For the initial years of our parenting journey, my husband Alex and I navigated the bustling environments of major cities — specifically Los Angeles and New York City. When our oldest child was nearing 14 and our youngest was just 5, we transitioned to a quaint town with a population of 30,000, where a substantial portion of the residents are university students. Nestled amidst expansive farmland, the nearest sizable city is over an hour away. While our new home isn’t exactly a one-stoplight town, it certainly represents a substantial shift from the urban sprawl.
I was both excited and apprehensive about this transition. Having grown up in a small town myself and with Alex coming from a similar background in a community of 8,000, I recalled the drawbacks of small-town life. However, not every small town is the same, and our chosen community offers more than the towns of our youth. After two years here, I’ve identified several benefits and a few drawbacks of raising children in a small town.
Advantages of Raising Kids in a Small Town:
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Safety
It felt surreal moving to a place where many of my friends leave their doors unlocked. While it’s not advisable, the sense of security is palpable. Some of my friends have lived here their entire lives without locking their cars, leaving their keys in the ignition without a second thought. While crime can occur anywhere, the levels here are significantly lower than even in the safer suburbs of New York. This sense of safety is a comforting luxury. -
Traffic
I underestimated how much time and energy we spent dealing with congestion in the city. Now, I can traverse our town in just 10 minutes. Nearby, another town with more shopping options is only 15 minutes away, and we make a 30-minute drive to reach Costco. Here, rush hour is merely a brief inconvenience; it’s more like a rush 15-minutes where you might miss a green light. We never have to factor traffic into our plans, which is a wonderful change. -
Community
In the cities, although we had many friends and acquaintances, they were often scattered across vast areas. The tight-knit sense of community was somewhat absent. In our small town, even with a transient university population, the feeling of connection is strong. The networking here, where “Oh, I know someone who can help,” prevails, creates a palpable sense of belonging. -
Simplicity
Initially, I worried about the limited activities compared to the vast options in urban settings, but I found that simplicity brings its own rewards. Fewer museums, parks, and extracurricular choices mean less decision fatigue for both me and the kids. It fosters refreshing outings that feel more manageable and less overwhelming.
Disadvantages of Raising Kids in a Small Town:
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Limited Diversity
While our university town does offer some cultural diversity, it still falls short when compared to a large city. I fear that without the college presence, our town would be quite homogenous. Diversity is crucial to us, so we actively seek cultural events at the university to broaden our children’s perspectives. -
Fewer Opportunities
While having fewer options simplifies life, it can also be limiting. If my kids express interest in a sport or activity not offered in town, it can be frustrating. We can often find alternatives, but not always. Want to join a circus class? Sorry, that’s not available here. Interested in the opera? That’s a 90-minute trek. Major concerts? Five hours away. -
Longing for the City
There’s an undeniable charm about city life. Despite not missing the crowds and traffic, I find myself occasionally nostalgic for the illuminated skyline of New York at night. I miss the thrill of exploring urban streets and the vibrant energy that pulses through a city. Taking the kids to the city was always an adventure, filled with excitement. -
Less Complexity
While simplicity has its place, complexity is just as important. I often ponder what our children might be missing—navigating public transport, exposure to world-class art, and understanding economic disparities. Sometimes, I question whether relocating to a small town is depriving them of valuable life experiences.
Ultimately, every location has its unique advantages and challenges. We have had the privilege of raising children in both a metropolis and a small town, which gives us a broad perspective on the benefits and drawbacks of each environment. It’s essential to remember that neither setting is superior; what matters is how we engage with our children, helping them adapt and thrive, no matter where they call home. We can instill in them the ability to flourish in any environment and ensure they always have a welcoming place to return to.
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Summary:
In summary, raising children in a small town presents both benefits and challenges. The sense of safety, community, and simplicity are notable advantages, while limited diversity, fewer opportunities, and a longing for the vibrancy of city life pose significant drawbacks. Each family must weigh these factors and consider how to provide enriching experiences for their children, regardless of their location.