I personally am a fan of small towns. I grew up and live in Wheeling, West Virginia, which is a pretty small city. There are so many reasons to love a small town, but here are a few of my reasons.

1. Restaurants are essential to the town.

There really is no place like home when it comes to food. Every small town has at least one quality restaurant that everyone always congregates at and will make sure they tell others about how amazing the food is. How would Wheeling foodies survive without Ye Olde Alpha, Avenue Eats, or Generations?

2. Everybody knows each other.

This may be a good or bad thing, but it’s a great feeling to have a family-like bond within the community. You’re always guaranteed to run in to at least one person that you know while you’re out running errands.

3. When a tragedy strikes, the community is prepared to help in any way possible.

It is amazing to see a community come together and help a family in a time of need. Fundraisers are always organized immediately, and it is a humbling moment to witness the compassion and love of your neighbors and friends.

4. Festivals and traditions will bring you back for years to come.

There is just something about festivals and holiday traditions that bring out the inner child inside of you. No matter if you’re far away from your hometown or not, nostalgia will always draw you back.

5. You are stuck with the same classmates from the first day of pre-school until the last day of senior year.

Whether you stay friends with your kindergarten pals or not, you will learn and grow together for many years. Who knows, you might even end up at the same college!

6. There is always that one outstanding pizza shop.

Let’s be honest, any kind of pizza is amazing. But, pizza shops that are unique to the town are the best! People near and far from home will always make sure to have a slice of that shop’s pizza no matter what.

7. History is everywhere.

Small towns are so historic! They were built long ago and they used to be filled with life. There are so many buildings, statues, photographs, and art from the glory days that are all over town. If you live in a small town, be sure to check out the history of your town! It’s fascinating.

8. Everybody has said “I can’t wait until I can get out of this town!” at least once.

I will admit to this one. When you’re a moody fourteen year old that can’t drive and who has absolutely “nothing” to do, this is announced pretty often. As I’ve grown older, I have come to appreciate my small town. I can honestly imagine raising a family and living in my small city of Wheeling forever.

9. Garage sales are always packed.

Whenever there is a garage sale in town, everybody knows about it. People will wake up at the crack of dawn just to be the first one to inspect the items for sale.

10. Fireworks are the biggest event of the year.

There is just something about fireworks that bring every single person out of their homes. Fireworks are always packed with so many people that you just can’t help but think to yourself, “who are these people and where did they all come from?”

11. You will always find your way back to your small town.

Your small town will always hold a special place in your heart. You are guaranteed to come back at least once for family, events, friends, or quality food. No matter how far away you go, you will always find your way back home.