Many small towns near metropolitan areas do not want to call themselves small, as if it leaves a bad taste in your mouth. After all, many believe bigger is better, so to call your town small is to say you are less worthy. It's a myth. They bring big-city values that usually don't fit in a small town. Complete with their own culture and way of doing things.
Larger towns have specialists.
Small towns have generalists. It's a large list. Small towns generally have lower wages. That goes along with lack of advancement opportunities and underemployment. Employment opportunities are fewer.