I always find it a bit funny when people here in the Valley say the Valley is small, and I mean this in the sincerest way possible. I was born in the RGV, but eventually moved up outside the Houston area.
When I hear people say that they have nothing to do here in the valley, I laugh a bit because living in the Valley is an improvement from where I grew up. I mean, the mall is like a 10-minute drive for me now, not 20.
So, in response to those who think living in the Valley isn’t the best or think there’s nothing to do, here are some REAL small town problems.
1.You see everybody wherever you go.
No matter where you go in a small town, you WILL see at least one person you know. It can be a former classmate, or you can have an awkward encounter with one of your former high school teachers that you really didn’t like. There is no denying that a simple trip to the corner store will turn into a run in with someone you went to school with or seeing classmates that decided to stick around working at the local stores.
2. Everyone is suddenly interested in you and your life away from the town.
“How’s school going?” “You must be having fun living in [insert city where you go to school].” One day I will have a business card that answers every possible question that could be asked when I go back home. If you don’t go to school at the local college, your life suddenly becomes more interesting to others. I grew up 20 minutes outside a college town and I can name everyone that decided to continue their education there. This isn’t to bash them if they ever so happen to read this, but some of them did complain about never returning to our little town once they graduated yet go home every weekend or so. So much for getting away.
3. The speed limit is 30.
Living in the Valley has made me realize that 30mph is suggestion. I’ve seen people going 50 in a 30. In a small town, have fun paying that speeding ticket! Also, the cop that happens to pull you over is also part of the security team at your high school so they kind of already know you.
4. You seem to forget a few things about small town life.
There are literally two or three gas stations, maybe a Wal-Mart and two other grocery stores, and the bank. If you’re lucky, there is a taco stand or a nice little local coffee shop that’s just as good as Starbucks. Also, the mall and Whataburger and any other good restaurants are a 20-minute drive so you always end up eating at McDonald’s because every town has one. But there’s nothing better than that one place in town that has good burgers for lunch.
5. Community.
It’s the sea of blue every Friday night light that amazed me when I was in high school. No matter what it was, community involvement is a big thing. I remember the sea of blue that hit AT&T my junior year when we traveled to the football state championship, or how the community would rally together with nothing but love and support to honor a fallen classmate. You can’t beat a small community coming together like that.
6. Nothing has really changed.
It still takes you about five or so minutes to drive to a friend’s house. You still know all the back roads and short cuts. You know where you old teachers live in case you want to teepee their house (not recommended). You feel a bit reassured that no matter what crazy things happen in life, there is always that one constant place where you can go and be surrounded with some of the best people you know.
Sometimes I’m glad I got to leave my little town. Having not to drive 20 minutes just for a Whataburger is nice, but sometimes you can’t beat going to the local meat market and the taco lady already knowing your order.