Small towns get mocked until you leave and realize people there knew your name.

Being known is expensive and most places do not offer it. A small town costs you privacy and options, and in exchange a lot of people can place you, ask about your mother, notice you have been gone. Somewhere larger you get freedom and anonymity together, and the anonymity turns out to have a weight.

While you are still in a place that knows you, use it rather than resenting it. Learn the names back, the ones at the counter, the desk, the garage. Then build the small version deliberately wherever you end up, because nobody there will know your name unless you make it happen.