Growing up in small town South Dakota is an honor reserved for a precious few people. If you were one of those few, be grateful. There are some lessons and experiences you just can’t get any other way. If you relate to more than half of these reasons, you probably grew up in small town South Dakota.

1. There is a stronger sense of community.
People gathered at parade
Harrisburg Days / Facebook
When you're from a small town, you stick up for each other. Every high school sports game or town parade is an event the whole town comes out to. Because that's just the way it is.
2. There is absolutely no traffic.
No Traffic
Madeleine Deaton / Flickr
Headed to work or out of town for the weekend, rush hour isn't even a thought in your mind. The only time traffic gets backed up out here is if there is a tractor on the road. In which case, you appreciate the farmer enough to not let it bother you.
3. The value of hard work is appreciated.
We know the value of hardwork
USDA NRCS South Dakota / Flickr
Not only did you learn to work hard in your small town (because you probably played every sport AND helped on your parents' farm) but that work was always appreciated. Work hard, play hard.
4. Everybody knows everybody.
Everybody know everybody
USDA NRCS South Dakota / Flickr
Your mom's science teacher is probably your science teacher. And your cousin's dad is probably the town pastor and your baseball coach. Because if you live in small town South Dakota, chances are you are related to half of the town and know the other half really well.
5. Small towns come with a slower lifestyle.
Slower lifestyle
John B. Kalla / Flickr
Forget the hustle and bustle of the big city; small towns in South Dakota offer a much more peaceful way of life.
6. Small businesses have a better chance to make it.
Better chance to make it as a small business
Don Barrett / Flickr
Starting your own business is difficult no matter the circumstances. Opening that business in a small town can significantly increase your odds of turning a profit and staying open.
7. There is a lower cost of living.
Lower cost of living
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
Small towns are the hidden gems of South Dakota. Because not many people understand how amazing these small towns are, there aren't a ton of people looking to move to them. This means a lower cost of living for everyone that has discovered the small town secret.
8. Pretty much no one locks their doors.
you dont have to lock your doors
samstockton / Flickr
Really, you don't have to lock your doors. Because you know everyone and everyone knows you, if something is amiss, your neighbors will let you know.
9. Smaller class sizes mean a better education.
Small classroom size
Joe Goldberg / Flickr
With graduating classes of under 50 people, its pretty much guaranteed you had classes with a great student to teacher ratio. That meant more time with the teacher which ultimately meant you got a way better public education than your city slicker pals.
10. In a small town, you learn to trust people. Especially because the crime rate is typically a lot lower than urban areas.
Lower crime rate, you learn to trust people
ktbuffy / Flickr
You really do learn to trust people. Because you know everyone and you have grown up with the same kids from Kindergarten to Senior year, there's no reason not to trust people. Which is why you never lock your doors to your car or house.
11. Learning to DIY is a must.
learn to DIY
@NickMKE / Flickr
Learning to do things yourself is a necessity in a small town. Depending on how small of a town you grew up in, there may not even have been a hardware store. You learn to make do with what you have and do your best. Those are skills they don't teach in school.

There you have it. Definitive proof that small town South Dakota is the best place to grow up. What do you love about your small town in South Dakota?

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