There’s no doubt growing up in a small Virginia town creates a one-of-a-kind experience. And because it’s such a unique experience, folks from small towns in Virginia are one-of-a-kind people. Whether you grew up in a larger area and chose small town life for yourself later on or you’ve been in a small town your whole life, you’ll find that small towns tend to attract a certain kind of person. And I don’t think I’m alone in saying that these are some of the best kinds of people you’ll ever meet.
- They value community.
Galax Virginia / Facebook Living in a small town requires a level of closeness - whether you like it or not. But with that closeness comes a common bond. And when the chips are down, you can always count on your community.
- They understand the importance of loyalty.
Don LaVange / flickr Maybe it’s because we grew up together like family - or as in a lot of small towns, we are actually family - but small towns stick together. We can make fun of ourselves, but don’t let anyone else pick on us, or it’s game on.
- They know their history.
sastafford / flickr When you’re from a small town, you tend to have a good sense of where you’re from - and I don’t just mean a place on the map.
- They always lend a helping hand.
Highland County / Facebook In a small town, you tend to know everybody’s business. Which can be frustrating at times, of course. But it also means that you know when someone needs a little extra help and you’re always there to lend a helping hand.
- They know how to make their own fun.
Ross Catrow / flickr Small towns don’t have built-in entertainment like a big city. We don’t have the big venues, the movie theaters and the shopping centers. What we have are fields, community get-togethers, and a whole lot of creativity.
- They know how to appreciate the finer things in life.
Highland County / facebook You don’t have to walk through the Louvre to see the world’s greatest works of art. All you need is the great outdoors.
- They support each other.
John Zacherle / flickr So many of our small towns are full of small business run by local families - some for generations. With “Buy Local” campaigns throughout the state, small town folks know the importance of supporting each other.
- They’re generous.
Russell Harrison Photography / flickr It’s been shown that in terms of percentage of income given to charitable causes and organizations, smaller towns and even lower income areas are the biggest givers.
- They know you don’t need gourmet restaurants to have fine dining.
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing - Northern Virginia / flickr When you don’t have many restaurants to choose from, you learn how to cook - and well. Growing up in a small town, you always know whose mother made the best fried chicken, whose father did the best barbecue and whose grandmother would always have fresh-baked cookies if you happened to stop by.
- They know the value of hard work.
U.S. Department of Agriculture / flickr In small towns, we have to do for ourselves - and that usually takes a lot of hard work. People from small towns often own their own businesses or farms and know how to put in the time and effort to make them a success.
- They understand that a good oyster roast or pig pickin’ can cure most of the world’s problems.
lara warman / flickr There’s nothing quite like good ol’ traditional Virginia activities to bring people together and make you forget about your troubles for awhile.
- They are always there for you.
Bill Couch / flickr People in Virginia’s small towns are a special breed. They may not always be family, but you wouldn’t know it from how they will drop everything to offer support, provide a shoulder to cry on or just brighten your day with some good old fashioned friendship.
What are the qualities that you love most about small town Virginians? We would love to hear your contributions to the list in the comments below!
Galax Virginia / Facebook
Living in a small town requires a level of closeness - whether you like it or not. But with that closeness comes a common bond. And when the chips are down, you can always count on your community.
Don LaVange / flickr
Maybe it’s because we grew up together like family - or as in a lot of small towns, we are actually family - but small towns stick together. We can make fun of ourselves, but don’t let anyone else pick on us, or it’s game on.
sastafford / flickr
When you’re from a small town, you tend to have a good sense of where you’re from - and I don’t just mean a place on the map.
Highland County / Facebook
In a small town, you tend to know everybody’s business. Which can be frustrating at times, of course. But it also means that you know when someone needs a little extra help and you’re always there to lend a helping hand.
Ross Catrow / flickr
Small towns don’t have built-in entertainment like a big city. We don’t have the big venues, the movie theaters and the shopping centers. What we have are fields, community get-togethers, and a whole lot of creativity.
Highland County / facebook
You don’t have to walk through the Louvre to see the world’s greatest works of art. All you need is the great outdoors.
John Zacherle / flickr
So many of our small towns are full of small business run by local families - some for generations. With “Buy Local” campaigns throughout the state, small town folks know the importance of supporting each other.
Russell Harrison Photography / flickr
It’s been shown that in terms of percentage of income given to charitable causes and organizations, smaller towns and even lower income areas are the biggest givers.
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing - Northern Virginia / flickr
When you don’t have many restaurants to choose from, you learn how to cook - and well. Growing up in a small town, you always know whose mother made the best fried chicken, whose father did the best barbecue and whose grandmother would always have fresh-baked cookies if you happened to stop by.
U.S. Department of Agriculture / flickr
In small towns, we have to do for ourselves - and that usually takes a lot of hard work. People from small towns often own their own businesses or farms and know how to put in the time and effort to make them a success.
lara warman / flickr
There’s nothing quite like good ol’ traditional Virginia activities to bring people together and make you forget about your troubles for awhile.
Bill Couch / flickr
People in Virginia’s small towns are a special breed. They may not always be family, but you wouldn’t know it from how they will drop everything to offer support, provide a shoulder to cry on or just brighten your day with some good old fashioned friendship.
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