Last year I moved to the downtown of a small progressive college town (definitely not a party school). I joined the volunteer fire department, and then 2-3 times a week I walk across the street to local coffeeshop for breakfast. I do all my grocery shopping for two days at a time at the small bodega across the street and just carry my groceries back. I go to a bunch of local theater shows. There's a community center, so I go to events at that. There's a train station if I need to go into the big city, but I rarely even use it now. I hardly use the car at all anymore.
A year later, I know dozens of people. I know the mayor and half the city counsel. I cannot walk anywhere without getting waved at by 2-3 people. For the first time in my life since college, I feel like I have a community.
There's very real cons: it's more expensive, I've got no private yard, and my apartment is hot and tiny.
But I really enjoy the sense of community. It definitely helps me feel connected.
A year later, I know dozens of people. I know the mayor and half the city counsel. I cannot walk anywhere without getting waved at by 2-3 people. For the first time in my life since college, I feel like I have a community.
There's very real cons: it's more expensive, I've got no private yard, and my apartment is hot and tiny.
But I really enjoy the sense of community. It definitely helps me feel connected.