Some experiences in this world are universal, and that couldn’t be more true than when talking about small towns. So many of us have shared experiences just by virtue of living in an area with a low population. But that said, each state does have its own unique culture built around the small towns. Living in Virginia comes with a lot of its own fun quirks and traditions, and these are 19 things that we think apply most specifically to growing up in small-town Virginia.

1. You still say hello to everyone you pass on the street.
Jack No1 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 ] / Wikimedia Commons
It's just what we do. Living in Virginia, you say hi to your neighbors, wave at people as you drive down the road, and greet everyone with a smile and a friendly "hello." Try that in some cities and you're more likely to get labeled a stalker than get a "hello" in return.
2. There's a good chance at least one of your best friends is also your cousin.
Guillaume Paumier (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0] / Wikimedia Commons
Be it a first cousin, second cousin, or second cousin twice removed, it's not unlikely your family tree has the same roots. This only gets weird when you start dating.
3. You can always spot when there's someone new in town.
MD111 / flickr
"I don't recognize that car in the Johnson's driveway. They must have family visiting."
4. At least one of your teachers also taught your mother or father.
UMW Centennial / flickr
That says a lot for the kind caring teachers in Virginia that they had to put up with not only your shenanigans but your parents as well.
5. "Driving around" was a perfectly acceptable form of entertainment in high school.
Tony Alter / flickr
And you knew every parking lot in town.
6. You knew your postman by name.
United Stated Post Office Department [Public domain] / Wikimedia Commons
7. Church socials, potlucks, and picnics were a big deal.
Nehrams2020 [CC BY-SA 3.0] / Wikimedia Commons
And you always knew whose mother made the best mac n' cheese.
8. The local high school or volunteer fire department made Brunswick stew as a fundraiser every fall.
tvnewsbadge / flickr
The trick was making sure you bought enough to keep in the freezer to enjoy all winter long.
9. Going to the mall was a major outing.
Ben Schumin / Wikimedia Commons

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10. You know exactly what a pig pickin' is.
Doldrim (Own work) [CC BY 3.0 ] / Wikimedia Commons
11. Living in a small town was like being under 24-hour surveillance. You couldn't get away with ANYTHING.
Mike Mozart / flickr
Small towns have big eyes - and even bigger mouths when it comes to letting your mother know what you've been up to.
12. A traffic jam was when you were 5 cars behind at a stoplight (assuming you had a stoplight, that is.)
Kevin Payravi (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0] / Wikimedia Commons
13. You could, and did, ride your bike everywhere.
Elly Blue/Flickr
14. The Junior League, Women's Auxiliary, or ladies' church group always put out a cookbook - and these are still some of your favorite recipes.
mrwynd/Flickr
15. You knew all of the best creeks, rivers, and swimming holes.
red, white and black eyes forever / flickr
16. You knew how to make your own fun.
Ross Catrow / flickr
A party in a field with this guy? Absolutely.
17. You've been in the town Christmas Parade at least once.
Bob Mical / flickr
18. A trip to the grocery store took 5 times as long as it should because you just couldn't stop running into people you know.
TammyTummy via Tumblr
19. You couldn't wait to leave, but now you know...there's just no place like home.
NBC Television Network [Public domain] / Wikimedia Commons

There are so many interesting experiences that are unique to growing up in one of the many small towns in Virginia. Many of these things may not seem so special at first glance, but we think you’ll surely miss them if you should leave. If you grew up in small-town Virginia, then there’s no doubt that you could probably add a few more items to this list.

Is there anything special about living in Virginia that you think we left off the list? What was life in Virginia like for you growing up? Let us know! If you love small-town Virginia like us, you may want to check out our Facebook page.

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Living In Virginia

Sara Dager | December 09, 2021

What are the best things about living in Virginia?

Living in Virginia has a lot of virtues, from its natural beauty to the unending kindness of its residents, the state seems so welcoming to travelers and residents alike. Virginia is great for those with children due to fantastic schools and a plethora of activities, but the laid-back nature and good economy also make it a fantastic place to retire. We think every type of person can find a reason to love Virginia. If you're considering a big move, here is a list of reasons that Virginia may be the right state for you.

What are the most beautiful places in Virginia?

Some of the most beautiful places in Virginia include its state parks, scenic drives, and historic sites. Here are a few of the most beautiful places in Virginia:

  • Grayson Highlands State Park
  • Skyline Drive
  • Assateague Island National Seashore
  • Great Falls National Park
  • Falling Spring Falls
  • Devil's Bathtub
  • The Light of Truth Universal Shrine
  • Thomas Walker Civic Park
  • Staunton River State Park
  • Carvins Cove

Virginia is absolutely packed with natural beauty in every place you may look for it. There are multiple huge state parks for hiking, some unbeatable beaches, and natural caves and waterfalls to wonder at. This article with ten of the most beautiful spots in Virginia you need to visit may help you in planning your trip.

What are the best small towns in Virginia?

Virginia has many wonderful small towns with friendly people, historic sites, and beautiful scenic views. Here is a short list of some of our favorite small towns in Virginia:

  • Chincoteague, VA
  • Abingdon, VA
  • Smithfield, VA
  • Middleburg, VA
  • Lexington, VA
  • Onancock, VA
  • Staunton, VA
  • Occoquan, VA
  • Farmville, VA
  • Warrenton, VA

Now that you know some of the cultural regularities of growing up in small-town Virginia, you may be curious what some of the best small towns in the state are. There are towns with a bustling downtown area like Abingdon, and others that are known for their more natural aspects like Chincoteague. Read this article to discover why these are some of the best small towns in Virginia.

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