For anyone who hasn't grown up in a small town, it is hard af to get out. Some people can, through pure determination or the more unlikely happenstance of a sports scholarship. Most just take up a similar occupation as their parents.
My understanding of this town is that it is remote and isolated. Mail and restock for 'major' stores only once or twicd a week sort of deal. Vast agricultural area ideal for farming which is why it was first settled. On the otherside of town are the woodlands, which are rumored to be haunted and where the creature lives. No one ventures into those woods.
Families here are mainly farmers, livestock tenders, or shopkeeps. They export more than they import though first round of goods of the land are for the town. Small off-brand named shops and grocery store, no starbucks. Only one bed/breakfast like inn since no one stays here unless it's by mistake.
Only in recent years, as the new generation starts to more thoroughly get away do the rumors of the creature make it to the outside world. Most don't believe the tales but the town has seen a slow uptick in traveler's.
Think Sleepy Hallow brought to modern era. Or at least, that's how I viewed it when reading VampireTwilight's 1st post.
Sorry if that's overstepping.. my mind and fingers started typing and well, there's my thoughts on it