March 21, 2025
I’ve always been fascinated by the unique dynamics of small cities versus large metropolitan areas.
Having grown up in Muscatine, a small city in Iowa, and also having experienced life in larger urban environments, I’ve gained some perspective on the different opportunities each offers.
The Small City Advantage
One thing I’ve come to appreciate about small-scale cities is the abundance of opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
Imagine wanting to create something, build something, or introduce new ideas—the process looks very different depending on where you are.
To get an audience with the mayor in Chicago or get in front of city council members in New York City takes quite a lot of connections and networking. But in a small city like Muscatine, the access to decision-makers and the people who can make things happen is remarkably direct.
Here in this community, I serve on the planning and zoning commission and have personal friendships with many city officials. This allows me to navigate things faster. An individual can have a larger and outsized impact in a community this size than in a bigger metro area.
Impact vs. Amenities
Do I wish there were different restaurants here? Yes.
Do I like going to Washington, DC, to enjoy restaurants and cafés? Absolutely.
But I’m able to do my work here so much more effectively than I would in a larger area.
I like having my work make a bigger impact, and I see that as possible here. While the amenities of bigger cities are undeniable, the ability to effect real change and see the results of your efforts is something special about smaller communities.
Conclusion
There’s definitely a benefit to seeing other places—not just once, but routinely—to bring the best of what you see back to your area. Travel has that effect of broadening your horizons and giving you perspective.
I came from a small town, and that background gives you a certain groundedness. You don’t get lost in the weeds here. At the same time, I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to different cities around the world.
I love urban environments and the potential they hold—when you walk down the street in a city, you feel the possibilities, whether it’s meeting people or seeing things that spark ideas.
So when I live here in Iowa, I carry both the appreciation for what’s here and the vision for what could be. That’s part of what excites me about places—seeing their unique potential.