Yes, culture, creativity, and conveniences can be found in small town America. Do they exist in all small towns? No, of course not.
That’s why you need to look closely at the “type” of small town you’re considering. You’ll also need plenty of introspection about how you really live. Here are some additional clues to begin the evaluation process on your prospective micropolitan.
Culture
Ask anyone and they will give you a different opinion about what is “culture” and what it means to them. So, it’s really a matter of personal taste. A good rule of thumb, however, is to look at your prospective small town and notice which cultural amenities already exist. Music? Museums? Theaters? Performance spaces?
Does it appear there are more on the horizon?
Creativity
Creativity comes in a lot of forms… and not just the most obvious, and forward-facing, art and music scene (very important!). Finding a small town with evidence of an art and music scene is the first step. However, you might want to consider the density of other creative endeavors present, too, such as: entrepreneurship, micro-finance, non-profits, business start-ups, and projects involving the natural world (which tend to require creativity). A healthy dose of citizen attitude toward independence doesn’t hurt, either.
Conveniences
Is the downtown, inner core of the small town developed, or developing? Anyone who has suffered the hassles and stress of a commute will be first to recommend you live in a walkable area of town. Typically, this is downtown. Most small towns suffered extreme declines in their downtown districts starting in the 1960s. This is changing because more people want to live “downtown”.
Look for a re-emergence of human-scale urbanism in the city core. Count the following walkable conveniences currently present: grocery stores, convenience stores, coffee shops, movie theater, bakery, cafes and restaurants (plural, hopefully!), art venues (theater, galleries, etc.) and independently-owned shops (always a good sign).
Notice something missing? Perhaps a move and entrepreneurship is calling for you. Be inspired by this profile of Greg O’Connell, who bought up half of downtown Mt. Morris, NY with plans to revitalize the commercial district. Entrepreneurship was our route with our neighborhood grocery store.
Remember to take your time evaluating your prospective city. The right one will contain all three: culture, creativity, and conveniences. Your small town should have enough of all to make you comfortable but room enough to make your mark.
