When I got married and we moved away for work, we ended up in a small community again. I didn't think I'd settle in as well as I have, but I just love it! I love running into people I know from church in Walmart. I love that we have about five main thoroughfares, a mall that has about fourteen stores in it, and parks sprinkled liberally all over the place. This is a beautiful little place to raise our son, and I'm grateful for the change of pace. That said, there are still times that I stand, looking out the window at night thinking, "I miss pigeons. And China Town. And that smell of garbage in the summer..."
How about you? If you had to choose between small town and big city, which would it be?
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I think that WHERE isn't as important as other things. I grew up in a town of about 5,000 and live today in Greater Fresno which is closer to 1 million people. Both have advantages and disadvantages. It is about being with the people you love and doing the things you love. Sure, sometimes living in the city makes it easy to find that Thai restaurant or a certain store. And there are gardens and parks where you can get space if you need it. Convenient. But the tradeoff is you might not see anyone you know, ever, when you are out shopping.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point. I was ridiculously excited about going to a little church walking distance from my home because I'd recognize people I saw every day. It's something I don't take for granted!
DeleteI live in a city with about 2 million people in the surrouding area and I have to say, that sometimes it seems to be a very small town. I run into someone I know almost everywhere I go. I love small towns for their charm, but my husband is from a SUPER small town (he had 18 people in his graduating class) and I could not deal with that. Way too much busybodiness there. LOL! Great post!
ReplyDeleteThe busybodiness can definitely make life interesting! My graduating class had a couple of hundred,I think, so I've never experienced THAT small of a town! I do find that cities have neighborhoods, and people do get to see familiar faces around their neighborhoods. Your city sounds like it has a great culture.
DeleteI have lived in both. It depends on the city, and of course, the weather some. There is a lot to do, but sometimes the lines are horrendous, still there are more places to wait in line at.
ReplyDeleteActually, I think the middle sized city gives you somewhat the best of both worlds, you get all your shopping venues without the snarls of traffic. And if you do want to hit the big city just drive a couple hours or so and you'll be there.
Even the downtown events and things feel different in a bigger city, like they lost they homey feel. Just me maybe.
I lived in Toronto, which was very big. I found it felt really homey, but that said, I also enjoyed disappearing into a crowd, so my definition of homey back then would have been different than now. I've heard it said though, that the loneliest place in the world is in the middle of a crowd of people. I must admit that while living there, I'd dream of a tiny town where people knew me, and I knew them.
DeleteOne other thing, the fun part of a small town... is everyone knows everyone, and their business and they're all somewhat related. Lived in a town called Opheim Montana, at school a girl was being picked on and I told her I would put up with some bully picking on her. Well that bully came and talked to me, cause the girl told her what I said. It was her cousin.
ReplyDeleteLOL! Yes, I know what you mean about everyone being related! It could make dating hard for some of my friends. When you're "kinda related" to half the town your options are seriously limited. ;)
DeleteI love living in a small town. Our community is so small we don't have any stoplights. There is a grocery, a post office, a restaurant, vet and closed down lumber mill. In doesn't matter when we go to the Safeway in the next small town, we always run into someone we know. When I had to live in Los Angels for eight months taking care of my daughter, driving scared me to death. Where did all the people come from??? Hubby and I like being at hermit status.
ReplyDeleteI used to drive in a big city easily, but recently when my mom came to visit, I was all shocked and aghast at a line up of about 8 cars. She laughed at me. :) I just can't do that anymore! If 8 cars freak me out now, I'd better just stay where I am. ;)
DeleteInteresting discussion. I've lived in both, also, and I'll go small (though not too small) over big.
ReplyDeleteI do like being near enough to a large city though to make day trips. For eleven years we lived in the Poconos of PA (2 hours from civilization) and that was too much. Owning an inn helped since we had city "folk" every week-end and after hearing their tales of crowds, high rentals and escalating crime, plus expensive - everything, we'd smile and send a prayer of gratitude that crime in our area meant kids stealing candy.
I'll take your version of crime, any day, June! I think that is a pretty good trade off.
DeletePersonally I like a medium size town. Big enough to be private, yet small enough I don't get lost in it. I go to Minneapolis MN to visit my brother and it's too fast paced for me. Fun to visit but I wouldn't want to live there.
ReplyDeleteI like writing about teenie tiny towns, but I'm not sure that my fantasy would be as pleasant in reality. That's the beauty of books, I suppose. Getting to try something on for size without committing for life.
DeleteI've lived in both and now we live way out in the boonies on a small farm. I have to say after living here for 20 years, I go to town and I can't stand it. I'll take the cows, corn and chickens! LOL
ReplyDelete