Why Small Town Ohio Is The Best Place To Grow Up

There are certain, undeniable signs that set those of us who grew up in a small town in Ohio apart from those who didn’t. What you may not realize though, is that growing up in small town Ohio is (arguably) the best place to grow up—and the following 12 reasons are just a few of the reasons why.

You learn how to appreciate the beauty of rural Ohio…

Mark J. Blum/Facebook

…and you learn the value in being self sufficient and hard work.

Don O’Brien/Flickr

You learn how to enjoy and appreciate the good things (and people) in life.

Brad Holt/Flickr

Whenever some sort of crisis or tragedy happened in your family your neighbors brought you hot meals for weeks. (You can’t get that living in a big city, guys. You just can’t.)

Janine/Flickr

Snow days meant you could go meet the neighborhood kids at the prime sledding spot.

Scott/Flickr

Living in a small town made family vacations and trips to the nearest big city that much more special.

Stephen Wolfe/Flickr

Unnecessary things such as parking meters simply don’t exist in your hometown.

renee_mcgurk/Flickr

You really learned the value of family (any many of your friends essentially became family)—except when you were split on Ohio State vs. Michigan. Then it just gets tough.

Evil Erin/Flickr

When you took Driver’s Ed you (almost) know everyone in your class—and if you didn’t know everyone it just meant you got to spend time with kids from another high school. Which was nice.

James F Clay/Flickr

When you took your driver’s license test you essentially knew all the roads and passed with flying colors.

J. Stephen Conn/Flickr

You have a hometown restaurant that’s better than any fast food joint or chain restaurant.

Carl’s Townhouse/Facebook

You ALWAYS have a place to call home—even when you’ve moved away and only visit for the holidays. It’s still your true home. And it will always be your true home.

Mike/Flickr

Why else is small town Ohio actually the best place to grow up? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!