Los Angeles. New York. Portland. These cities are packed with museums, concert halls, and enough restaurants to eat somewhere new every night. What they lack, though, is that small town feel. That feeling of knowing your neighbors, and being able to catch up with friends in the grocery store. Here are 8 other reasons why small town living is more than it’s cracked up to be.

Perks of Small Town Living

No Traffic

Forget leaving an hour before work to beat rush hour. In small towns, it’ll only take you longer to get to work because you live on a farm ten miles outside of town. Otherwise, there’s no need to lay on your horn. And chances are, your biggest obstacle will be a tractor holding up traffic.

Everybody Knows Everybody

Both a blessing and a curse. You may not be able to make a quick run to a grocery store because you’ll know just about everyone you pass, and just about everyone will ask about school, your job, and if you’ve heard the latest town gossip.

Unique Traditions

More than just 4th of July parades, there are riding lawn mower races, cookoffs, and festivals for everything from lilacs to shrimp. Everyone participates, and it’s something to look forward to all year long. You’re Friends With Your Neighbors Stand out on your front porch, wave to your neighbors, and call them over. Not only is the pace of life slow enough to take time and engage with the folks next store, chances are you’ve probably lived next to the same people for twenty years.

Community Involvement

Everyone comes together for their community in small towns, because the community is the most integral part to a small town. Volunteering with the local church, humane society, or food drive is common, and just another way to connect with others in the community.

Less Crime

Fewer people simply means a lower crime rate. Doors might be left unlocked, and you can forget your backpack in your car without coming back to a broken window.

You Can Make a Difference

Run for mayor, vote on your local ballot, sit on the school board. In a small town, your voice is actually heard, and you have the opportunity to make a real difference in your community. Speak out against measures that hurt your livelihood, and vote for things that are beneficial to the entire community, like that rec center they’ve debated for years.

Lower Cost of Living

In small towns across America, you can save some of your paycheck for travel and enjoyment instead of half of it going towards rent. Groceries are cheaper, especially if you know the farmers in your community, and even if you don’t, you have enough space to start your own garden.

Once you’ve had your fill of kitschy restaurants, small town America might be calling your name. And with so many benefits, you might be packing those boxes sooner rather than later.