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Things to Consider Before Moving to a Small Town

Story Highlights
  • No.1 - The cost of living may be lower
  • No.2 - There may be fewer job opportunities
  • No.3 - There will be less traffic and plenty of parking
  • No.4 - Services and amenities may be limited
  • No.5 - Your entertainment options might change

Perhaps you have just come home from a small town holiday and you’re longing for the quiet mornings, the fresh air, the ultimate feeling of tranquility, and beautiful nature at your doorstep. You might even be thinking: “I could so totally live there”.

Many people move to smaller towns when the hustle and bustle of the city get too much, and when they seek a simpler lifestyle. You might be ready to pack your bags and head off, but have you really considered what it would mean to move to a smaller town?

Here are a few things you might have initially overlooked:

No.1 – The cost of living may be lower

This isn’t such a big surprise. The cost of living is generally lower in smaller towns.

This can be advantageous if you are planning on selling your house in the city and buying a house in a smaller town because the house prices are significantly lower. This is not to say that all houses have a lower selling price but you will typically pay lower rent.

Other factors like food, taxes, and restaurant prices are also much lower in smaller towns.

No.2 – There may be fewer job opportunities

The cost of living might be cheaper but it could also mean that there are fewer job opportunities available.

Finding employment may be difficult and if you do find a job, it might mean that you need to travel to the next town to get there.

Having said that, there are still many jobs that you can get involved in. Every town has a municipality that needs employees. If you can work remotely, however, this shouldn’t be a big problem. It might be a realistic option for you because you get the benefits of low-cost living and you get to keep your current job in the city.  

No.3 – There will be less traffic and plenty of parking

Imagine driving to work in the morning and avoiding traffic jams and road rage! That sounds like the perfect solution, right?

In smaller towns, there is generally less traffic because fewer people are living there. Full parking spaces will also be a thing of the past – you can look forward to parking wherever you want at any time of the day. This is especially beneficial if you are a cyclist or a roadrunner. You won’t have to weave in and out of traffic anytime soon. 

No.4 – Services and amenities may be limited

Services might be limited or completely down on some days if you live in a smaller town.

The chances are slim that there will be a strong internet connection every day and you might expect power outages from time to time.

You should also prepare yourself for the fact that your cell phone signal might not work at times. If you need something fixed, a plumber or electrician might not be available immediately and certainly not after hours. You might also have to drive to the next town if you want to visit a mall or a big shopping centre. 

No.5 – Your entertainment options might change

Think about the things you do for fun. Now ask yourself if you can continue with your hobbies in a smaller town.

If you enjoy outdoor activities like camping, hiking, or playing outdoor sports then small-town life is perfect for you.

If you are into arts and culture, however, you might not enjoy your stay there. Small towns don’t have theatres, cinemas, or big malls. You could consider replacing these with community-organised events like funfairs, flea markets, or fun days. 

There are many things to consider before moving to a small town. You need to ask yourself whether it will suit your lifestyle and if you can maintain it. 

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