{"id":41223,"date":"2024-09-03T20:48:31","date_gmt":"2024-09-03T20:48:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/?p=41223"},"modified":"2024-10-29T19:07:43","modified_gmt":"2024-10-29T19:07:43","slug":"moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/","title":{"rendered":"Moving to a Small Town &#8211; A Guide to Simplified Living"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_38 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Jump Ahead To: <\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#Whats_So_Great_about_Rural_Living_in_a_Small_Town_-_2024\" title=\"What\u2019s So Great about Rural Living in a Small Town &#8211; 2024\">What\u2019s So Great about Rural Living in a Small Town &#8211; 2024<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#Why_Are_You_Moving_to_a_Small_Town\" title=\"Why Are You Moving to a Small Town?\">Why Are You Moving to a Small Town?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#Adventure\" title=\"Adventure\">Adventure<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#A_Checklist_for_Finding_the_Best_Small_Town_in_America\" title=\"A Checklist for Finding the Best Small Town in America\">A Checklist for Finding the Best Small Town in America<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#What_Are_Your_Priorities\" title=\"What Are Your Priorities?\">What Are Your Priorities?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#Family\" title=\"Family\">Family<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#Looking_for_My_Flock\" title=\"Looking for My \u2018Flock\u2019\">Looking for My \u2018Flock\u2019<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#Healthcare\" title=\"Healthcare\">Healthcare<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#Owning_a_Home\" title=\"Owning a Home\">Owning a Home<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#Utility_Prices_and_Choices\" title=\"Utility Prices and Choices\">Utility Prices and Choices<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#Infrastructure_Internet_Connectivity\" title=\"Infrastructure \/ Internet Connectivity\">Infrastructure \/ Internet Connectivity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#Education_Considerations\" title=\"Education Considerations\">Education Considerations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#Employment_Opportunities\" title=\"Employment Opportunities\">Employment Opportunities<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#Hack_Find_Thriving_Small_Towns_with_a_Large_Stable_Employer\" title=\"Hack: Find Thriving Small Towns with a Large, Stable Employer\">Hack: Find Thriving Small Towns with a Large, Stable Employer<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#Fandom_-_Big_City_Draws\" title=\"Fandom \u2013 Big City Draws\">Fandom \u2013 Big City Draws<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#Community\" title=\"Community\">Community<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#Airport_Travel\" title=\"Airport Travel\">Airport Travel<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#Lets_Talk_About_the_Weather\" title=\"Let\u2019s Talk About the Weather\">Let\u2019s Talk About the Weather<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#What_Are_the_Towns_Long-term_Growth_Plans\" title=\"What Are the Town\u2019s Long-term Growth Plans?\">What Are the Town\u2019s Long-term Growth Plans?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#What_Are_Your_Long-Term_Goals\" title=\"What Are Your Long-Term Goals?\">What Are Your Long-Term Goals?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#6_Steps_for_Finding_the_Best_Small_Town_for_You\" title=\"6 Steps for Finding the Best Small Town for You\">6 Steps for Finding the Best Small Town for You<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#Research_Online\" title=\"Research Online\">Research Online<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#Join_local_online_groups\" title=\"Join local online groups\">Join local online groups<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#Visit_in_Person\" title=\"Visit in Person\">Visit in Person<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#Talk_to_Residents\" title=\"Talk to Residents\">Talk to Residents<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#Vacation_There_Several_Times\" title=\"Vacation There Several Times\">Vacation There Several Times<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#Buyer_Beware_Decide_Slowly\" title=\"Buyer Beware! Decide Slowly.\">Buyer Beware! Decide Slowly.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#Stay_True_to_Your_Nature\" title=\"Stay True to Your Nature\">Stay True to Your Nature<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#Consider_Bellhop_for_that_Life-Affirming_Move\" title=\"Consider Bellhop for that Life-Affirming Move\">Consider Bellhop for that Life-Affirming Move<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>Have you ever found yourself yearning for something different \u2013 maybe a slower pace of life, more folks like you, closer to family, more access to what you like to do, or simply more stars at night?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Americans are blessed with the space to move to something different when they get an itch. Moving to a small town or rural living, say, on a farm could be the refreshing change you\u2019re looking for. Whether it\u2019s the appeal of a close-knit community, the lure of affordable living, or the chance to live surrounded by nature, small-town life or rural living can offer any number of benefits that big cities just can\u2019t match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I turned 30 on a Friday and walked in on Monday and quit my ad job in New York City. I was a bachelor with a VW Campervan. I didn\u2019t know where I would go; I just knew I didn\u2019t want to start a family in NYC. Now, I am thinking about doing it again. But differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>AN online search of \u2018best small town to live in\u2019 will bring up a lot of sites with \u2018tree-lined streets, brick-faced stores, great restaurants,\u2019 etc. But none seem to <em>help you decide which small town is best for you.<\/em> This post steps back to give you a framework and guide to help you find <em>your<\/em> best small town to live in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These are the criteria I\u2019m asking myself. I hope you find them useful. By the way, I\u2019m writing this for&nbsp; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/\"><em>Bellhop Movers<\/em><\/a>, experts at local and long-distance moves. I\u2019ll use them for my next move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-s-so-great-about-rural-living-in-a-small-town-2024\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Whats_So_Great_about_Rural_Living_in_a_Small_Town_-_2024\"><\/span>What\u2019s So Great about Rural Living in a Small Town &#8211; 2024<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"7b8182\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #7b8182;\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Bath County Virginia\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-41224 lazyload\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Bath-County-Virginia-768x1024.webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Bath-County-Virginia-768x1024.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Bath-County-Virginia-225x300.webp 225w, https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Bath-County-Virginia-1152x1536.webp 1152w, https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Bath-County-Virginia-1536x2048.webp 1536w, https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Bath-County-Virginia-scaled.webp 1920w\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bath County, Virginia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Like the <em>myth<\/em> of the American cowboy there are a lot of romantic notions of small-town life and rural living:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>People are happier<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No one locks their doors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Life is safer, quieter, simpler<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you were hard, you can make it<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It costs less to live than in big cities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It\u2019s healthier living in small towns.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, small town life can be very different. Residents in rural America tends to be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/interactive\/2018\/12\/14\/opinion\/rural-america-trump-decline.html?\">older, Whiter, and have less income<\/a>. Many more have never left and feel misunderstood&nbsp; by city types. The opioid crisis has a strong foothold and contributes to a more pessimistic attitude about the future. There can be resentment toward remote workers who have moved in and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/society\/2021\/aug\/26\/american-west-income-inequality\">driven up the price of housing<\/a>. There is less job mobility as work opportunities are fewer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, should you <em>not<\/em> move to a small town? Yes, you should if you <em>know why and what you are looking for.<\/em> Let\u2019s step back now and create that checklist to narrow your search. There is no recommended answer for any of these factors. It\u2019s about knowing you and that means asking\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-why-are-you-moving-to-a-small-town\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Are_You_Moving_to_a_Small_Town\"><\/span>Why Are You Moving to a Small Town?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Maybe it\u2019s to find the cheapest places to live, or boredom, or discrimination. Do you know?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-adventure\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Adventure\"><\/span>Adventure<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Let\u2019s Try Something Totally Different!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your decision to move may be based on a need to adventure \u2013 like Bilbo Baggins leaving the Shire. Covid made it OK to move to other major cities or even smaller, \u2018cool\u2019 metro areas \u2013 like Bozeman and Asheville. But to a small town or worse: rural living?! Your friends most likely won\u2019t understand, but\u2026 so what?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Adventuring means small towns in the entire country are in your sights. I know of two French sisters who picked a small town in Arizona by blindfolding and pinning a needle in a map. They opened a French restaurant and thrived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may not like that method, so let\u2019s narrow down your search.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-a-checklist-for-finding-the-best-small-town-in-america\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Checklist_for_Finding_the_Best_Small_Town_in_America\"><\/span>A Checklist for Finding the Best Small Town in America<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-what-are-your-priorities\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_Your_Priorities\"><\/span>What Are Your Priorities?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>What excites you when you wake up, or long for in spare time? What are your necessities?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Begin by identifying what matters most to you in your daily life. Do you prioritize proximity to work, access to good schools, or the availability of healthcare services? Perhaps you value a strong sense of community or being close to nature. Clarifying your priorities will help you narrow down potential towns that align with your lifestyle goals. Here\u2019s a checklist to ponder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-family\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Family\"><\/span>Family<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This factor can limit your choices. You\u2019re not alone. According to a 2022 Pew Research Center <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/short-reads\/2022\/05\/18\/more-than-half-of-americans-live-within-an-hour-of-extended-family\/\">survey<\/a>, more than half of American adults (55%) live within an hour&#8217;s drive of some of their extended family members. Your friends most likely will understand this move. An <em>hour drive<\/em> gives you lots of options in terms of small town choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-looking-for-my-flock\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Looking_for_My_Flock\"><\/span>Looking for My \u2018Flock\u2019<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u2018Birds of a feather, flock together.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While America is becoming more racially diverse, census and voting data say we are becoming <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/social-trends\/2008\/12\/02\/americans-say-they-like-diverse-communities-election-census-trends-suggest-otherwise\/#:~:text=Despite%20these%20pro%2Ddiversity%20attitudes,returns%20and%20U.S.%20Census%20data.\">more homogeneous politically<\/a>. Rural America is more White than urban areas and votes more Republican. Recent statewide laws enacted on abortion and LGBTQ rights have provided incentives to relocate. So did Covid rules and a run-up in housing prices; think Californians moving to Texas for cheaper homes and no income tax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the opinions of your neighbors matter, consider the <a href=\"https:\/\/theweek.com\/politics\/a-nation-moving-apart\">following<\/a>: \u201cIn the 2020 presidential election, Joe Biden won 91% of the country\u2019s most populous counties, while Donald Trump took more than 2,500 of the remaining 3,000 counties.\u201d That\u2019s 75% of non-urban counties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That doesn\u2019t mean a Democrat can\u2019t be happy in Montana, or Republican in California. We\u2019ve written about liberal \u2018blue\u2019 towns in deeply-red, Republican <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-liberal-cities-in-florida\/\">Florida<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/where-to-look-for-liberal-cities-in-texas\/\">Texas<\/a>. This just means you have to research deeper in certain states. Hamilton, Montana is very \u2018blue\u2019, located near Missoula\u2019s airport and sits in what many call Montana\u2019s Banana Belt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-healthcare\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Healthcare\"><\/span>Healthcare<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Probably the most important and most overlooked criteria is your healthcare choices. Small-town America is losing hospitals, or the hospitals are being forced to curtail elective services to cut costs. Check to see if a state accepts federal Medicaid; for-profit small town hospitals appear to be <a href=\"https:\/\/kffhealthnews.org\/news\/article\/rural-hospitals-half-operate-in-red-many-cut-services\/\">doing better<\/a> in states that do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Secondly, political factors have weighed in to influence women\u2019s and teen gender-related healthcare services on a statewide basis. An unintended consequence is <a href=\"https:\/\/idahocapitalsun.com\/2024\/04\/05\/idaho-is-losing-ob-gyns-after-strict-abortion-ban-but-health-exceptions-unlikely-this-year\/#:~:text=Idaho%20is%20seeing%20'obstetric%20deserts,Valley%20Medical%20Center's%20Caldwell%20facility.\">loss of services<\/a>. Young families and older residents may now have to drive long distances for non-emergency services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have good healthcare benefits currently where you live, maybe consider moving to a nearby small town to maintain the same plan and access to the professionals you have. Many major cities have these smaller town choices nearby. The housing cost may not be that much less, but the small-town lifestyle does exist. Near Seattle we have small towns like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mountvernonwa.gov\/\">Mount Vernon<\/a> and North Bend. Near Atlanta consider 25,000+ <a href=\"https:\/\/onlyincartersvillebartow.com\/\">Cartersville<\/a>. Bellhop\u2019s guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/most-affordable-suburbs-in-atlanta\/\">affordable suburbs<\/a> in the greater Atlanta area can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-owning-a-home\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Owning_a_Home\"><\/span>Owning a Home<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Yes, you can buy \u2018more house\u2019 in small towns.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet that\u2019s <em>true for most cities in the South<\/em> and many in Texas if you\u2019re moving from high-priced areas like the Northeast and West Coast. You don\u2019t have to \u2018<em>go small town\u2019 <\/em>if your choice is just about home ownership<em>. <\/em>Look at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/best-affordable-suburbs-of-raleigh\/\">Raleigh<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/most-affordable-family-friendly-dallas-neighborhoods\/\">Dallas<\/a> in these Bellhop guides that feature affordable neighborhoods with good schools. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bellhop can also help you <a href=\"\/nc\/raleigh\/long-distance-movers\/\">move long-distance to Raleigh<\/a>, or <a href=\"\/tx\/dallas\/long-distance-movers\/\">Dallas<\/a>, if you&#8217;re ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What these suburban choices have over small towns is a good supply of housing to choose from. With greater supply the condition of the homes may be better than what you may find in a small town at a comparable price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-home-insurance-is-no-longer-cheap-anywhere\">Home Insurance Is No Longer Cheap \u2013 Anywhere<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider cost of home insurance and the choice of home insurers where you to want to move to. California and <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" title=\"Florida\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\" href=\"\/blog\/moving-to-florida\/\">Florida<\/a> had to create special insurance pools as private insurers backed out after hurricanes and fires in rural areas. A special coverage rider for natural disasters, if you can get it, may break your monthly budget or add points to your mortgage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That being said, <a href=\"\/ca\/los-angeles\/long-distance-movers\/\">moving cross-country to the LA area<\/a> does have a certain appeal that&#8217;s hard to put a price on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-remodeling\">Remodeling<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>You don\u2019t want to order a 4&#215;8\u2019 plywood panel on Amazon. With the Internet you can research and compare local remodeling supplies prices for different towns. How far away is a Home Depot? What are the local prices?<\/p><div class=\"getbe-middle\" style=\"margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; \" id=\"getbe-1083862580\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/book\/service\/\" aria-label=\"The Better Way to Move\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"The Better Way to Move\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" width=\"600\" height=\"160\" style=\" max-width: 100%; height: auto;\" class=\"lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/600x160.png\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/600x160.png 600w, https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/600x160-300x80.png 300w\"><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-mortgage-fine-print-who-will-own-the-mineral-rights-under-your-dream-home\">Mortgage Fine-Print: Who Will Own the Mineral Rights Under Your Dream Home?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The fine-print of many Western-state home mortgages may disclose that you do not own the mineral rights on your intended property. Someone else (mining or oil) may. I once nearly bought a hilly property near Durango until I read that the quarry company on the other side of the hill owned my mineral rights and could widen their hole underneath mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-zoning-loopholes-can-be-problematic\">Zoning Loopholes Can Be Problematic<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Living how you want on <em>your<\/em> land is viewed as a right in America. Yet anything can happen when zoning has no guard rails in your neighborhood. Fracking for natural gas extraction brings with it <a href=\"https:\/\/www.denver7.com\/news\/front-range\/broomfield\/broomfield-changes-noise-ordinance-after-360-fracking-related-noise-complaints\">24-hour, high-decibel noise<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/interactive\/2023\/09\/25\/climate\/fracking-oil-gas-wells-water.html\">demands for ground water<\/a> that can make your well run dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-utility-prices-and-choices\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Utility_Prices_and_Choices\"><\/span>Utility Prices and Choices<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Utility costs are another area where small towns <em>may<\/em> come out ahead. But if the idea of a propane tank in your backyard is a turnoff, going very rural may not be for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 id=\"h-water\">Water<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><em><u>Research drinking water quality for any town choice<\/u>. <\/em>Aquifers are running dry (or worse, polluted). Stories abound about the need for deeper wells, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/graphics\/2023-arizona-homes-queen-creek-water\/\">denial of building permits<\/a> for lack of water (greater Phoenix), or groundwater contamination (farming communities everywhere). Texas publishes an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tceq.texas.gov\/gis\/groundwater-contamination-viewer\">interactive map<\/a> to check for pending contamination cases, suggesting this is a broader issue. The Southwest is in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/environment\/2022\/sep\/12\/us-west-megadrought-climate-disaster\">long-term drought<\/a> that is upending long-held practices for farmers and developers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-infrastructure-internet-connectivity\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Infrastructure_Internet_Connectivity\"><\/span>Infrastructure \/ Internet Connectivity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Rural living has been handicapped by lack of broadband access. That\u2019s changing with the Biden Infrastructure investment of $65B. It\u2019s still pricey to connect. New options like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.starlink.com\/\">Starlink<\/a> are possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-education-considerations\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Education_Considerations\"><\/span>Education Considerations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have children, the quality of education is likely at the top of your list when considering a move. Small towns <em>can<\/em> have excellent schools, with smaller class sizes that allow for more individualized attention. We recommend you spend time researching schools, not just the choice but also the pool to choose from in any small-town move. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.niche.com\/\">Niche.com<\/a> is a good source listing public schools and private academies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Spending on students <a href=\"https:\/\/www.census.gov\/newsroom\/press-releases\/2023\/public-school-spending.html\">varies widely by state<\/a>. School boards are wrestling with declining enrollment and less federal funding (after Covid). It\u2019s not uncommon for school districts to have to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=gxer3oh2rkw\">close schools<\/a>. Research this <em>before<\/em> you move. Home schooling can be a viable option, but not necessarily for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-employment-opportunities\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Employment_Opportunities\"><\/span>Employment Opportunities<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Remote work has made the move easier. If you like mixing with fellow industry types, the smaller pool may be a turnoff.&nbsp; What happens if your company eliminates full remote work? Could you find employment in the town? Indeed.com and LinkedIN.com can help you get a sense of job mobility by searching: \u2018state and federal jobs in\u2019 any town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-hack-find-thriving-small-towns-with-a-large-stable-employer\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hack_Find_Thriving_Small_Towns_with_a_Large_Stable_Employer\"><\/span>Hack: Find Thriving Small Towns with a Large, Stable Employer<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Small towns today need a steady employment and tax base. Many rely on tourism. Though manufacturing has declined across America, here\u2019s an idea. In the South auto and aerospace manufacturers have setup assembly plants employing hundreds. These are \u2018anchors\u2019 for steady employment, vital to healthy small towns. Do a search for \u2018Honda assembly manufacturing in South Carolina,\u2019 for example to find nearby small towns and look them over as possible candidates for living. Honda \u2018employs more than 1,000 associates\u2019 near Timmonsville, SC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-fandom-big-city-draws\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fandom_-_Big_City_Draws\"><\/span>Fandom \u2013 Big City Draws<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Small towns with universities are cultural draws and can satisfy an itch for the arts. If you are an opera buff with season tickets, a die-hard home-team football fan, or special restaurant buff, moving to a small town near you may be the best choice. Otherwise, develop a thick skin when you wear that team jersey on game day to a neighborhood get-together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-community\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Community\"><\/span>Community<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Finding a group to hang out with is human nature. To research churches go <a href=\"https:\/\/www.churchadvise.com\/\">here<\/a>. I look up coffee shops and bookstores as community-building places. If your family has non-typical health needs or diverse lifestyle interests (LGBTQ), how welcome do local shop owners make you feel? It\u2019s only funny on Schitt&#8217;s Creek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-airport-travel\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Airport_Travel\"><\/span>Airport Travel<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you travel frequently for pleasure, business or family, moving to a small town can add considerably to costs and travel time. In some situations, you may have to fly from a regional airport to a major hub, adding costs and possibly a day of travel, not to mention the uncertainty that comes with bad weather, etc. Many small towns try to counter this with a shuttle service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If frequent travel is a necessity or pleasure, your best small-town move may be to a small town nearby a major city. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.explorelawrence.com\/\">Lawrence, Kansas<\/a>, a university town, is a good example &#8212;&nbsp; 44 minutes to the <a href=\"\/mo\/kansas-city\/movers\/\">Kansas City<\/a> airport. Or consider these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/most-affordable-suburbs-in-atlanta\/\">small towns outside Atlanta<\/a> (Redan and Morrow) Bellhop has covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-let-s-talk-about-the-weather\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lets_Talk_About_the_Weather\"><\/span>Let\u2019s Talk About the Weather<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Both what you want and what you want to <em>avoid<\/em>. The weather is getting crazier to the point where you have to pick which natural disaster you <em>can<\/em> live with \u2013 earthquake, tornado, forest fire, hurricane. My mom adamantly refused to move to \u2018Tornado Alley.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Two years after I bought 80 acres near Cortez, Colorado, it was burned over in an afternoon lightening strike. Shit happens. Take precautions like a metal roof and a large clearing if you decide on rural living. They saved our cabin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>FEMA has recently <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fema.gov\/flood-maps\">updated its flood maps<\/a> to reflect new climate-driven events. Insurance companies are using them to update their rates. You can use them too to find less flood-prone areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-what-are-the-town-s-long-term-growth-plans\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_the_Towns_Long-term_Growth_Plans\"><\/span>What Are the Town\u2019s Long-term Growth Plans?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Think about how the town may change over time. Is it growing, or is it likely to remain the same size? Consider whether the town and county have long-term planning that could affect you. Maybe <em>no<\/em> long-term plan is a bad thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-what-are-your-long-term-goals\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Are_Your_Long-Term_Goals\"><\/span>What Are Your Long-Term Goals?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Reflect on your plans. The average American will move eight times. If this is your last move, take the time to make it the right move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-6-steps-for-finding-the-best-small-town-for-you\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Steps_for_Finding_the_Best_Small_Town_for_You\"><\/span>6 Steps for Finding the Best Small Town for You<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Don\u2019t rush this<\/strong>. Snap decisions make a good movie, but you don\u2019t need the added drama. The time you spend will be worth it, confirming your excellent choice or saving you thousands of dollars and misery when you up and leave later after a disastrous experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-research-online\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Research_Online\"><\/span>Research Online<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Start your search by exploring potential towns online. Look for community websites, local news, newspapers, and social media groups that can give you insights into the town\u2019s culture, events, and lifestyle. Websites like City-Data, Niche, and local real estate listings can provide valuable information, though likely to be very pro-move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rural living can vary widely. Hamilton, Montana is a bit warmer with more frost-free days than the state average. Mountain passes can be problematic in winter and with deer \/ elk \/ moose \/ bear hazards at night all year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-join-local-online-groups\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Join_local_online_groups\"><\/span>Join local online groups<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Join any Facebook groups, Zoom attend city meetings, planning discussions, newspapers, etc. If there is a healthy discussion around local topics, are your views in the majority, or will you be one of the \u2018grousing newcomers\u2019? Pay attention to discussion about down-sizing by key \u2018anchor\u2019 employers: schools, state and federal agencies, hospitals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-visit-in-person\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Visit_in_Person\"><\/span>Visit in Person<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s no substitute for experiencing a place in person. Explore, talk to locals, and observe daily life. Visit the schools, healthcare facilities, and shop locally. Encourage gossip. If you need a weekly dose of fresh Dim Sung, maybe the town is not for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-talk-to-residents\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Talk_to_Residents\"><\/span>Talk to Residents<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Engage with current residents to hear firsthand what life is like in the town. Ask about the pros and cons, how the community interacts, and what they love, or wish were different. Residents can provide insights that you won\u2019t find online, like mineral rights on local home mortgages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-vacation-there-several-times\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vacation_There_Several_Times\"><\/span>Vacation There Several Times<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Go in high tourist season (if there is one) and the flip side: the lousy weather season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-buyer-beware-decide-slowly\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Buyer_Beware_Decide_Slowly\"><\/span>Buyer Beware! Decide Slowly.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Small towns need new residents. Most folks you talk to will be <em>very<\/em> positive. Realtors will stress the urgency to sign because of competing interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-stay-true-to-your-nature\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stay_True_to_Your_Nature\"><\/span>Stay True to Your Nature<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Change is hard but you have a say in how much and when to change. Are you comfortable upsetting the apple cart? Or more likely to make small adjustments? Look back on other major decisions and how you chose. <strong>Pursue the move to a small town the same way<\/strong>. You don\u2019t <em>have to<\/em> move all the way across the country or go \u2018very rural.\u2019 If you are by nature cautious, a nearby small town may be best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take your time, trust your instincts, and choose a place where you can truly see yourself thriving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-consider-bellhop-for-that-life-affirming-move\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Consider_Bellhop_for_that_Life-Affirming_Move\"><\/span>Consider Bellhop for that Life-Affirming Move<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve covered a lot of topics here.&nbsp; Some may have sounded negative about a rural living. We want you simply to be well informed. When you\u2019re ready to move, consider <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/\"><em>Bellhop Movers<\/em><\/a> to get you there, even if it\u2019s just to a nearby small town. We excel at worry-free, inexpensive moves. We can do the same for you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Have you ever found yourself yearning for something different \u2013 maybe a slower pace of life, more folks like you, closer to family, more access [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":25923,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false},"categories":[1209],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v19.5 (Yoast SEO v19.10) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Moving to a Small Town - A Guide to Simplified Living - Bellhop<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Thinking about giving up the city and heading to a small town? This comprehensive guide will help you gut-check that decision.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Moving to a Small Town - A Guide to Simplified Living\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Bellhop allows you to choose from a variety of local, long-distance, and labor-only moving services that suit your needs and budget.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Bellhop\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BellhopMoving\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-09-03T20:48:31+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-10-29T19:07:43+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Catawba-River-Rock-Hill.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"900\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Nick Valentino\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@BellhopMoving\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@BellhopMoving\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Nick Valentino\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"13 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Nick Valentino\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/0d1c7f232d2f71fbf2cfa16235d2d2bc\"},\"headline\":\"Moving to a Small Town &#8211; A Guide to Simplified Living\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-09-03T20:48:31+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-10-29T19:07:43+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/\"},\"wordCount\":2909,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"articleSection\":[\"Moving\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/\",\"name\":\"Moving to a Small Town - A Guide to Simplified Living - Bellhop\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2024-09-03T20:48:31+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-10-29T19:07:43+00:00\",\"description\":\"Thinking about giving up the city and heading to a small town? This comprehensive guide will help you gut-check that decision.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Moving\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/category\/moving\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Moving to a Small Town &#8211; A Guide to Simplified Living\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Bellhop\",\"description\":\"Moving Tips &amp; Moving Resources\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Bellhop\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/logo.svg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/logo.svg\",\"width\":148,\"height\":35,\"caption\":\"Bellhop\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bellhopmoving\/\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/bellhopmoving\/\",\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/bellhopmoving\/\",\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BellhopMoving\/\",\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BellhopMoving\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/0d1c7f232d2f71fbf2cfa16235d2d2bc\",\"name\":\"Nick Valentino\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d972af744fec1ef673864921b6137b58?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d972af744fec1ef673864921b6137b58?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Nick Valentino\"},\"description\":\"Nick Valentino handles day-to-day operations at Bellhop, ensuring our customer's moves go smoothly. When not knee-deep in moving logistics, Nick enjoys The Bachelor, Georgia Football (Go Dawgs!) and traveling. He lives in Atlanta, GA.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/author\/nick-valentino\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Moving to a Small Town - A Guide to Simplified Living - Bellhop","description":"Thinking about giving up the city and heading to a small town? This comprehensive guide will help you gut-check that decision.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Moving to a Small Town - A Guide to Simplified Living","og_description":"Bellhop allows you to choose from a variety of local, long-distance, and labor-only moving services that suit your needs and budget.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/","og_site_name":"Bellhop","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BellhopMoving\/","article_published_time":"2024-09-03T20:48:31+00:00","article_modified_time":"2024-10-29T19:07:43+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":900,"url":"https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Catawba-River-Rock-Hill.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Nick Valentino","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@BellhopMoving","twitter_site":"@BellhopMoving","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Nick Valentino","Est. reading time":"13 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/"},"author":{"name":"Nick Valentino","@id":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/0d1c7f232d2f71fbf2cfa16235d2d2bc"},"headline":"Moving to a Small Town &#8211; A Guide to Simplified Living","datePublished":"2024-09-03T20:48:31+00:00","dateModified":"2024-10-29T19:07:43+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/"},"wordCount":2909,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/#organization"},"articleSection":["Moving"],"inLanguage":"en"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/","url":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/","name":"Moving to a Small Town - A Guide to Simplified Living - Bellhop","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/#website"},"datePublished":"2024-09-03T20:48:31+00:00","dateModified":"2024-10-29T19:07:43+00:00","description":"Thinking about giving up the city and heading to a small town? This comprehensive guide will help you gut-check that decision.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/moving-to-a-small-town-a-guide-to-simplified-living\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Moving","item":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/category\/moving\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Moving to a Small Town &#8211; A Guide to Simplified Living"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/","name":"Bellhop","description":"Moving Tips &amp; Moving Resources","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Bellhop","url":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en","@id":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/logo.svg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/logo.svg","width":148,"height":35,"caption":"Bellhop"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bellhopmoving\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/bellhopmoving\/","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/bellhopmoving\/","https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BellhopMoving\/","https:\/\/twitter.com\/BellhopMoving"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/0d1c7f232d2f71fbf2cfa16235d2d2bc","name":"Nick Valentino","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en","@id":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d972af744fec1ef673864921b6137b58?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/d972af744fec1ef673864921b6137b58?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Nick Valentino"},"description":"Nick Valentino handles day-to-day operations at Bellhop, ensuring our customer's moves go smoothly. When not knee-deep in moving logistics, Nick enjoys The Bachelor, Georgia Football (Go Dawgs!) and traveling. He lives in Atlanta, GA.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com"],"url":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/author\/nick-valentino\/"}]}},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Catawba-River-Rock-Hill.jpg","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Catawba-River-Rock-Hill.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Nick Valentino","author_link":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/author\/nick-valentino\/"},"rbea_author_info":{"display_name":"Nick Valentino","author_link":"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/author\/nick-valentino\/"},"rbea_excerpt_info":"Have you ever found yourself yearning for something different \u2013 maybe a slower pace of life, more folks like you, closer to family, more access [&hellip;]","category_list":"<a href=\"https:\/\/www.getbellhops.com\/blog\/category\/moving\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Moving<\/a>","comments_num":"0 comments","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41223"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/37"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41223"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41223\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42017,"href":"https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41223\/revisions\/42017"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25923"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41223"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41223"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bellhopblog.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41223"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}