There’s something about growing up in a small Massachusetts town that can’t be beat. Check out these reasons that spending your early years in a cozy Bay State community changes your whole life for the better.

1. You grow up seeing the stars at night.
Flickr/Luke Cureton
That's one thing city life will never be able to deliver.
2. You know all the best places to hide in your town.
Flickr/Tracy Paradis
Need to discuss secret plans with your fourth grade buddy? Looking to steal a few kisses with your high school sweetheart? Just want a few minutes of peace and quiet? You definitely know just the spot.
3. You probably learned to work hard very early on.
Flickr/MOTT
Whether your spent the summers serving fried seafood at a clam shack, scooping ice cream, or stocking shelves at a local shop, small towns teach you the value of hard work.
4. You still get invited to a thousand weddings a year.
Flickr/Brian
And some of the couples have been together since you were young.
5. There was always a porch or backyard to hang out on.
Flickr/MOTT
And someone’s parents always had a spare Hoodsie Cup or fluffernutter for you.
6. Your best friends are probably the children of your parents’ best friends.
Flickr/Zach Taiji
It was like having another set of parents to watch your back…and get you in trouble.
7. You brought your dog with you everywhere.
Flickr/MOTT
Neighborhood adventures weren't the same without your pooch, and there was always a treat or two in the hand of the postman.
8. There was always someone up for tossing a ball around.
Flickr/MOTT
Whether you were on a team, or just passing the afternoon, you could always find a partner for a quick game of catch.
9. The smell of grilling in the summer or a bonfire in the fall.
Flickr/renee_mcgurk
You can’t beat the familiar smells of a small hometown.

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10. There’s a friendly face everywhere you look.
Flickr/Bart Everson
You can’t really avoid knowing your neighbors in a small Massachusetts town…not that you’d want to!
11. Small town back-roads mean mean no traffic and a beautiful trip.
Flickr/6SN7
The travel times are short and the scenery is to die for.
12. Your small town friends will always be your friends.
Flickr/Will Richardson
When you’ve known each other for so many years, drifting apart just isn’t an option.
13. You learned the art of getting creative with your free-time.
Flickr/henry…
1. When the closest movie theatre is miles away and there are only a few places to shop, you have to learn how to make your own fun.
14. Your neighbors don’t think twice about going out of their way to help you.
Flickr/V Threepio
Need a hand moving that sofa? Out of batteries? Can’t find a babysitter at short notice? Small town folk won’t turn you away when you’re in need.
15. You knew the hours of local businesses by heart, and the owners greeted you by name.
Flickr/Rene Schwietzke
"Hey there! Having the usual?" is a phrase that you never get tired of hearing at your favorite restaurant.
16. You know way more about local plants and animals than your friends who grew up in the city.
Flickr/Liz West
Afternoons spent roaming the woods or splashing in tide pools mean that you can tell a poisonous berry from a tasty one, and know what a skate egg sac looks like.
17. You appreciate history more.
Flickr/MOTT
Massachusetts is full of little hamlets that have the same buildings, streets and parks as they did hundreds of years ago. You learn to love the old and historic parts of your town.
18. The world is a little less scary.
Flickr/MOTT
People don't worry as much about letting their kids roam the neighborhood or leaving their doors unlocked.

Did you grow up in a Massachusetts small town? Looking to relocate to an awesome small community? Check out these amazing small towns in Massachusetts.

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