Every town has its perks and its downfalls, and no matter where you grow up by the time you hit 18 you’re going to be driving as fast as you can to get away from wherever you come from. But after a year of college I can tell you that you shouldn’t take your hometown for granted, especially if you come from a small town.

1. Everybody and their mother knows your business.

It’s pretty much impossible to keep anything a secret in a small town. You tell one person, and then they tell one person, and soon enough your secret spreads like wildfire and someone you barely know is asking you about it the next morning at school.

2. The closest entertainment is a 20-plus minute drive.

You name it: movie theaters, malls, amusement parks, anything that’s worth doing on the weekends will take you at least minutes to get there, and it will be crowded because it’s the only one for like five surrounding towns.

3. Your reputation in school was made before you even got there.

“Oh you’re *insert older sibling’s name here* sister!” If you were lucky this was a good thing. For me, it went either way, as my sister had a bit of an attitude problem in school (or so I’m told).

4. Nobody from other states has the slightest clue where your town is.

So when someone asks you go, “I live in *insert town name here*” and then immediately go “It’s right next to *insert larger town name here*”.

But don't get me wrong, there are some perks too…

5. Like living no more than 10 minutes from any given friend.

Seriously though. It only takes 10 minutes to get from one side of town to the other, so if you or your friend is bored (which happens fairly often), you can be with each other within a short period of time.

6. It’s likely that the center of your town is pretty adorable.

Mine, for example, is home to a bunch of cute little shops, a gazebo, and hosts a Fall Festival every October. Mind you, this town is a b**** to drive through if there’s even the slightest bit of traffic, but every pro has its con I guess.

7. If you’re lucky, you’ll have some pretty great restaurants unique to your little town.

Family-owned breakfast places are the absolute best for a homemade meal (that you don’t have to make), and having a diner that’s open late is great for when you want to grab a bite to eat with friends.

8. Your town always welcomes you back with open arms.

Whenever I come home from school to visit, I always look forward to running into friends at the local coffee shop, and visiting the kids I work with at the local Boys and Girls Club. I love being close to more things in a city-like area where I go to school, but nothing beats the hominess of a small town.