Maybe a job or romance brought you to a metropolitan area — or maybe you’ve just always had a bit of a spirit for adventure. But just because you’re never alone doesn’t mean you don’t get lonely. Surrounded by tens or hundreds of thousands or even millions of people on a daily basis, it’s easy to get a little homesick for the small town or suburb in which you grew up, where people tended to know one another and there was plenty of space to relax and enjoy nature. Keep a little of the small town vibe in your heart in the big city, and getting used to your new home will become much easier.
Connect With Small Town “Expatriates”
People who were born and bred in metropolitan areas tend to have a completely different viewpoint than those who grew up in smaller communities. It’s not necessarily that one’s “better” than the other, but there’s something about knowing you live in a tight-knit community that makes you feel less alone. Reach out to others who know what that feeling’s like.
Big cities attract people from around the world, many of whom grew up in small towns just like yours. Maybe a number even grew up in your small town. Find them online through existing groups on social media or form your own group. Once you’ve gotten to know them, meet up in the city on a regular basis for in-person socializing. Chances are, they’ll have a lot of the same interests as you and may share similar memories — like camping, small class sizes, or driving in blizzards, for example — for you to reminisce about.
Decorate Your Vehicle
Maybe in the big city you don’t have a car like you probably did in a small town. But you might have a bike or moped instead. Apply car stickers that remind you of home, like natural landscapes, farm imagery, or cowboys and cowgirls.
If you completely rely on public transportation, buy a car sticker anyway — they’re affordable and can be used on personal items like briefcases, laptops, tablets, or notebooks. Every time you see your sticker, you’ll get a little reminder of home and feel more connected to your roots.
Spread the Small Town Spirit
One of the things you might miss most about small-town life is the sense of courtesy and friendliness. In big cities, countless people pass each other without even making eye contact. Break that cycle by making a point to greet people, ask how their day is going, and hold doors open. A littl
