From metro area to small town...

[ocean24]

Has anyone else made this transition? What were the hardest aspects to get used to? I would assume less traffic, fewer job opportunities, less anonymity, etc. How about moving to a place with actual 'seasons' for the first time?

[sundaycomics]

I went to school in DC and now live in suburbia. For me it was things like relying on a car every time I need milk and a much. smaller. pool of things to do on the weekends without traveling far.

[littledancerus]

Weather-wise... if you haven't lived in a place with seasons before you'll probably need a whole new wardrobe. Plus some jackets, boots, hats, gloves etc. Hopefully you have a car that is good in snow. Also, when you live in suburbs, you'll see that when you go to places that normally in the city you'd see single people around our age, (cafe, book store, library, mall, the bar even, etc) you'll now see mostly older people or moms with little obnoxious kids. Plus, everything is farther away than in the city. Instead of walking down the block for a bagel, you have to drive 10 min out of your way on your way to work.... annoying stuff like that.

[LaFille]

i've always lived in a place with seasons, so i can't imagine making that transition... but it also depends on where you're moving... if you're moving from arizona to buffalo, it'll be a lot bigger of a shock than moving from charlotte to philadelphia! i personally LOVE the snow, but i grew up with it...

as for making the transition from big metropolitan area to med-small city, i just did! i moved back with my parents in upstate ny from a big city for the time being and frankly, i find the transition hard. i miss public transportation, lots of people everywhere, diversity, great shopping and nightlife, different languages being spoken on the street, museums and cultural events and festivals, and the whole 'big city' mindset. i'm sick of strip malls, minivans, not being able to find a good job, bad shopping, and getting stuck behind school busses.

on the other hand there are some major plusses-- people are more relaxed and friendly, so it's pretty easy to meet new people, even though i grew up here. it's also easy to get comfortable in your surroundings, things are less expensive, and there's not a lot of traffic.