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A big city girl used to the vibrant and bustling urban life woke up one fine morning and decided to move to a small town.
That's exactly what happened to me. From my experience, I can offer some remarkable insights about transitioning from a big city to a small town.
Motivation to move
Growing up in a big city was nice. I never had to move for any reason, whether choosing a college or finding a job. The busy life, traffic, and great restaurants nearby were all normal to me. But after having a baby and facing an ongoing recession, I wanted more comfort. This led to the decision to move to a small town.
Based on my experience, I can share my thoughts on this significant decision. First, it's essential to understand what you value at this stage in your life. What decisions will you need to make to fulfill those values?
You'll need a plan
Before making your move, you need a solid plan. You might face culture shock if you're used to the big city. Do some groundwork first. Here are some tips from my experience that I found helpful:
1. Do research
Feeling overwhelmed by "research"? Don't worry. You don't need to be an academic researcher. Prepare for your move with YouTube videos, travel or personal vlogs, and online articles on that location so you can get an idea of what life is really like there.
I followed these online resources and got the best results. I followed the Cup of Jo blog for the genuine experience of people who moved from big city to small town.
2. Make an in-person visit
If possible, plan a physical visit to your desired location, as things can often look different in reality than they do on paper. This can give you a chance to explore the neighborhood and be more certain of your choice.
Before moving, I gave a tour of my town. My husband had a seminar nearby, and I didn't miss that chance! I observed the community, parks, shopping malls, small boutique shops, and the grocery store, too.
3. Estimate the cost of living
Moving to a small town is often prompted by lower living costs than big cities. Yet, individual situations can differ greatly. It's wise to assess factors like the job market, household income, gas prices, and rental rates.
Quiz
Jen was brought up in Boston. After getting remote work, she's considering moving to Montana for a quiet life. Now she is puzzled: how should she start her preparation? Select all answers that will help her prepare:
Before deciding to move, Jen should get an overall impression of Montana, explore places to live, and understand the cost of living in the area.
Some difficulties you might face
Small towns offer comfortable, simple lifestyles. However, when you move from a big city, you might face some difficulties, as I did. Although you may realize that a small town has fewer resources, you may not be aware of how much the change might impact you.
For example, I'm a fan of Mexican food, but in my small town, I have to drive one and a half hours to have a bite of tacos! I also have to make a weekend plan to go to the mall to buy branded goods. But that's how life is for me here.
I know it's tough to leave the opportunities of the big city, but if you take my word for it, I value nothing more than a soothing life. You must believe in what is important to you, take a deep breath, and dive into it!
Your comfort is important
Others may raise their brows at your decision, but small-town living can be worthwhile for peace and comfort.
Let's see what's waiting for you there!
Living in a bigger spaceis an appealing advantage of small town life. Families might be able to enjoy greater comfort, whether it's a rental apartment or house, and children can play more freely.
The strong sense of community you can get. In a big city, it might seem rare to know your next-door neighbor, but in a small, cozy community, it's possible to build a strong support network of friends and neighbors.
The slower pace of life and reduced traffic and pollution may offer you opportunities to develop a healthy lifestyle. Keep in mind that public transport may be limited so having your own car is essential, but ample parking may also be available.
It could be overwhelming at the beginning, but with time and effort, you'll become more connected to the way of life. Despite its differences, once you become acquainted with your surroundings and make friends, this small place could offer you unparalleled happiness.
Take Action
It's a big move to step into a small town from a big city. With planning and a positive mindset, your new journey could be a rewarding adventure.
Do the proper groundwork to prepare for your move:
This Byte has been authored by
Mahmuda Sultana
Instructional Designer and Educator
M.Ed