Small towns and cities have their charm, that is different from what the big city can offer.
If you decide to move to a small town, life will change for you in many aspects – from your work and commute to your everyday habits and rituals.
Would you move to a small town and if yes, for what reasons? Here we will discuss the pros and cons of moving from a big city to a small city.
Pros & Cons of Moving to a Small City
- Prices. Groceries’ prices, property costs and the cost of living in general are lower in the smaller cities (but on the other hand, the same is true for the salaries). This means that when moving to a small town from the big city, you may use the money from your home sale to get a larger house which will bring more comfort to you and your family.
- Community life – small towns have close-knit communities and people tend to be friendlier, more open and more helpful. Making new firends will likley be easier, but you may hear the sound of tractors early in the morning and the animals that live in the farms around.
- Job opportunities. There will be fewer jobs available in a small town and the spectrum of economic areas you can choose from will be narrower. This means that finding employment may be more difficult or you may have to travel to a nearby city to work. Search through the job options in the area you want to move to and book some interviews before moving to see your chances.
- Services. They may be slower – what if you need a plumber, electrician, carpenter, etc. and the only one available is booked for the next 2 weeks? You may have to wait longer to get the services you want. It is a good idea to learn some basics of house maintenance before your move.
Smaller cities usually have lower cost of living and lower property prices. In other words, for the same money you would spend in a bigger city, you would be able to get a larger property in the small town. - Amenities. In a small town, you may not have the same options as in the big city. If you want to buy more things or you want greater diversity in your product choice, or just particular products you cannot find in local stores, you may have to travel once in a while to the closest bigger city to do the shopping.
- Entertainment. Entertainment options will also be limited – if you want to go to the cinema or to a nice restaurant, practice sports like golf, table tennis, etc. – you will most probably have to look for fun out in the big city near your new home.
- Infrastructure. There will be less traffic in a smaller city, but you may find that the roads are narrower and dirtier, or even blocked by constructions that are falling apart. Network coverage fmay also be limited.
- Kids. A small town is a good place for children – they will get to know nature and grow up in a cleaner, calmer and friendlier environment. Besides, there is a higher chance that there will be better schools in the smaller cities, with less violence and better discipline.
- Privacy. Do you want to know everyone and are you ready everyone to know you? In a small town with a few people, you’re going to see the same faces everywhere – in the local store, in the church, at the pub, etc. Since there won’t be many new things happening around most probably people will talk more about others in the village, including you, and you will also hear what is happening with the others.
These are the main pros and cons to have in mind when considering moving to a small city. Relocating to a small town and living there can be a challenge but also an opportunity – depending on what you want and how you see it. Research the place you’re thinking of moving to and plan not only how to relocate there but also how you’re going to settle into your new life.
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