The Top 10 Perks of Living in a Small Town

There are many reasons people are drawn to small-town living like Ashcroft, BC. Whether it be less traffic, lower cost of real estate or a quieter lifestyle, more and more buyers are opting for a small-town setting.  Below are 10 of the reasons why living in a small town might be the best option for you!

1. Lower Cost of Living

Larger cities and towns can be significantly more expensive to live in. Real estate in small towns is usually cheaper, which can translate into more opportunities for individuals to become homeowners.

Typically when thinking about real estate in a larger city such as New York or LA, we picture more small, studio apartments, unless you are living in Beverly Hills, that is. When travelling to a small town, you will find a plethora of cute homes with families playing in their backyards. This is because of the cost of living and having more of an opportunity to afford a bigger house. 

2. Safety First

Though not always the case, chances are with a small city; the crime rate is also significantly decreased as well. Not only do small towns have fewer people, many times, residents know one another and can look out for each other. Neighbourhood watches, gated communities and an unburdened police force can make a significant impact on the amount of crime.

As mentioned above, having a low crime rate in a small town isn’t always the case, but it can be different crimes that are occurring. Less violent crimes are known to take place in small towns compared to big cities. This is probably due to the adolescents just being bored, so they decide to graffiti or do more of the lesser violent crimes.  

3. Shorter Commute Times

Living and working in the city can mean a long commute with heavy traffic. People who live in a small town, but work in the city will still have a commute mixed with heavy traffic. However, if you are working within close proximity to your house, you have the added benefit of less traffic, and shorter commute time, which in turn means more sleep - a bonus!

Residents who live and work in small towns can also take advantage of walking or riding their bikes to work. 

4. Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Small towns are a great option for those who wish to be close to nature. With little to no towering skyscrapers and plenty of open green space, homeowners are able to quickly take advantage of area parks, recreation centres, trails and forestry. Especially true for rural towns, small towns are commonly surrounded by open fields, farms and large conservation areas. If lucky, there may be a lake or body of water nearby which also provides plenty of fun activities such as fishing, boating or canoeing. 

You will also find an ample amount of space for dog owners to take and allow their fur babies to run free. A tired dog is a good dog!

5. Get to Know One’s Neighbors

There is a strong sense of community and intimacy found in small towns that just doesn’t seem to make its way into large cities. 

Residents, especially ones who have lived in town for many years, come to know neighbours, business owners and local politicians well. While this may not be advantageous when looking for additional privacy, it is a pro for small-town friendships, businesses, charities, and more. Residents tend to stick together, helping each other during times of hardship and supporting or celebrating neighbours' success. 

Related Post: The 10 Best Small Towns To Live In BC

6. Less Noise

If you’ve spent any time in a big city, you will quickly come to learn they also provide us with an excess level of noise. From constant traffic, construction, sirens and more, things rarely quiet down for an extended period of time. 

In some small cities around the country, homeowners enjoy peace and quiet through long stretches of the day and night, even being able to count the cars that drive by on any given day. While this may not seem ideal to all, for those who are looking for a quieter, slower pace of life, it is silence to their ears! 

7. Unique Art & Culture Scene

From quirky traditions to one-of-a-kind art or cultural celebrations, small towns really know how to throw a party. There are tons of towns throughout the country that celebrate random town-specific holidays or local celebrities. Typically a family-fun gathering, residents enjoy the “you got to live here to get it” type of celebrations which usually are accompanied by lively music, plenty of mouthwatering food and delicious beverages. 

8. Small Business Opportunity 

Opening a small business is risky no matter your location, but when starting up in a small town, you have a greater chance of success. This is because of the lack of competition from big brands like Hollister, Garage and more. Some small towns don’t even have a mall! A little bit of research can help you offer the perfect items your neighbours are looking for. 

9. Staying Informed

When you are living in a city full of 150,000 people or more, it is easy to lose track of the happenings around you. You will probably have a youngster delivering your weekly newspaper, where you can read about all the new things going on in your town but this usually isn’t the only form of news while living in a close-knit neighbourhood. Chances are, a lot of people know everything about the ins and outs, the gossip, the new volunteer opportunities etc. You are probably a part of your local Facebook group which allows you to have another source of information to learn about events happening, lost pets and more. 

10. Better Car Insurance Rates

You tend to be a riskier client if you live in a city because of the potential damage that can happen and the increased chance of accidents. Risker drivers mean higher insurance rates. When living in a small town, you become less risky which gives you a better rate to pay monthly. This is generally caused by the lack of theft, vandalism and collision when driving in a less condensed area.