Not everyone from Illinois grows up in a town with 100,000+ people, near the major metropolis. In fact, most people have that small-town Midwestern childhood. And that’s pretty darn cool. Here are 12 reasons why small town Illinois is actually the best place to grow up. Take that, city slicker kids!
1. Best friends tend to last generations.
It is not strange at all for you and your friends' parents to have been friends when they all went to school (and still be friends). Friendships last forever.
2. Hanging out is familiar.
When you are of age, the town bars are the perfect place to hang out. Here, everyone will truly know your name!
3. Going to the mall is a huge deal.
Shopping is fairly limited, so going to a mall (even one that isn't the greatest) is a huge family event.
4. Snow days are the coolest.
Your dad might have to put you on the back of a snowmobile to hang out with your friend on a snow day!
5. You know pretty much everyone your age in the county.
There might just be one or a couple high schools. You soon learn everyone and know what they are about.
6. High school football is epic.
Friday night lights, baby! These nights are some of the coolest to spend with your friends and are a huge deal.
7. Dating doesn't require a background check.
Hey, chances are you guys lived next door or knew each other for most of your lives. There are no skeletons in these closets.
8. You can see the town from one end to the other.
There is a huge sense of security as a kid growing up in a small town for this reason.
9. You know all the cops.
And hopefully they only know you from town, not because they picked you up on the street for doing something naughty.
10. Everyone is watching you...always.
When you want to get away with something, this isn't so fun, but it has kept us out of trouble sometimes.
11. A friend has a truck to move you out.
The day will come when you want to move out of mom and dad's house. A buddy with a sweet pickup truck will be there to move your belongings.
12. It's heaven on earth.
People remark that the drive by the cornfields is one of the things they miss most if they move away. You never appreciate those things when you are growing up. You can't.
Why do you agree that growing up in small town Illinois was the best? Let us know in the comments.
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