Rural living has its charms... I have a place in a small town out in a rural area...
But most small towns have had most or all of their factories closed... There is little manufacturing...perhaps some food processing which is seasonal employment for some...
The best jobs are with government or the school districts...and those are going down fast...
Small Businesses open and close every three months when they realize that they aren't even making their rent...! But there is always another dreamer ready to blow their checking account on three months rent, a sign, and a dream...
What they don't realize is that without high value added jobs and wages...the small businesses can't survive... Small business is an adjunct to larger enterprises like factories and government... Small businesses can not bootstrap each other into making their rent...
And all the money spent at the local Walmart...leaves every night in an armored car for the nearest big city bank...!
Small town kids are often "forced" to join the military...just to get out of wearing the funny hats and working for peanuts at the burger joints down by the Interstate...!
Yes...I know a lot about small town living... Its great if you're double dipping a company or school pension...and Social Security ... and your house is paid for...
If that is not your situation...? Its not so good... Unless grandma has money to give you...
