Small Town Living

Boone, Iowa. Population 12,600. It's definitely not the place I anticipated living in or raising my family in, but it's where I've stayed.

Born and raised in Boone, it's been the town that I've called home. We don't have a Starbucks or a Target, but despite its small size, I didn’t feel limited in opportunities growing up. I participated in school plays, piano, choir, track, swimming, band, dance, basically anything that sounded interesting I was able to do.

However, when I graduated from high school, I was ready to leave. I spent my college years away from Boone at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska; and was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to study abroad in Italy, and after graduation live in England for a short time. But after my adventures I found myself back in Boone.

I never thought I would find my husband in this little town. New guys don't just move to Boone. But he did. Swimming brought him here and it's the thing that kept us around. I didn't think my ideal life was in Boone, but once I was married and out of my parent's house, living my own life, Boone didn't seem that bad. And while I love traveling to different cities, states, and countries, it's always nice to come home to small town living.

I like the pace that a small town has. Whether I’m going to the doctor or out to dinner, there’s not a place in town I can’t get to in ten minutes or less. Almost everyone I know works a “normal” job: they’re teachers, nurses, bank tellers, they work 8-5 jobs at a local employer. There doesn’t seem to be a huge distinction between rich and poor, the haves and have-nots; the middle class appears to be very much alive here.

Small towns tend to have a certain way of doing things, and values are more ingrained. People expect you to be more polite and respectful. Boone has a lot of churches for its size, and a heavy emphasis is placed on family and traditional values.

Just like a family, all small towns have unique traditions and special annual events that bring the community together. Known for being a railroad town, we have Pufferbilly Days, a weekend of events which include a craft fair, golf outing, parade, car show, and a mud volleyball tournament to name a few. In May we'll also have the Boone River Valley Festival, which celebrates the 'River Valley' which gives outdoor enthusiasts year-round access to hiking, biking, sport fishing and exploring.

I took small towns for granted when I was growing up, but now, I appreciate them for what they are. I can go out of town easily for shopping trips, but otherwise, I have what I need right here: family, community and small town charm. I don't know if we'll ever move, but right now I'm ok with that. Boone was a wonderful town to grow up in and I love raising my family here too.