plus, less noice and pollution eventually making you feel more relaxed and connected to the nature.
