I moved to a VERY small town, a little over a year ago. As of 2011, there are a little over 4,000 people living in this town. I actually live outside of town, and I've heard that about that many people reside in the outlying areas, as well. Still, I moved here from the outskirts of a big city, where everything you could want is within 20 miles or 20 minutes, regardless of where you live. It was quite a shocker to realize that this small town shuts down at 6pm. Everything but the Wal-mart, of course.
Small towns tend to stick to their own, and if you're new to the area, you WILL stick out like a sore thumb. I remember my first trip to town after I moved here. It was agonizing! People were looking at me like I was some stranger!!! I couldn't imagine why! Then it hit me. Most of the people in this area grew up together, and everyone knows everyone. I WAS a stranger. I'm happy to say I'm not as strange as I once was :) ... I can *usually* see someone I know when I go into Wal-mart.
Don't get me wrong: even though it took some getting used to, I love this small town. It has become home for us, in more ways than our previous residence of 10 years EVER did. In retrospect, I've discovered a few things that probably helped us out, and I thought I'd share them here.
1. The first thing I did when I found out I was moving, was to contact the Chamber of Commerce in the area. Get the important information such as who to call for trash service and phone and internet service providers. While you're at it, ask about any yearly activities and festivals held in the community. Ask about membership. If you own a business, become a member of the local Chamber of commerce. If you don't own a business, ou can still purchase a private membership. They can assist you in so many ways! Make friends with the director of the Chamber. She's a wonderful asset to the community, and likely knows everyone and everything that's going on. (Thanks, Jodi, for being my first friend in my new home!)
2. Take a drive. I remember being terrified that I couldn't find my way home, because we weren't living in town. We are 7 miles outside of town! In fact, I missed my turn the first time, and drove another 10 miles to the next small town, before I realized it. So, find the kids' schools, the Wal-mart, and the easiest route through town. Then drive the backroads. Stop and get a soda, and say "hi" to a stranger. I don't care where you live, if you stop at a roadside gas station and say hi to the old timer sitting outside the store, he'll probably strike up a conversation. (More on this at #7.)
3. When you get all settled in, call that nice girl down at the Chamber of Commerce and thank her for her help. Then offer to volunteer. My first round of volunteering was at the annual 4th of July picnic, and I met a lot of wonderful people! I went on to sit on the chamber board for a bit, and that was fun too. I got to head up the events committee, and in planning the Halloween on Main Street Event, I met many wonderful business owners, teachers and students, who all helped to make our Halloween amazing! You could also volunteer at the school. Meet the teachers. Call the principal. Visit the hospital and ask for a tour of the facility.
4. Most small towns have a central meeting place, like the stockyards. Go. Here, they meet every other Monday and every Saturday for the livestock sales. I've gone a few times. On Friday afternoons, they serve lunch, and everyone who's anyone has lunch at the stockyards. Find out what's going on in your new home town, and then participate!
5. Facebook, facebook, facebook. Really, just social media in general. It's a great way to connect with people in your area. Join a Buy-Sell-Trade page in the area, or a Newbies page.
6. Support the local economy in your small town. Shop where you live. Go to the farmer's market, the flea market, and the family-owned feed store. Get your hair done at the salon in town, stop in the antique stores and browse. Yep, the prices and taxes may be higher, and the selection may be smaller, but trust me. Feed your local economy. Every big city started out as a small town with small businesses. These small business owners are people just like you, and they're trying to make a living, put their kids through school, and scrape up something with which they can retire.
7. Talk to strangers. Most of us who come from big cities tend to keep our heads down. Trust me, again. This makes you STAND OUT. In a small community, everyone knows everyone, and they're constantly looking for a friendly face. So hold your head up and smile. make some friends. Talk to a stranger. Ask questions. Tell them right up front that you're new here, and you'd love to hear anything they could tell you about life in this small town.
8. Find a church. Self explanatory, right? Churches have their fingers on the pulse of the small town. The town I live in is blessed with some wonderful ministries, and I know of several I could call in heartbeat if I needed help, whether I'm a member there or not.
9. Relax. Enjoy the slower pace, the lighter feel of life in a small town.
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