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Big City to Small Town

Felix discusses the differences between his hometown Washington, DC and living in Northfield, Minnesota.

Felix discusses the differences between his hometown Washington, DC and living in Northfield, Minnesota.

Admissions Blog Big City to Small Town

As you may have read in my bio, the place that I call home is Washington, DC! And it is super different than Northfield, Minnesota. In this blog, I’ll take you on a little tour of some of the main differences and similarities between the two, and tell you about how it’s been for me making that shift.

Life in DC

I’ve lived in DC (and by that I mean DC proper, not Maryland or Virginia) since I was 10 years old. Before that, I lived in a suburb just on the border of DC. So essentially, my entire life has been centered around the city. Now, DC is a big place — a little over 710,000 people live within just 68 square miles, with thousands more coming to the city for work each day. The are metro systems under- and above-ground, dozens of amazing museums, an awesome zoo, and SO, SO much to do. The city is always changing!

A wide view looking down a street filled with traffic on a rainy day at the Capitol Building in Washington, DC.
Looking down the street at the Capitol Building

Now, as an introvert, that’s all a little overwhelming for me, but I’ve learned to go with the flow. I know which streets to take to avoid the traffic (at least the worst of it), which restaurants have good food that’s not (incredibly) overpriced, and which museums are the best (I’m partial to the Natural History Museum and the Hirshhorn — classics, and for a good reason). However, even though I’m not the biggest extrovert and “city person”, the shift out of the bustling metropolis was still surprising.

Moving to Northfield

Oh, Northfield. Such a lovely place! With around 22,000 people (including college students and staff) in roughly 9 square miles, life is a lot more chill (besides the schoolwork and all that). When I first toured Carleton in October 2022, it was a beautiful day out; I saw students milling around, I stopped at Goodbye Blue Monday for some coffee, and I did an interview with the admissions staff. I was impressed by how quiet it was compared to my hometown!

A selfie of two people sitting on an airplane.
My dad and I on the airplane on our first visit to Northfield

 

A street view of fall foliage on the Carleton campus.
Some fall foliage

Now, a year later, I live here. And I’m so glad I do. The beautiful fall colors are beginning to set in (yes, I know it will be freezing soon, but for now I can enjoy the foliage), my classes are picking up, and I am enjoying life in Northfield so much.

My Opinions on the Differences

While some people love to live in big, populated cities, I think I prefer being in a smaller community. I know where everything is, I get to meet and make connections with so many cool people, and I get to explore the town! I know there will always be a place in my heart for DC, but for now, I’m so glad to spend the next four years in Northfield.

 

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