Hiking, fishing and camping are not exactly common in big cities. Someone in the big city would have to drive pretty far to do any kind of intense outdoor activity. And don’t expect the drive to a small town to be a short one. You definitely cannot avoid traffic in the big city. A five minute car ride quickly becomes at least a half hour long drive for city dwellers. Do not expect to know your neighbors in the big city. The luxury of waving to the person across the street is one that is purely unique to a small town. And you certainly cannot trust anyone in big cities, even your neighbors.

City dwellers may look down upon us small town folks, but do not be ashamed. Be proud of the fact that you know the names of everyone in the line at the grocery store. Small town living certainly has its perks.

First, I would suggest if you live near a farm, enjoy. Build a bird house. You most likely live in a small open area where wildlife is abundant. A multilevel birdhouse would make things enjoyable when sitting outside or doing yard work. It doesnt matter if your in the city or on a farm, birds are everywhere and they would love the hospitality of a new home.

Secondly, try making a garden. Whether it be in your front yard under a window sill or in a huge garden patch outback. Pick flowers that may attract butterflies and small colorful birds. Flowers with strong scents and eyepopping color is sure to spruce up any dull moment.

If you know everyone, or close to everyone in your town gather them all together for a big picnic. Make homemade potato salad and set up an arts and crafts table for the kids. Have the kids help make and paint bird houses even.

Now if you live in a small town with farmlands, this might just work for you. Even if you don’t, who knows it could very well help you too. Every Sunday morning, gather some other people and go tot he local park for a farmers market. Make homemade pies and jams, gather vegitables, make cookies, cards, birdhouses, t-shirts anything really. Just have fun with it. Give it your own town’s touch.

2. Crime rates are lower. The communities are smaller with fewer strangers passing threw. Neighbors try to look out for each other and work together to keeps their homes safe on a more personal level. Emergence services have faster response times with less distances to reach and lower numbers of calls. Home insurance rates cost less primarily because of better response times.

3. There’s less traffic. In a small town everything is just around the corner. You don’t have to battle the highway crowed to get anywhere. Commutes to and from work are shorter and more serene. The roads are shorter with less people on them. With less cars on the road the air is cleaner and the environment is greener.

4. The shopping is better. Everything costs less and is made with better quality. Most of the business are family owned with more hand made items and original designs. It’s the best place to go antiquing or to find a home cooked meal in a local family owned restaurant.

5. Passionate community involvement and small towns go hand in hand. The populations are small so you get to know each other on a personal level at community events. Small towns have long rich histories and are very good at celebrating it together in many ways as well as traditional holidays.

Another way to meet people is to take your dog on a walk down the street. Other people, your new neighbors will be just arriving home from work, or walking their dog, or tending their lawn. This is another way to get to know your neighbors, and make a habit out of it, because the more often you run in to each other, the friendlier it will be.

There is also baking a pie and bringing it over; it will just happen naturally, especially in a small town where there isn’t over-crowding and where life is still as slow, laid-back, and casual as Mr. Haney’s “Green Acres.”