Growing up in a small town is nothing like the movies. It is very unlikely for you to have a neighbor your age who becomes your best friend and you guys sneak out to go on a walk at three in the morning and talk about life. I mean, maybe that does happen to some people, but I highly doubt it. But, even without all those cliche movie scenes, living in a small town has granted me some of the best memories and moments I could ask for.
If you've live or lived in a small town before, you definitely understand what it's like to know the people within your community. You can go to the grocery store, a local gas station or even the town park and you'll know at least one person there. Maybe it's your friend or your friend's mother or even your mother's friend. It's kind of like an unintentional game of Where's Waldo in which you are Waldo and they just so happen to stumble upon you in a crowd (or vise versa).
Not only does small towns have a close knit community, they also have some amazing events. Town fairs, festivals and much more. If your town is anything like mine, they love to bring everyone together with such events. Personally, I've only been to a few but it was super fun every time. Bouncy houses, races, obstacle courses, booths and mini petting zoos... whats not to love!?
Now, growing up in a small town is just as amazing because you get to meet a lot of people and become really close to them. I'm sure that you can do the same in a city or a big town but living in a small town is great in this sense. Most of the people your age went to the same schools as you, so you've all grown up together. I still have some friends from the fifth grade who I am close with. Going to the same school is great because you learn everyone's name and you get to experience the small-town life together.
But, the saddest part about living or growing up in a small town is having to leave it. Whether it's for college or a job or another reason, it's almost like leaving a piece of you. You think back to the times at the town pool or walking to the park. Going to the local high school football games or all those times with your friends. As much as an amazing thing it is to live in a small town, it is so difficult to leave it behind. Memories and moments that pieced you together will now be walked away from. And though you're leaving your home, you won't forget the times spent in that little town of yours
