Introduction

Living in a big city is very different from living in a small town. If you’re looking to move between the two, transitioning to a slower pace of living from big city living can be especially hard. Rather than honking horns and screaming to fill the night, there is usually silence or the light sound of insects.

Similarly, rather than there always being something to do, there may be little or nothing to do in a small town. It’s a big adjustment, to say the least! To help guide your transition, we’ve rounded up the best tips on how to move to a small town.

1. Research the Town Ahead of Time

One full-proof way to have anxiety about making a move is to not do your research. By not knowing anything about the new town, you leave your mind open to anxiety-ridden assumptions. Before moving, try taking some time to research the town online and see what it is like, known for, and how close it is to everything that you love.

2. Visit the Town Ahead of Time

Better than just researching the town, actually taking a trip to visit beforehand can be helpful. This way, you’re able to get an overall feel for the town first-hand, rather than reading through others’ experiences. It’s the best of both worlds!

3. Choose the Best Neighborhood

While a super small town won’t have many options for neighbourhoods and may even be spread out, some smaller towns will. Finding a neighbourhood that fits your lifestyle can help to form an already existing community that can make the transition a little less lonely.

4. Meet Some Locals

This can be a number of ways, but taking time to connect with some locals can help you to feel more connected to the small town. Plus, who doesn’t love having a friend before moving?

Joining a Facebook group for the town or more specialized groups in the area can help you to feel much more comfortable. For example, if you love archery, search online to see if there is an archery club in the town or near it and request to join. You’ll form early friendships and have insider information about the things that you love!

5. Focus on the Good

There is a reason you’re moving to a smaller town. Whether it be to have a better family environment or a job relocation, try to focus on the positives. It is easy to get swept away with negative thoughts about what you might miss, but taking the time to recognize all of the good that could come from the chance will help the process.

You may also find that some of your recreational hobbies are still available, despite the move! For example, cannabis users moving from New York to Ohio may fear losing out on the activity, but luckily, there are plenty of dispensaries in Ohio! This all goes back to doing your due diligence in research.

6. Do the Things You Never Could

There are certain things that will work in a small town that just won’t work in a big city and vice versa. Take advantage and do the things you’ve always wanted to - but never could. Owning a car, being loud (without angry pounding by a neighbour), taking up space, all of these small-town benefits are great ways to transition and enjoy yourself.

7. Apply for Jobs Early

Because a smaller town will have a smaller job market, it’s important to apply early. If you’re moving for a job, luckily, this won’t be a concern, but if you’re moving to care for a family member or for other reasons, a job should be at the top of your list.

You might also consider before moving if the town even has a job market that you could reasonably fit into. For example, if you’re a fisherman moving from Boston to a small town in Northern Texas, a career pivot will probably be necessary. Start planning early!

Conclusion

Whatever your reason is for moving to a small town, the experience doesn’t need to be a painful one. In fact, moving to a small town from a big city can provide a number of benefits, increasing the overall quality of life. Keeping these tips in mind, you can help to make the process as seamless as possible!