My hometown has less than 2,000 people. We don’t have a stop light, a Walmart, or a Pizza Hut. We have a Casey’s and homegrown restaurants. Growing up, I never felt limited by the opportunities in front of me. Throughout high school, I was involved in sports, speech and drama, plays, choir, yearbook, and student council. I had unlimited opportunities available with constant support from the community. After graduating High School, honestly, I was ready to leave. I was ready to move on to “bigger and better” things. I’ve spent the past two years at Graceland University. I’ve loved being away, but coming home some weekends and for the summer lets me reflect on the love I have for growing up in a small town community. Here are 10 perks of living in a small town:

Small-town hospitality

Constant support

Hometown businesses

You can name everyone you graduated with

You know your neighbors

Quirky traditions

Everyone knows everything about everyone

It’s easy to get involved

Getting caught behind a tractor is normal

People may not know where you’re from, but you’re excited to tell them about your hometown.

I used to take living in a small town for granted when growing up. Now I appreciate the values of growing up in the small town of Pleasantville, Iowa.