If you grew up in a small town, then you’re probably accustomed to a certain way of doing things! You have small-town behaviors that can only exist when you live in a close-knit community.
With a slower pace of life and local traditions, the way you are is largely shaped by where you come from. Here are 14 charming and endearing small-town behaviors found in people who grew up outside of bustling cities.
1. Greet Everyone They Meet
In small towns, it’s common to greet everyone you pass on the street, whether you know them or not. This habit of saying hello or nodding to strangers is deeply ingrained in the culture. When small town folks move to bigger cities, they’re sometimes surprised by their reserved behavior. Sometimes it’s even mistaken as coldness or rudeness.
2. Refer to Directions by Landmarks
Go down to the A&P, or turn left at Joe’s Floral Shop. These are the types of directions you may have from people who grew up in a small town. Because the towns are small, almost everyone in the area is familiar with the distinct landmarks. They’re used more frequently than streets or address numbers.
3. Attend Local Festivals
While many people like to go to local festivals, it’s more common for people who come from small towns. Close-knit communities often host annual festivals or dances, whether it’s a fall apple harvest, a summer seafood bash, or the town’s founding day.
Those who grew up attending these events tend to cherish local traditions and community gatherings. They’re almost always the first in line at a new festival in town.
4. Support Local Businesses
From excellent customer service to better pricing, there are many benefits of supporting small businesses. Small towners know this, which is why they have an almost religious following for their favorite brands.
People from small towns prefer to go to the family-run hardware store rather than Home Depot. They’re also more likely to try a small, new bakery than to go to Starbucks.
5. Recognize Cars and Their Owners
In a small town, people often know each other by their first names. They also know who they’re dating, what they do for a living, and of course, which car they drive.
This familiarity means they can recognize who is at the grocery store simply by seeing who’s parked outside. You won’t find this habit in more anonymous, larger cities.
6. Value Community Involvement
There is a strong sense of community involvement in small towns. These folks are often active in local politics, school boards, and volunteer fire departments.
They also join softball teams, host block parties, and let their neighbors borrow sugar. Community will always be valuable, and small-town folks are often ahead of the curve.
7. Appreciate Nature More
People in small towns sometimes have to travel miles just to get to the store or a neighbor’s house. With that in mind, they often have a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Small-town folks spend a lot of time outdoors. This deep appreciation for nature continues even when they move to larger suburbs or cities.
8. Use the Scenic Route
What’s the rush? For small-town natives, the scenic route is often the only route. They often don’t mind taking a longer time to get where they need to go. They take in the sites and enjoy the journey.
9. Expect a Slower Pace of Life
Patience is a virtue learned early in small towns. Life moves at a slower pace, so people are willing to take the time to smell the roses. In a fast-paced world, it can be a relief to speak with someone from a small town. They’re often a calming influence in hectic environments.
10. Keep Doors Unlocked
Surprisingly, 26% of people are okay leaving their doors unlocked at night according to a recent survey. Maybe these folks all grew up in small towns?
In the safety of a small community, locking doors isn’t always a priority. Many people who grew up this way have difficulty adjusting to areas where it’s necessary for security.
11. Participate in Potlucks
Potlucks are a staple of small-town socializing. Everyone brings a dish to share, whether it’s homemade chocolate chip cookies, their grandmother’s famous chili recipe, or a spinach dip and tortilla chips for snacking.
This spirit of communal dining and sharing meals is deeply rooted in those who grew up in small towns. Some people still like hosting potlucks for block parties, birthdays, and barbecues.
12. Value High School Reunions
High school reunions are significant events in small towns. In fact, they often see a higher participation rate than in other areas. The strong bonds formed during youth are cherished and maintained throughout life. Small town folks look forward to these reunions.
13. Excellent Storytelling
Storytelling is a key part of small-town culture. With histories and anecdotes passed down through generations, you need to be good at telling a story. This love of storytelling often makes small-town natives engaging conversationalists. They can talk to basically anyone!
14. Knowing Everyone’s Business
Privacy is scarce in small towns. As such, people often know everything there is to know about other people. Personal news travels fast in small towns. People who live there expect you to readily share details about your life.
Small Town Living
The habits formed from growing up in a small town are woven into the fabric of one’s identity. Whether they’re outgoing and conversational, involved in the community, or laidback and approachable, the area where these folks lived has shaped them into who they are today!
We can all learn a lot from small-town living. Community and togetherness are important as is slowing down to take in the sights. These are all behaviors we’d do well to incorporate into our own daily lives.
Read More:
12 Amazing Towns That You Have No Idea Exist
Thousandaire Retirement: 11 Ways to Successfully Retire As A Thousandaire
Alyssa Serio has been a writer and editor since graduating from Aurora University in 2014. In her free time, she loves reading, playing volleyball, and watching any horror movie (even the bad ones) with her husband.