I was raised in a quaint little town in Maine, where the population barely grazed 3,000. Growing up, I felt like I lived in a forest. Our nearest neighbor was over a half-mile away, and I fondly remember riding my bike barefoot and helmet-free to visit her, never once encountering a car on those carefree jaunts.
Every trip to our single local store was an adventure. Nestled in the heart of town, it was just a short ride through one blinking red stoplight, where the friendly staff greeted you by name. My siblings and I would spend countless hours in the woods, gathering berries and constructing forts. Occasionally, we’d grumble about boredom, fantasizing about a life in the city filled with cinemas, swimming pools, and bustling crowds.
Despite those daydreams, I cherished my childhood. The relaxed, tranquil lifestyle of a small town resonated with me so much that, instead of chasing the urban dream like many of my friends, I chose to attend college in another small town. While I appreciate the vibrancy of larger cities, I take pride in raising my children in a similar environment to the one I thrived in. We even built our home just a few miles from my childhood house, where the same store and stoplight still stand, unchanged for over three decades.
Some might argue that small-town life lacks excitement, but I find it peaceful. The clamor of city traffic is something I could never adapt to. For me, a small town offers the perfect balance: we enjoy serene views of nature and the sweet sounds of morning birds, yet we can reach a larger town in under ten minutes when needed.
Sure, we might not have pizza or Chinese food delivered to our doorstep, but with no traffic to contend with—unless you’re waiting for cows or a family of turkeys to cross the road—life is pretty simple. Additionally, the cost of living is far more manageable than in a big city. While we do spend a bit on gas to get essentials, it pales in comparison to expenses like daycare, taxes, and housing costs.
The homes in our area offer ample space and privacy. I love the freedom of walking around comfortably in my own skin. Plus, I find comfort in knowing that when my kids play baseball or swing golf clubs, they won’t be breaking any windows except for our own.
My children benefit from the small schools in our town. They thrive in smaller classes, and I appreciate the ease of connecting with teachers in the grocery store or after school for a quick chat. The absence of bright city lights allows for breathtaking starry nights, and when fireflies come out, it feels like there are little strobe lights dancing across our yard.
With fewer kids around, my children often have to find their own fun. They have friends nearby, but not always available to play, so they’ve learned the art of creativity and outdoor exploration, just like I did.
Everyone in our community knows me and my children, and I can easily identify which kids belong to whom. We’re quick to support each other, sharing insights about our children’s behaviors. I often remind my kids that even if I’m not watching them closely, there’s always someone who is, and they’ll be sure to fill me in on every little detail.
Sometimes we venture to a nearby city for a change of pace, dancing in the streets and trying new foods. Those experiences make me wonder if I could ever leave my small town behind. But then we return home, where my kids hop on their bikes, a deer grazes in our backyard, or a neighbor drops by for a cup of sugar, and I realize I will forever be a small-town girl. My children may choose to move to the city when they’re older, but our roots will always be here.
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In summary, raising my children in a small town provides them with a unique blend of community, nature, and personal growth that I cherish deeply. They have the freedom to explore, a supportive network around them, and a childhood filled with memories in a peaceful environment.