Do former expats who lived in multicultural cities like New York miss the diversity after moving back to their small hometowns?

After spending years working in big tech in a global city like New York, surrounded by people from all over the world, I recently moved back to a small town in Europe. There are no foreigners here, no multicultural events, and honestly, it feels like a completely different world.

At first, I thought I’d enjoy the slower pace, reconnecting with my roots, and the sense of familiarity. But as time goes on, I’m starting to wonder if I’ll miss the diversity and multicultural vibe I got so used to. It’s not just about the people but also the variety of cuisines, festivals, languages, and perspectives that made every day feel dynamic and rich.

For those who’ve experienced this kind of transition: Do you miss the multicultural environment as you get older? Or does the familiarity and simplicity of a smaller town start to feel more comforting over time? Curious how others feel about this shift.