I have to be honest; sometimes it gets tiring to live in a big city. At some point, you’re sick and tired of the traffic and all the people. So many people.
And as an increasing number of people get disillusioned with the big city life, there is a massive exodus of people to small towns. And it’s not just older people. Research shows there’s a significate number of young people relocating to small towns.
Wide-open fields, the sun, trees, greenery, beaches, and maybe a few animals.
It starts to sound super nice when right now you’ve been stuck in traffic for the last hour. But before you pack a bag and hit the road, there are a few things you need to consider.
How do you make money:
Suppose you’re hoping to get a job in a small town. I don’t recommend it unless it’s your hometown. Getting a good job in a small town isn’t easy, and your earning power is considerably less in a small town compared to the city. That’s the reason people moved to the city in the first place.
But if you’re a freelancer or remote worker, this is ideal for you basically, if you can make money without depending on your physical location.
Housing, are you renting or buying:
Buying property isn’t recommended if you’re just moving to a small town. Finding something flexible to rent or lease is your best bet.
Study the details of your contract with a fine-toothed comb. If something isn’t included, ask if it could be.
Find your Inner Friendly Neighbor Vibe
In most small towns, everyone knows everyone. If you’re a big city cat, this is one of the ways a small town might be a shock to the system. Even if you live miles away from your nearest neighbor, they know who you are, where you go, and what you do. It’s a little creepy at first, but it’s something you have to get used to. Getting to know your neighbors is a must.
Do your Research
You have to check for hospitals, restaurants, delivery companies, emergency services, and other local resources before committing to a town. Yes, you should do some online research but physically staying in town for at least a couple of weeks is a must. You can’t always trust online information to be up to date for rural areas. In your first few visits, make sure you start creating a contact list.
Be Ready for Long Drives
Small towns have a lot of space. That’s something you have to get used to. You have to be mentally and physically prepared for a long drive for everything.
Say goodbye to grocery stores, mini-malls, gas stations, and restaurants everywhere. If you need one thing, like a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk, simply jump in your car and quickly get it. Your new rural home could be many miles away from these types of services and stores.
Lights, Camera, Action
It gets dark in a small town, and I mean dark, goodbye to numeracy streetlights and lights from every corner. Be sure always to have flashlights handy with safety lights, motion sensors, and security cameras installed.
You might miss the cameras in the big city more than you know.
Personal Infrastructure
Small towns have a bad reputation for poor roads, it’s not as bad as many would have you believe, but it’s far from perfect. You will need reliable transportation that’s prepared for dirt roads, potholes, and other rugged conditions.
Nothing says I just moved from the city than your car stuck in a ditch. And it’s not just your ride, and you need a backup generator. Missing deadlines is a real possibility. A small town won’t handle a rainstorm the same way.
Nomad Internet
Getting your internet right is essential to survive in a small town. Nomad provides up to Unlimited High-Speed Internet specifically designed for people living in rural areas and travelers.
Nomad’s network utilizes major cell service providers; basically, you can have high-speed Internet as long as there’s a cell tower nearby. And the best part is they can set up your network in 72 hours!