Big Move to a Small Town
I'm getting calls from folks who say,
"I hear you used to live in a very small town. I'm thinking of doing
the same. What's it really like?"
1. Check out your town's unique personality.
Do your research -- and don't stop with the
internet. Talk
to people who live there.
Ask who stays and who leaves.
2. Investigate housing prices.
Expecting a bargain? As retirees flood an area,
prices
rise, especially if there are natural limits to expansion. If prices
are low and houses are hard to sell, the local rental market may be
tight.
3. Be prepared to be active in your new
community.
Often friendships develop from belonging to
groups:
Chamber of Commerce, churches, hiking -- whatever interests you.
Volunteering may be the norm. Each town is different, so investigate
the culture.
4. Be self-sufficient.
"Be good at entertaining yourself:" that's what
many small
town dwellers identify as the secret to small town happiness.
5. Identify your "must haves" before loading
the truck.
Crave an occasional espresso? Fresh-baked bread? A
nearby
shopping mall?
Check your destination to see what's available.
Inevitably, there will be some wonderful options you didn't expect --
and some favorites will be missing.
6. Bring an independent source of income with
you.
Jobs may be scarce. If you work for a local
company, you
may have trouble finding a new job if something goes wrong.
And since people know each other, you can get
branded as
"difficult" more easily.
7. Be flexible.
No matter how careful your research, you will have
surprises. It may never occur to you to ask, "Do you have..."
Customs vary widely when it comes to social life,
real
estate transactions, and more.
8. Stay in touch with your previous life.
Use email and phone to stay connected to friends,
family,
and even big city newspapers. Encourage friends to visit. In the long
run, you will probably get
comfortable faster than if you bury your past and try to "go it alone."
9. Expect small-town dwellers to be more
sophisticated
these days.
Many newcomers are retirees, fleeing from big city
life,
and others have lived and traveled all over the world.
10. Bring the dog.
Your dog will probably enjoy the fresher air,
slower pace
and larger yard. Your dog's happiness will be contagious. And dogs help
you make friends and enjoy life as you explore your new home.
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