I grew up in a small town in the 1980s and loved it. The 80s small towns had a charm all their own—a unique landscape of local businesses, community gathering spots, and services that defined life before the digital revolution. Let’s take a nostalgic journey through these once-familiar fixtures and see what’s become of them today.
I thoroughly enjoyed writing this and taking a brief trip down memory lane. It was easy because these are the things I grew up with but aren’t really a thing anymore.
1. Record Stores
Record stores were cultural hubs where music-loving teenagers and dedicated collectors gathered to browse the latest albums, discover new artists, and discuss music with knowledgeable staff.
In my day the cassette reigned supreme. Visiting record store was a ritual part of our trip to the mall. It wasn’t often I had the $10 for a cassette but when I did, I would take care to buy the perfect tape.
Today, most small-town record shops have disappeared due to digital music consumption and streaming services. The few survivors typically focus on vinyl records, catering to collectors and enthusiasts in a niche market. Record Store Day has helped revitalize interest, but these shops remain specialty businesses rather than mainstream retailers.
2. Drive-In Theaters
Even by the 1980s, drive-in theaters were already in decline from their 1950s-60s heyday, but many small towns still maintained these outdoor venues. They were affordable entertainment for families and popular date spots for teenagers.
Our town did not have a drive-in during my day but many towns did. This was an experience that eluded me growing up but I can see how it could be one of those nostalgic ways to spend an evening.
Today, drive-ins are rare, with fewer than 300 remaining in the United States compared to over 4,000 in their peak. Interestingly, some have seen resurgences during the pandemic and as nostalgia attractions. A few communities have even built new drive-ins to recapture that lost communal experience.
3. Local Newspapers
The local newspaper was the information backbone of 1980s small-town life. Everyone from business owners to families subscribed to keep up with local politics, high school sports, and community events. The newspaper office was often a downtown fixture.
Not only did our family get the local paper, I delivered it. Delivering the local paper was one of my first jobs. I loved it – being my own boss, always have pocket money and getting paid to bomb around the neighborhood on my bike (something I did anyway).
Today, thousands of local papers have closed due to declining advertising revenue and readership. Many survivors have drastically reduced staff or shifted to digital-only formats. The loss of local news coverage has created “news deserts” in many small communities, with significant impacts on civic engagement and local accountability.
4. Full-Service Gas Stations
Attendants who pumped your gas, checked your oil, and cleaned your windshield were common in 1980s small towns.
My main gas station once I was driving had attendants… it’s something I wish still existed at all gas stations. These stations served as impromptu community centers where locals, particularly older residents and businesspeople, would catch up on town gossip. In fact, I had many friends who had great part-time jobs in high school as a gas-jockey.
Today, full-service stations have been largely replaced by self-service pumps and convenience stores. Only two states—New Jersey and Oregon (partially)—still require attendants to pump gas, making full-service a premium option elsewhere.
5. Family-Owned Department Stores
Downtown department stores were anchors of small-town commerce in the 1980s. These multi-floor establishments sold everything from clothing to housewares and were especially important to women shoppers and families preparing for back-to-school season.
I remember spending many afternoons with my siblings and mom shopping for school clothes or whatever we needed.
Today, most small-town department stores have closed, unable to compete with big-box retailers and online shopping. Many historic department store buildings stand empty or have been repurposed, with chains like JCPenney, Sears, and regional department stores largely retreating from small markets.
6. Video Rental Stores
The local video rental store was more than just a place to pick up the latest VHS releases—it was a Friday night ritual. Families and teenagers would browse the aisles, debating choices while employees offered recommendations. By the late 1980s, practically every small town had at least one video store.
I’ve spent countless hours going up and down, up and down video store aisles looking for the perfect movies. It was fun; it was part of a movie night.
Today, these once-thriving businesses have virtually disappeared, victims of streaming services like Netflix and digital distribution. A handful of independent stores and the last remaining Blockbuster in Bend, Oregon exist as novelty destinations rather than everyday necessities.
7. Public Pay Phones
Pay phones were lifelines in the pre-cellular era, scattered throughout small towns in booths, on street corners, and in businesses. Everyone from teenagers calling for rides to travelers keeping in touch depended on them.
Today, pay phones have nearly vanished from the American landscape. The few remaining examples serve areas with poor cell coverage or exist as historical curiosities. The ubiquity of cell phones has made this once-essential public utility obsolete.
While much on this list I miss, public phones are not one of them. That said, not everyone is fortunate to have a cell phone so for some, the loss of the public phone is a loss.
8. Milk Delivery Services
We enjoyed delivered milk during my younger years. Ours was delivered in sturdy one-liter bags in the aptly named “milk crates.”
By the 1980s, home milk delivery was already declining but still existed in many small towns. These services were particularly valued by families with young children and elderly residents who appreciated the convenience.
Today, traditional milk delivery has virtually disappeared, replaced by supermarket shopping. However, there’s been a small resurgence of local dairy delivery services catering to consumers seeking farm-fresh, organic options—though these modern versions are premium services rather than everyday conveniences.
9. Bowling Alleys
The local bowling alley was a social center in 1980s small towns, hosting leagues for adults and providing entertainment for teenagers and families. These establishments often included arcades and snack bars, making them one-stop entertainment venues.
While I never was an avid bowler, our town had both five and ten-pin options. I went a few times. they were a town staple for many.
Today, many small-town bowling alleys have closed due to changing recreation preferences and maintenance costs. Those that survive have often evolved to offer expanded food and beverage options or “boutique bowling” experiences to attract customers beyond traditional league bowlers.
10. Local Diners
The small-town diner—with its counter service, bottomless coffee, and comfort food—was a democratic institution where everyone from farmers and factory workers to businesspeople and retirees would gather for meals and conversation.
Today, many independent diners have closed, replaced by fast-food and chain restaurants. However, diners have proven more resilient than some other 1980s institutions, with surviving establishments often becoming beloved local landmarks that attract both loyal regulars and tourists seeking authentic experiences.
11. Community Swimming Pools
Public swimming pools were summer social hubs in 1980s small towns, particularly for families with children and teenagers looking for relief from the heat and opportunities to socialize.
I spent many summer afternoons at the local outdoor pool. It was a highlight of my summers. Our current city offers a few large outdoor pools where I’ve take my kids, so these aren’t entirely a lost institution.
Today, many community pools have closed due to maintenance costs and liability concerns. Those that remain often operate with reduced hours and higher fees. Many families now rely on private club memberships or home pools, reducing the democratic nature of this once-common public amenity.
12. Single-Screen Movie Theaters
Downtown single-screen theaters were cultural landmarks in 1980s small towns, often housed in historic buildings with ornate architecture. These theaters drew everyone from teenage couples on dates to families for weekend matinees.
Our town had one theater with four screens. It was a regular Friday night outing for many years. With streaming and incredible home entertainment, going to the movies is not as much of a thing as it once was.
Today, most have been replaced by multiplex theaters in larger towns or have closed entirely. Some have been preserved as community arts centers or repertory cinemas, while others sit abandoned or have been converted to other uses.
13. Independent Local Banks (especially with bank tellers)
Local banks were pillars of 1980s small-town economies, where bankers knew customers by name and made lending decisions based on personal relationships. These institutions were particularly important to local business owners, farmers, and families seeking mortgages.
Today, most independent banks have been absorbed by regional or national chains following waves of consolidation in the banking industry. While some community banks persist, the personal banking relationship has largely been replaced by standardized lending practices and online banking.
To make matters worse, many bank branches no longer have tellers. It happened to my local branch and it’s very annoying.
14. Drive-In Restaurants with Carhops
Though less common by the 1980s than in previous decades, drive-in restaurants with carhop service still existed in many small towns. These establishments were popular with teenagers showing off cars and families looking for casual dining experiences.
Today, traditional drive-ins with carhop service are rare, though chains like Sonic maintain the format. There has been a minor resurgence of interest in recent years, particularly during the pandemic when outdoor dining became more attractive.
15. Local Hardware Stores
The small-town hardware store was more than a retail establishment—it was an information exchange where homeowners, farmers, and tradespeople could get expert advice along with tools and supplies.
My small town growing up had a downtown hardware store where everyone went on weekends when in the midst of any home improvement project. The owner knew everyone. While I’m not terribly handy, I enjoyed checking out all the stuff the store had to offer.
Today, many independent hardware stores have closed, unable to compete with big-box retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s. Survivors often focus on specialized service, convenience, and community connections that larger competitors can’t match.
16. Neighborhood Bars
Local taverns and bars served as after-work gathering spots in 1980s small towns, particularly for blue-collar workers and local businessmen. These establishments often sponsored softball teams and hosted community events.
I was a kid growing up in the 80s so too young to partake of this dying institution. But it’s true our neighborhood had a bar and while I didn’t go, it was “a place where everyone knows your name”… at least for the regulars lol.
Today, many neighborhood bars have closed due to stricter drunk driving enforcement, changing social habits, and economic pressures. Those that remain often serve as important community anchors, especially in small towns with limited social venues.
17. The Arcade
Video game arcades reached their peak popularity in the 1980s, drawing crowds of children and teenagers eager to spend quarters on the latest games. Even small towns often had an arcade, either standalone or within a bowling alley or mall.
While I was too young for the pub, I certainly wasn’t for the arcade. The arcade was the after-school place to go. I wasn’t never a big video game nut but enjoyed the social scene.
Today, traditional arcades are rare, with most surviving examples located in larger cities or tourist areas. Home gaming systems eliminated the need for dedicated arcade spaces, though “barcades” catering to nostalgic adults have created a new niche for these once-ubiquitous businesses.
18. The Mall
By the 1980s, shopping malls had reached small-town America, offering climate-controlled shopping environments with national chain stores. Malls quickly became teenage hangouts and weekend destinations for families.
Without a doubt, my favorite thing to do many weekends was hop on the bus and head to the mall. I’d have just enough money for a lunch. Once in a blue moon I’d have extra for some shopping. It was the place we socialized and “hung out.” While we have some malls in our neck of the woods, I don’t see it as a similar experience for teenagers today.
Today, many small-town malls have closed or struggle with high vacancy rates—victims of online shopping and changing consumer preferences. Some have been repurposed as medical centers, community colleges, or mixed-use developments, while others sit abandoned as “dead malls.”
19. Roller Skating Rinks
Roller rinks provided supervised entertainment for children and teenagers in 1980s small towns, often hosting birthday parties and special themed skate nights.
And wow, did I have some great Saturday afternoons at our local roller rink. If lucky, one of our parents drove us. If not, we biked or took the bus. I love the entire scene – meeting new kids, ripping around the rink, playing video games and eating junk food.
Today, most small-town skating rinks have closed, unable to compete with diverse entertainment options and changing recreational preferences. The few that remain often survive by diversifying their offerings or capitalizing on periodic skating revivals.
20. Independent Bookstores
Small-town bookstores offered curated selections and personalized recommendations before the era of online algorithms. These shops served avid readers, students, and professionals seeking specific titles.
In my later teens and early twenties, I discovered reading. In no time flat, I traded in the roller rink for bookstores. For six or seven years I spent hours and hours and hours in local bookstores. Local bookstores were also my number one destination when traveling.
Today, many independent bookstores closed following competition from chain retailers and then Amazon. However, some have survived by emphasizing community events, personalized service, and the tactile experience of browsing physical books—advantages that online retailers can’t replicate.
Overview Table
| Feature | Common in 1980s Small Towns | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Video rental stores | Yes | Largely disappeared |
| Drive-in theaters | Yes, declining | Rare, some resurgences |
| Local newspapers | Yes | Many closed, some digital |
| Full-service gas stations | Yes | Mostly replaced by self-service |
| Department stores | Yes | Replaced by big-box, many closed |
| Record stores | Yes | Rare, niche markets |
| Public pay phones | Yes | Nearly obsolete |
| Milk delivery services | Yes, in some towns | Rare, mostly replaced |
| Bowling alleys | Yes | Declined, some still exist |
| Local diners | Yes | Many replaced by fast food |
| Community swimming pools | Yes | Some closed, reduced access |
| Single-screen movie theaters | Yes | Replaced by multiplexes |
| Independent local banks | Yes | Absorbed by larger banks |
| Drive-in restaurants with carhop | Yes, less common by 1980s | Rare, recent minor resurgence |
| Local hardware stores | Yes | Replaced by big-box stores |
| Neighborhood bars | Yes | Some closed, others remain |
| The arcade | Yes | Rare, mostly in larger cities |
| The mall | Yes | Many closed or repurposed, less vibrant |
| Roller skating rinks | Yes | Few still operate, many closed |
That’s a wrap on memory lane for folks like me who grew up in a small town in the 1980s.
