Small Town Indiana vs. the Big City

In the novel, Heart Strings, Lauren Halloren reluctantly moves back to her home town— Evelynton, IN, after twenty-five years. It’s the last place she wants to be, and only makes the move when she is out of options. In her memory the small town is full of nosy people, is boring, and lacking in any excitement or opportunity. She longed for the city life to which she’d become accustomed.

​There were some big differences between the city and the hometown in which she was now forced to live. She would have to cope to these differences. After twenty-five years away, would Lauren’s small town roots begin to make their way to the surface?

​ Activity
     City
There was something  going on all the time. Even at night, the air was full of the sounds of traffic, car horns and alarms, the sounds of people on the street. If you couldn’t sleep, you could find something to do. There were restaurants and clubs open at all hours.

    Evelynton
As soon as the sun goes down, the only sounds you hear are crickets, owls, and the occasional dog bark or cat screech. 

A Night Out
   City
You drive 30 to 45 minutes to get to your destination, leave and drive another 30 minutes to the next place.

   Evelynton
You spend the evening driving up and down the same street watching to see who else is out.


Space

   City
There were beautifully landscaped city parks. Take your lunch and sit on a park bench to enjoy the sun shine.

   Evelynton
Almost everyone has a backyard to relax in. If you don’t, there is a city park with a ball diamond and a few picnic tables. 

Shopping

   City
There is an endless variety of choices in shopping. All the big name stores are there. You can reach almost any store in thirty to sixty minutes.

   Evelynton
Get to the grocery store or hardware store in 5 minutes, and be back to your favorite TV show before the commercial is over. Choices are limited, unless you’re looking for farm implements or auto parts.
Travel an hour to a city to find a mall.

Culture

   City
Concerts with top performers, art galleries, plays, and even opra.

   Evelynton
Concerts with local artists, street fairs, craft shows, and high school or community plays.

Diversity

   City
You’ll see a large variety of people of all backgrounds on a daily basis.

   Evelynton
Occasionally you’ll see someone from out of town.

Restaurants

   City
There are endless options of all kinds of ethnic foods.

   Evelynton
There are limited options of mostly home cooking, hamburgers,  or Americanized ethnic food.

Traffic

   City
There is always lots of traffic. If you drive to work, be prepared to be in a traffic jam at least once a day.

   Evelynton
If there is much traffic in town, you wonder what’s going on. Be prepared to get behind a farm vehicle or a horse and buggy.

Parking spaces

   City
Spend twenty minutes looking for a space or look for a parking garage. Learn to parallel park.

   Evelynton
There is always parking available. The only time you parallel park is when there are two spaces open and you can drive into it.

Population

   City
The population of your block may be higher than an entire small town.

Crime

   City
The newspapers are so full of crime reports, you get desensitized to it.

   Evelynton
If there is a purse snatching, everyone talks about it. The newspaper is full of high school football news and anniversary parties.

Recognizability

   City
You don’t know your neighbors. People rarely make eye-contact.

   Evelynton
You know all your neighbors and you probably got a pie when you moved in.
Everybody makes eye-contact because they're sure they know your parents, siblings or cousins.