The Joys of Living in a Small Town

Living in a small city or town is not only about being away from the hustle and bustle of the metro. It can also be about health, economics, and rediscovering many things in life.

Joy A. Totty recently released her latest novel, The Secret of Jerry’s Pride. Just like her previous novels, the stories are in small, peaceful Southern towns. While Totty’s books are mystery thrillers with themes of murder and mystery, we cannot help but appreciate her choice of settings for her fiction books. Her masterful descriptions of quiet, serene, and enigmatic towns make us want to consider moving away from big and toxic cities.

Of course, the idea of equating rural and provincial life with peace, serenity, and nature’s tranquility is nothing new. People have built cabins and vacation houses to be away from work, social interactions, responsibilities, and other demands of urban life. However, with the growing population in most cities and digital technology controlling most of us, it is no wonder that more and more people are actually thinking of settling in smaller towns and communities. And, the reasons and demands vary from the familiar to new ones that have something to do with adapting to new realities and survival.

Cost-Efficient

This is perhaps one of the practical reasons for choosing to live in a smaller town or city. Living in big cities costs a lot. The food, supplies, and even transportation are way cheaper when you live in a small town. You can choose to use public transportation or use a bike instead of spending dollars for gas and car maintenance. Moreover, finding a house might be difficult, but maintaining a house in a smaller city is better than renting a unit or buying one in metropolitan areas. You can also experiment more on providing power and electricity to your home when you are in rural areas compared to living in expensive condominiums or city suburbs.

Independence

Living in a smaller city or town comes with a bit of freedom in many aspects. Escape from the hustle and bustle of the metro traffic and pollution. Liberty from big crowds and social demands. Freedom to explore new things. Also, living in small communities and towns where luxury and other supplies are not always readily available, you get to experience building and creating things you need. You also get to experience a DIY or Do-It-Yourself lifestyle. In short, this brand-new lifestyle allows you to be independent and creative.

Management

Managing a household is a lot easier when you are not preoccupied with the unnecessary demands of city life. In a smaller community, you will be able to manage your budget, time, energy, and activities better. Being freed from the toxic pollution, traffic, expensive supplies, and busy social atmosphere allows you to breathe and take things easy. It will also allow you to manage your social interaction. Sometimes being in a small community with fewer acquaintances is all you need for a peaceful and serene life.

More Me-Time

This is more of the personal aspect and well-being. Living in a rural area, like countryside or a not so busy city, is beneficial for your health. You will rediscover many things about yourself in this new environment and be more attuned to a healthier spiritual and mental state. You can also engage in self-improvement activities and other personal goals. In smaller cities, you have a chance to interact more with nature. You can try growing your own food, set up a garden, or enjoy more time to yourself.

A Quality Living

Overall, one of the main reasons people are beginning to flock to smaller towns is to have a better chance of living a quality lifestyle. In smaller towns and rural areas where pollution, traffic, toxicity, and invasive technology have not yet reached, people enjoy relative safety, opportunity, a healthier environment, and a more sustainable livelihood. Aside from the proverbial peace and quiet, smaller cities and towns are more affordable in acquiring supplies, properties, and even luxury (although the word is relative). People find themselves, their purpose, and have more time and energy to live life to the fullest when they are not shackled to the toxic and arduous demands of living in big cities and towns.