Most of Utah’s residents live along the Wasatch Front - very few are fortunate to grow up in small towns with close-knit communities, clean air and quiet, peaceful surroundings. While our bigger cities certainly have many advantages, growing up in one of Utah’s small towns might actually be the best. Here are 15 reasons why.

1. The air is clean.

In the Salt Lake and Utah valleys, kids have to stay in for recess during the worst inversion days. If you live in a small town (especially in Southern Utah), you get to breathe fresh, clean air year-round.

2. Small town community events are the best.

Utah’s small-town parades and festivals are awesome! The whole town shows up, and as a kid, you often get to be center-stage.

3. Friendships last a lifetime.

In small Utah towns, kids make friends before kindergarten and stay together all the way through high school. Even if you leave for a bigger city, the friends you make in your small town are for keeps.

4. Wildlife is everywhere.

Who needs a zoo when you see wildlife every day?

5. Stargazing is a nightly activity.

Kids in big cities don’t get to see the stars at night. You can lie on your back and stargaze almost every day of the year.

6. Learning to drive is less stressful.

It’s scary enough learning how to drive...kids in Salt Lake have to learn how to navigate the I-80 interchange and the spaghetti bowl while dealing with road rage drivers. In small towns, kids have less traffic to deal with.

7. Kids learn to entertain themselves in small towns.

Many small towns in Utah are a LONG way from shopping malls, children’s museums and other entertainment venues. Kids learn to entertain themselves, which is a valuable skill to have for life.

8. The great outdoors is your backyard.

When the view from your backyard looks like this, how can you complain? Not a single strip mall in sight!

9. Utah history is part of everyday life.

Your town has homes on the historic register, barns built by pioneers and some great stories about the good old days.

10. No matter where you go, it’s always home.

You might move away for college, or even forever...but you can always come back to your hometown. Folks will remember your name, welcome you back and tell you all the latest gossip.

11. Small town kids have more freedom than city kids.

Utah’s crime rate is low overall, but it’s even lower in our small towns. Kids there have more freedom to run and play without worry.

12. Everyone in your town supports you.

Whether you’re the merit scholar at the local high school, or the rodeo star at calf roping, your whole town is proud when you succeed.

13. You learn the value of hard work.

Small town folks work hard, and teach their kids a strong work ethic early.

14. Small town kids have the best toys.

You can ride your ATV, go-cart or pony pretty much anywhere in town.

15. Patriotism is strong in your community.

You grow up proud to be an American, and a Utahn.

Kids who are lucky enough to grow up in small-town Utah have it made. Did you grow up in one of Utah’s small towns?