For over a decade, our family navigated the bustling life of major cities like Los Angeles and New York City. When our eldest reached 14 and our youngest was just 5, we transitioned to a charming college town with a population of around 30,000, nestled amidst expansive farmland. The nearest sizable city is a good 90 minutes away. While our new environment isn’t quite a one-stoplight town, it certainly marks a significant departure from urban life.
I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension about this move. Having grown up in a tiny community, I was familiar with the drawbacks of small-town living, while my partner hailed from a town of just 8,000. Initially, the negatives of our past experiences seemed to overshadow the positives. However, not every small town is the same. The one we chose has proven to be richer in opportunities than the places where we were raised. After two years, I’ve discovered both rewarding aspects and challenges of raising children in a small town.
Advantages of Raising Kids in a Small Town:
Safety
Moving to a community where many neighbors leave their doors unlocked was a revelation. While it may not be wise, the low crime rates here are a comforting luxury. Even compared to the relatively safe suburbs of NYC, the tranquility we experience is a welcome change.
Traffic
In our previous cities, navigating through traffic consumed a considerable amount of time. Now, traversing our town takes just ten minutes. There’s another area 15 minutes away that offers additional shopping and dining, and we can reach Costco in half an hour. Here, rush hour lasts about 15 minutes, simply meaning you might have to wait for a green light on your first go. The absence of traffic planning is blissful.
Community
While we had a network of family and friends in the city, the sense of a close-knit community was often lacking. Here, even with the transient population of a college town, there’s a palpable sense of connection. The small-town networking, where everyone seems to know someone who can help, enhances our experience.
Simplicity
Initially, I worried about losing access to the endless activities offered in urban environments. However, having fewer options has simplified our lives in a refreshing way. With fewer museums, parks, and extracurricular activities to choose from, we experience less decision fatigue and more enjoyable outings.
Challenges of Raising Kids in a Small Town:
Limited Diversity
Our university town provides some cultural variety, yet it still pales in comparison to the diversity found in a major city. Without the college, the town would be quite homogenous. It’s important for us to expose our kids to diverse cultures, so we actively seek out events at the university that broaden their perspectives.
Fewer Opportunities
While fewer choices can simplify life, it also means that not all interests can be pursued locally. If my kids want to engage in a specific sport or activity that isn’t offered here, we often face obstacles. For example, if your child dreams of being a trapeze artist, they’re out of luck. Cultural experiences like the opera require a 90-minute drive, and major concerts are several hours away.
Longing for Urban Life
There’s an undeniable magic about city living. Though I don’t miss the congestion or noise, I occasionally yearn for the illuminated skyline or the thrill of exploring urban landscapes. The energy of downtown, its stunning architecture, and the vibrant cultural scene are experiences I miss sharing with my children.
Less Complexity
While simplicity is beneficial, so is complexity. I often reflect on what my children may be missing—like learning to navigate public transport, experiencing world-class arts, and understanding economic disparities. I wonder if we’re doing them a disservice by isolating them from the complexities of urban life.
Ultimately, every location has its advantages and disadvantages. Having lived in both a metropolis and a small town, I appreciate the benefits and recognize what we might be sacrificing. There isn’t a definitive answer on which environment is superior; both have their merits. Regardless of our surroundings, we strive to ensure our children thrive, encouraging them to embrace their current environment while exposing them to various lifestyles. Our goal is to equip them with the skills needed to flourish no matter where life takes them.
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In summary, while raising kids in a small town has its unique challenges, it also offers distinct advantages that can foster a safe and close-knit upbringing.