How to Live in a Small Town

Small town living is making a come back as many families are deciding to raise their children in smaller towns. Retirees are moving to smaller towns as well. Small towns offer plenty of positives (no traffic, little smog, quiet neighborhoods, cheaper cost of living and better schools), but moving to a small town can be a huge adjustment for you and your family.

Instructions

1. Adjust to a slower pace. Small towns don't operate off a subway schedule, in fact most of them don't even have a city bus. Without the hassles of traffic, it won't take you hours to go across town.

2. Get involved in the community. By getting involved in your church, children's schools or other activities you like, you get to know the residents of the town and how the town operates.

3. Attend all the events your small town has to offer. While the opera may never come to town, many small towns have multiple celebrations throughout the year to celebrate their town's heritage or livelihood.

4. Watch out for the small town gossip trains. Word travels fast in small towns, so if you don't want to share your entire life with people quite yet, it's best to just keep it to yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• Take time to relax more with your family. Enjoy the lakes, hiking trails and welcoming people that small towns often have to offer.

• Get involved in something new. Use this opportunity to join a quilting group or run for public office (it's much easier to win in a small town), or try something else you have been afraid to do.