So what is a small town, according to Crampton? A small town is between 5,000 and 15,000 people, with independent social and economic bases and stand-alone economies. For criteria that he used to select best towns for living, Crampton included proportion of residents in 25-34 age group, people he calls "young volunteers" and "the new recruits for local leadership." Also included in his criteria are annual growth rate; per capita income; per capita bank deposits; crime rate; available physicians; public school expenditures per pupil; and percentage of population with a bachelor's degree or higher ( an indicator of possible employment opportunities.)

Small town living is not just in logistics, it is also a mindset. Living in a small community knits people together, explaining why some behaviors may come unraveled in a more crowded, faceless environment. Take crime, for example. Everyone knows each other in a small town, so random violence by strangers is relatively rare. Some feel so safe and comfortable that they never lock their doors. Community involvement is another benefit, with volunteerism highly encouraged. Explains Crampton, "Small towns nurture essential first part of civilization - civility...people don't honk their horns very much in small towns."

Will you be able to adjust to less noise, pollution, traffic, crime, loneliness and pressure? Surpisingly, Crampton notes that small town life is not for everyone. It is small town's simplicity that may make difference. Making friends takes time. Along with less noise and hub bub is less excitement, but if you want to concentrate on family values, enjoy sense of community, enjoy a higher standard of living in terms of affordable housing and services, and slow down pace of your life, you are a good candidate for small town living.

Furnishings

* Whose furnishings are you going to use? * If you supply most of furniture, are you expecting to be compensated? * If there is damage done to one's possessions, how will other be compensated?

Cleaning

Who is going to clean what, and when?

* Is there going to be a cleaning schedule? * What happens if someone neglects their responsibility? * Are cleaning supplies going to be shared? * How are cleaning supplies going to be paid for? House fund? Individually? * If someone cleans more often, are they going to be compensated in some way?

Relationship

* Are you going to be strictly roommates or friends too? (You may only discover answer to this question over time.) How is this going to effect your living arrangements?

Overnight visitors

* Can you have overnight guests? * How many nights is OK? * Will they be using a common bathroom? * Are they going to be sharing food?

Terms & length

* How about a no-obligation trial period of, for example, 30 days? Sixty days? * What kind of notice is required before one roommate moves out? * And put as many details in writing as you can. This will protect both of you should you have difficulties getting along.

Vices

* Discuss personal feelings on smoking, drinking, and drugs. Will these be permissible? * If so, under what conditions? * What if somebody breaks rules? * What if friends engage in these activities?

Sharing

* What will be shared, and what will be kept as personal items? * Are you going to share food? * Are separate telephones lines necessary? * Will you be cooking together or separately?

Source: Roomies Roommate Service

To determine if you'd be a model roommate or a terrible one, take Seattle Times' roommate quiz. You'll be left with no doubt. And if you fail quiz, consider merits of solo life.