Coming from a small town, there are a lot of things I miss. There are just some quaint qualities about living in a smaller-sized community you don't find in larger cities. While there are definitely things I don't like, there are a few things I can look back on fondly:
1. You can walk across town in 10 minutes
My hometown is about 1,000 or so people. It has probably grown since I was last there, but it's largely still the same. You can start off at one side of town and walk across it in no time. You could probably make it clear through in five minutes on a skateboard or long board
2. The small school life
Many aspects of larger school definitely breeze over what a smaller school may have, but you can't beat the sense of community. I had a class size of 21 students, which was on the larger size at the time. While you can get pretty sick of certain people year in and out, there is still a begrudging sense of belonging.
3. Everyone knows everyone
Some people complain about this and others love it. I am someone who sits right in the middle, mostly on the complaining end, but I find myself missing it. There is just something about walking into the gas station and knowing everyone who's working. Getting hellos and how-do-you-dos can brighten up any person's day.
4. One for all and all for one
I have never seen a community come to a singular person's aid more than in a small community. With everyone keeping tabs on each other, you know who is struggling and may need a little extra help. People will help subtly, maybe offering to give their kids rides to school, but also more openly as well. The food drives are especially helpful because you know all the food donated is going to someone you know more intimately.
5. Road trips for any and all sports
Road trips can be fun and exciting, especially for sports. For a small town, their teams usually have to travel to compete. Home games are that much more exciting, knowing another team traveled 30-plus miles and is itching for a win. The bonding on these sometimes long trips was and is great for the teams. You can really get to know the person next to you on the bus. Also, there is something amazing about watching a couple of down-home boys give it their all.
6. Small town restaurants
I don't know about everyone else, but my hometown restaurant was to die for. The food may not have been as upscale as one in a bigger city, but you know who was cooking it and you know your money was going to a good place. Plus, most of the kids who go to school would work there. They can always use a little bit of extra money.
