Being a teenager in a small town, most people hate it. They complain how boring it is and how they can not wait to gain their freedom and leave the "crappy small town." The truth is, there are many pros and cons of growing up in a small town that you really don't realize until you have left the small town you always were itching to escape.
Pro #1 - The Mom and Pop Shops
Whether it is the town Pizza shop, the cute little bakery or the cute little gift shop, the mom and pop shops are what make the small town amazing and unique. No matter where you go, you find these small shops that define the small town. One is never like the other.
Con #1- Everyone knows everyone's business.
Whether you're in high school or not, news seems to travel fast in small towns. Small towns are notorious for nosey neighbors. Every secret you know somehow or another becomes the towns latest gossip. It probably is the biggest con against small towns.
Pro #2 - You know everyone around you.
It is very confidence boosting to walk into your local gas station and have everyone you see say "Hi! How are you? How is your family?" Even better when you bring people from out of town and they think you are Mr./Ms. Popular.
Con #2 - You know everyone around you.
Remember that kid in high school that you had that huge fight with? Or your ex who was a terrible person? Yeah you see them every single time you walk in the supermarket and have to dodge them in every single aisle.
Pro #3 - Knowing the local police
Let's be real, sometimes town cops are out to give tickets, but other times, they are just really chill. You know at least one person, maybe your dad or his best friend or someone who used to coach your softball league, someone you know is or once was a cop in your town. When you get a noise complaint because you are sitting in your car with your friends playing Broadway music really loudly (yes, this has happened) and the cops show up, look at you and say "Just lower the music I guess". Or when you actually get in trouble they somehow help by giving a bit of personal touch (a little, but not when they tell your parents, that would be a con).
Con #3 - The same things get boring after a while.
You can only go do the four activities in your town so many times. No matter how much you like pizza, going to the pizza place everyday with your friends gets a little boring (even if that pizza is bomb). If you want to do something different you have to drive like a half hour to the next town.
Pro #4 - The bonds you make with the people
You got to meet your best friends in this small town that you hated. You got to grow up together and have amazing memories with one another. You get to be crazy with one another and understand each other in ways no one else can. If you are really lucky, like I have been, even after moving away you still are stuck with your high school best friends.
When you leave the small town you said you hated all your life, you suddenly wake up and realize, it wasn't that bad at all. It was actually amazing. And yes, small towns have their pros and cons but guess what? Everywhere in the world has pros and cons. For me, my small town that I grew up in made me the person I am. Even though I moved across the country, Washingtonville is still my small town and I will forever miss it.
