By Aimee Lyons
Small-town living is a great way to enjoy more life. But if you’re used to the city, there are things you should know about living in a small town. Today’s post is brought to you by Estilos Blog and offers insight on things to consider before you move, as well as what to look for in your small town.
Challenges of Small Town Life
No matter where you live, you’ll face challenges. When you move to a town with less than 50,000 people, you may find that jobs are scarce, there’s less diversity, and schools may not have the resources you feel your children need and deserve.
Finding a Job
When there are fewer jobs, competition can get fierce. To have your best chance at finding the right job for you, you’ll have to get on it quickly. A stellar resume should clearly and concisely communicate your relevant skills and experiences, while also showcasing your unique value and achievements.
Buying a Home
Buying a home in a small town can be a great investment and lifestyle choice, but it’s important to research local property values, assess the town’s economic stability and growth potential, and consider factors such as proximity to amenities, commute times, and environmental risks before making a decision. A local real estate agent can help you find homes in your price range.
Making New Friends
When you live in a major city, all you have to do is hop online to find a meetup group that helps you connect with people with similar interests. Not so in a small town. Liveabout recommends going to the local haunts, including civic organizations and even the library. You can also visit your local diner for morning coffee or make friends with the other moms in the car rider line.
Supplementing Education
If your children are used to having access to technology and an extensive roster of possible educational paths, they may experience culture shock in a small town. Many smaller areas simply don’t have the money to support big-city educational endeavors. In this case, you can always look for an online tutor, which comes with the added benefit of improving your child’s self-esteem while enhancing their academic learning.
Moving Your Business
To move your business, it’s important to plan ahead, communicate clearly with employees and customers, evaluate logistical and financial considerations, and take steps to ensure a smooth transition while minimizing disruption. If you’re moving to Florida from another state, learn how to start an LLC in Florida—there are five required steps to file.
What to Look For
We’ve already covered jobs, socialization, and education, but there are still plenty of other things to look for when choosing a small town. Affordability is key to these. Even though smaller towns tend to be less expensive, if you have to travel very far for basic necessities, such as groceries and home supplies, you may offset the savings in fuel.
When you’re looking for a town, don’t forget to check the local weather. This is especially true if you’re planning to move to a mountain town, which may be cooler, dryer, and less pleasant than just a few miles toward the valley. (Mountain towns can also be more comfortable; it just depends on location.)
Finally, make sure that you look to see if your new small town has the amenities that your family wants and needs. If your family enjoys cooking, for example, make sure that you’ll have access to grocery stores. Areas with a small population and lower-income homes may be classified as food deserts, which means you won’t have access to grocery stores, especially not one with lots of options. Other amenities to consider are nightlife, recreational activities, and shopping.
Ultimately, moving to a small town has many benefits. Lower cost of living in a tight community are two that make moving out of the city a viable and attractive option. Be sure to take steps like finding a home and job and registering your business in your new state. When you’re ready to make your move, be willing to accept the pros and cons, but confirm that your future address has enough amenities that you don’t mind the challenges you face.
