Try the Village Life
(Page 3 of 4)
March/April 1979
By the Mother Earth News editors
A town is usually considered to be a larger and more developed settlement than a village, although—since the "legal" definitions of these terms tend to vary from one locale to another—this may not be the case in the area you choose for your new home. So, because we're talking about escaping from the metropolis, I'll limit my discussion to "small" towns . . . those with populations of 10,000 or less.
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HOWDY, NEIGHBOR!
Don't assume that you'll be happy in any Pumpkin Corners or Deer Hollow just because it's small, however. The fact is that all villages—like all people—have their own personalities. You can't, for one thing, ignore climate and weather conditions: Snow, rain, heat, and humidity should all be taken into account before you make your move.
Remember that the size of the village can make a difference, too. Whereas a town of several thousand can provide an assortment of ideas and philosophies, a settlement with a population of only several hundred will likely be pretty much set in its ways. If you preach reforms in one of these tiny hamlets—even about the way a fair should be run—you'll probably be politely ignored. On the other hand, though, don't jump into overalls, chew on straw, and put on a "back hills" accent, either. The best rule for fitting into small-town life is to be yourself and show folks that you're interested in getting to know them . . . and their area!
In fact, about the easiest way to become accustomed to a place is by visiting with the people for a while. And be sure to meet the local business folks, too. It's usually only a matter of days before a village grocer or postmaster will address a "newcomer" by name!
HOMEHUNTIN'
It's advisable, of course, to do a lot of planning and to find answers to any questions you may have before you make your move. Just to get you started, here's a list of the things we looked into:
[1] WORK: Small towns don't offer the variety of jobs that a city can provide, so—in order to assure that you'll be able to put bread on the table—find work before you invest in a home. You might also consider taking a few courses in basic carpentry and plumbing: These will save you money and frustration ... because such services are often hard to find in villages and towns.
[2] LAND AND HOUSING: Find out what's available for both rent and purchase (the local real estate office can give you an idea). Remember to keep in mind such things as access to public roads and snow removal, too. It's also best to look into property taxes, assessments, and building codes in the area before you commit yourself to a house. The quality of soil in your intended locale is another concern. Contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (or the nearest county agent) with any questions of this nature that you might have.
