It does not take much to know the differences between small towns and big cities are real. But the distinctions between these two different ways of life are less obvious. Big cities, after all, are where politicians and agenda-driven media executives labor to tell the rest of us what to do. Even when they have no clue how the rest of America lives.
In quiet hamlets and rural places in the USA, news of the day is more likely discussed among friends at the local coffee klatch instead of that ugly online morass known as social media. Small towns are where people still pack the bleachers at sporting events and fill the pews for church. It is where people stand during the National Anthem, sit down together when they eat, and shut up when there is nothing nice to say. It is also where neighbors are respected, police officers are honored, and soldiers are decorated.
Small towns are disappearing, though. And while more and more people who live in big cities complain about their quality of life, more of us are moving there. 83% of Americans live in urban areas now. That is double the number of those who did a century ago. And while mainstream media romanticizes about big coastal city life, we know it can never compete with the allure and charm of Small Town, America.
![Oregon, Wisconsin](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50631261e4b0e9530e2c53a7/1643610387181-DOUP3YFEHVC1VZXWRUCQ/Small+Town+USA+Photos+Oregon+Wisconsin.jpg)
Oregon, Wisconsin
A downtown view of Oregon, Wisconsin, which was settled in 1841. Initially known as "Rome Corners," there is still a road south of the village that still bears the name.
![Loma, Montana](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50631261e4b0e9530e2c53a7/1643610384455-DJVO4AY9Q39SFKXZBBT2/Small+Town+Photos+Grain+Elevators.jpg)
Loma, Montana
Three grain elevators located in Loma, Montana, which has a population of just 85 residents. Founded by James Kipp, of the American Fur Company in 1831, it is located near the confluence of the Marias and the Missouri Rivers.
![Hazel Green, Wisconsin](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50631261e4b0e9530e2c53a7/1643610387445-E7YVZN0WNXVRU9XO7YND/Small+Town+Vintage+Gas+Station.jpg)
Hazel Green, Wisconsin
Symon's Auto Center, located in Hazel Green, Wisconsin, was made to look like a vintage Texaco Station and harkens to another time.
![New Glarus, Wisconsin](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50631261e4b0e9530e2c53a7/1643610386664-WR6WFOQ63S4TXZ7SVFOJ/Small+Town+Photos+Train+Depot.jpg)
New Glarus, Wisconsin
An old yellow train depot in New Glarus, Wisconsin was once a terminus for The Milwaukee Road rail line. In 1972 the last train visited New Glarus.
![Danville, Montana](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50631261e4b0e9530e2c53a7/1643610384706-8F5KKL09DRCBTLUFFMFS/Small+Town+Photos+Danville+Dam.jpg)
Danville, Montana
Built in 1854 in Danville, Wisconsin, the Danville Dam is located in what was once a thriving farm community. The town nearly died when its post office closed, and a new railroad bypassed the community.
![Chinook, Montana](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50631261e4b0e9530e2c53a7/1643610385431-EF64G8CWZSLNI5XYVQHA/Small+Town+Photos+Neon+Sign.jpg)
Chinook, Montana
This beautiful old Elk Bar sign is located in downtown Chinook, Montana, which has around 1,000 residents. Their high school mascot is the Sugarbeeter, which is a homage to the sugar beet industry that once thrived in the area.
![Rudyard, Montana](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50631261e4b0e9530e2c53a7/1643610388012-4NUBG0THZ97ABGKKYLBH/Small+Town+Welcome+To+Sign.jpg)
Rudyard, Montana
This welcome sign greets you in Rudyard, Montana, which boasts "596 nice people and one old sore head" according to its website. Established as a switching station on the Great Northern Railway, it was named after author Rudyard Kipling.
![Miles City, Montana](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/50631261e4b0e9530e2c53a7/1643610386287-HVET6RXQ80YKDMEIBYL1/Small+Town+Photos+Rodeo+American+Flag.jpg)
Miles City, Montana
Symon's Auto Center, located in Hazel Green, Wisconsin, was made to look like a vintage Texaco Station and harkens to another time.