8 Ways to Cope When Relocating to a Small Town

If the surprising lack of traffic, endless cornfields and being trapped inside Wal-Mart due to a tornado sighting did not shout to me, “you are in the middle of nowhere,” then certainly the local news articles (as in more than one) about a stubborn turkey resting in an intersection (See Turkey News), finally enlightened me. Suddenly, in the midst of all this beautiful space, I felt isolated and panicky. Oddly, this feeling was not unfamiliar to me. I recognize it from when I first moved to the Washington, D.C. area. Even though I knew there were millions of people just outside my apartment, I came to know that moving to a big city can be just as isolating.

Today though, I would consider myself a true Washingtonian. I can navigate the Beltway, point out the trendiest U Street spots, and travel the Metro with the confidence of a native. While it may take time and some savvy strategy, I am sure I will feel the same way about East Central Illinois.

The following are things I am doing to cope with my move to Smalltown, America. Interestingly, I did some of the same things to cope with moving to a major metropolis.

1. Find a church. (Or a group that shares your most central beliefs.) This was the first thing I did. I find it easier to connect with people, who already live by the same ideals that I do and who share a similar worldview. Plus churches regularly have social events, which provide things to do and opportunities to interact.
2. Subscribe to the local newspaper and business journal, if available. Even newspapers that report turkey sightings have community pages, which offer up an events calendar. Pick an event and show up.
3. Check out the local tourist information office. The staff is literally paid to be nice to you. Plus, they actually want you to like the town, and can provide a wealth of information.
4. Find a watering hole. (Or coffee house, if you prefer.) These are wonderful places to strike up conversation, indeed, it is expected.
5. Get involved in community organizations. If you are a mom, seek out a moms’ group. If you are a single person, join a singles’ group, etc. Use the Internet (Craigslist). Also check out the local Chamber of Commerce; they always have events planned and the salespeople who attend are always nice.
6. Get a hobby. I am simply doing the things I never had time to do before.
7. Plug into the local university or college. If you are fortunate enough to be near a university, as I am in Champaign, you will find a wealth of activity. Universities host conferences, discussions, fine art exhibitions, etc.
8. Start something. If you are really a people person, with a little creativity you can start you own activity. I am investigating what I will need to organize a huge community garage sale/swap meet. Another idea that I am considering is hosting a monthly movie club for women, with a format similar to book clubs, except we will watch the movie and discuss it in one sitting.

-The Saucy Sister