Millennials. Lovers of low-commitment relationships, flexible job schedules and cities. Or so they say...
Millennials are classified by people born between the year 1980-2000. I was born in 1995. For the most part I have felt like I fit in well with this generation. But, lately there is one thing that has made me feel like I don't quite belong.
I am a millennial and I do not want to live in a city.
WHAT.
WHY?
YOU MUST!
These are just some of the reactions I get when telling people I am planning to move to a small town. They don't seem to think that it is possible that a young person could ever prosper in a town of less than 10,000 people.
Although the most people think of millennials as only city-dwellers, the evidence actually tells us that this idea is no longer true. Studies are now showing that millennials are looking to the suburbs as they grow older. Our preferences are changing as our lives change.
Now I will say that I admire many many aspects of living in a city. Being able to walk or bike everywhere, endless options for food and entertainment, and a diverse population are just a few of the traits I value. But there are a few things that small towns offer that cities can't quite deliver on.
1. NO TRAFFIC
I think we can all agree that traffic is the worst.
American spend an incredible amount of time stuck in traffic. An average of 38 hours/driver is lost each year. That's close to a whole work week gone. This wastes money on gas, allows more pollution into the air, and takes away valuable time from a person's life.
I don't want my time to be wasted sitting in a car. I have better things to do than sing-a-long to the radio (although I do enjoy this on occasion).
2. Open Space
I don't want only a couple feet between my house and my neighbor's. I don't want to worry about putting a fence up to have some privacy. And I don't want to go to a public park just to enjoy time outside.
Growing up in a small town, my family and I lived in a house that only had one neighbor and a huge yard for us to enjoy. We didn't need a fence because there was a line of beautiful spruce trees to define our yard. What more could you ask for?
3. Community
There is something really special about living in a town where almost everyone knows who you are. To some this might be terrifying. But I find it quite charming.
I like the fact that I can go into a store and know who the cashier is. I like being able to have a long list of people that I can call if I need help with something. It's these types of connections that make a small town special.
4. Peace and Quiet
As a light sleeper and overall quiet person, I put a lot of value on living in a space that offers an escape from the noises of life. After living by loud neighbors, noisy streets, and distracting music from the restaurant that I live above, I am ready to move out to a place where I don't have to wear headphones just to fall asleep.
All of these reasons, and many others, are why I am drawn more towards small town life. But just because I feel this way does not mean that you have to.
A recent conversation with a close friend reminded me of this. We were discussing how our plans for the future are different than a lot of other people we know. It made us feel like we should change our minds or do what other people think is best.
She reminded me that we only have one life to live.
One life.
You must live it in a way that will bring you happiness. Whether that means living in a huge city, a busy suburb, or a quaint town, go where you are content. And don't let anyone convince you otherwise.
I'm saying goodbye to the skyline
Hello to the sweet pines
Gonna see you later street lights
I'm headed back to tree lines
