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Living in a big city is like a symphony. It involves a large chorus made up of residents speaking different languages, a huge percussion created by a mixture of artists in the subway, the sounds of the train tracks and the honking horns of cars conducted by frustrated drivers. There are so many things happening all at once that it’s overwhelming. Yet, somehow, the experience can only be described as an exhilarating masterpiece.
I’ve been able to witness these symphonies throughout various points in my life while living in three of the biggest cities in the world: New York City, Miami and Washington D.C. Nothing could have prepared me for the “small town” life and everything that comes with it. Moving was nothing new to me, but the quietness of small towns, especially the stillness of Gainesville, was definitely a distant stranger. But city girls, do not fret! Here’s what you should expect when you make the transition from bright lights to dim streetlights.
1. No trains, no taxis and a limited amount of Ubers only mean one thing: It’s time to invest in a carI know… this one is harsh. But there comes a time in life when a girl must give up her metro pass and trade it in for car keys. If this isn’t adulthood, I don’t know what is. All your life, your parents have made it seem like cars are a hassle because let’s face it — cars in a big city only mean spending two hours looking for parking, and then waking up earlier than you have to just to move your car from that very same spot because the garbage truck passes by at 8 a.m. In a small town, the opposite is the case. Public transportation is now the hassle. If you don’t invest in a car, then your future still holds waking up early, but this time it’s to catch the bus that only passes by every hour and a half.  Also, Ubers aren’t quite as popular and are somewhat limited in small towns. I’m sure your next thought is something along lines of “Well, I’ll just walk.” That was mine initial thought, too. But that brings me to my next point…
2. Basically nothing is walking distanceWalking to your local market or “bodega” is a thing of the past. In small towns like Gainesville, your nearest supermarket is about 3 miles away at the least. This means it’s a 6-mile walk to make a round trip from your house to the supermarket. Got that midnight Wal-Mart itch? You’ll have to find a ride, unless you have a car or you’re staying home. Not only can you not walk there, but the buses also usually make their last trip at midnight in small towns.Â
3. Country music is a thingRemember how you and your friends planned for Electric Zoo like crazy?  People listen to all types of music and no one will judge you for belting out “Jenny From the Block,” but I never realized country music was so popular until I moved to Gainesville. This isn’t a negative thing by any means, but it definitely takes some getting used to. Don’t know of any country artists? Step one: Google Jason Aldean. After you get yourself familiarized, you might want to store away your heels and your fanciest “night out on the town” outfit because small towns are pretty casual.
4. “Am I overdressed?” is the new “I have nothing to wear”Who knew being casual was so hard? I guess you get used to dressing up for everything in big cities. In small towns, however, jeans and a nice blouse go a long way. Sure, you can still wear your fancy black lace romper and white blazer to the bar, but everyone will stare at you and not necessarily in a good way. When living in a small town, you have to master the art of dressing “casual chic” and get rid of #teamoverdressed.
5. Star gazing is possibleYes, you can actually see the stars at night when there’s no light pollution or skyscrapers blocking your view. This has to be one of the most relaxing and alluring experiences ever. For the folks who grew up in small towns, I’m sure looking at the stars is not really a big deal. But for a girl who spent her entire life gazing up to the sky and only seeing buildings and fog, this is fascinating.
6. People are genuinely cordial and friendlyIn small towns, people actually say please and thank you — not just to their baristas at Starbucks. This was a huge culture shock for me. To this day, I’m still surprised when someone says, “Excuse me.” Manners are a requirement for living in a small town. Back in D.C., all you had to do was stand on the left side of the escalator for someone to either give you a death stare or tap you bitterly on the shoulder. If you’re from the city, you know what I’m talking about but if you are planning to visit soon, be aware that there’s a universal law that the left side of the escalator is not meant for standing; it is meant for jogging or running down when you’re in a rush. Though escalators aren’t common in a small town like Gainesville, the manners sure are, and boy is it refreshing.
Sometimes I miss the city life — the sound of the train tracks outside my bedroom window, the hustle and bustle of peak hours on the metro, someone screaming at their kid rapidly in a foreign language and even the traffic caused by the President’s motorcade. But small towns bring a form of comfort that you’d never expect. Sure, you might have to get accustomed to a few things, but I assure you it won’t take too long.
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Photo credits:www.offset.com