20 Photos of Everyday Life in the 1980s

Wasn’t life better in the 1980s? More optimism? More vibrancy? More adventure? We sure think so. So come on down and take a look at these 20 photos from the ’80s that give you a good taste of what life was like. Take us back, Doc Brown.

You Used the Payphone to Phone Home

Payphones were common and only cost a dime (or a quarter later in the decade), making them the easiest way to check in at home, or call the office, or be the 27th caller on that radio station, or whatever it is that you were trying to do.

Big Hair, Didn’t Care

Few things about you were able to showcase your identity in the ’80s the way your hair did. Mega-stars like Mötley Crüe, Madonna, and Cher helped popularize these ‘dos, but you didn’t see much of them past the early-1990s.

You Worked On Your First Car Yourself

Generally, people dove into their own engines before heading out to a mechanic. A car was your pride and joy, and you’re not going to let just anybody under the hood. You’re gonna defend that car with everything you have, from your styrofoam cup to your tube socks.

The Mall Was the Center of the Entire Universe

You could get everything you could ever possibly need at a mall in the ’80s, kind of like Amazon, but 10 percent less evil. Plus, it was fun, and everybody was there. For a teen, the mall was like going to a bar. Food courts, arcades, the movies… the mall was true magic.

You Could Spend Hours in the Record Store

If the mall was the center of the universe, the record store was the center of the center of the universe. This is where people of all ages hung out, talked, listened, and spent hours. If you were older, you could add to your vinyl collection (or tape collection, or your new CD collection later in the decade). If you were younger, you could rebel against your parents by listening to some of that new, evil rock and roll music.

Live Music Was Affordable

Shows were cheap! Like, really cheap. You could score tickets for A-List acts like Michael Jackson, AC/DC, and Madonna for about $30, while tickets to smaller acts could be found for about $10 to $15.

Wanted Concert Tickets? You Waited in Line for Them

There was no Ticketmaster online service to prey on you and charge a convenience fee yet; if you wanted to go see a show, you’d need to wait in line to get tickets. And if the band was big enough, that meant camping out overnight. But it was worth it, because…

Boomboxes Were the Best Way to Share Music

“Say Anything” would have been a much different movie if iPods were around, eh? Boombox culture was huge, to the point where the line between audio equipment and fashion accessory began to blur. Like this fella, you’re gonna be spitting some incredible game if you roll up with a boombox around your shoulder.

There Was No Working From Home

Ah, the modern office. Modern clothes, modern tech, and modern hair styles. No modern lumbar support though, that’s for sure.

You Rode in the Way, Way Back

Remember when you had to go on a road trip, but there were just too damn many of you? So you stuck people in every single nook and cranny of the car to fit ’em all as you rolled across America in your ’80s station wagon? Sure you do. The way, way back was either your liberation or your prison, depending just who was stuck in the car with you. And if you’re ever looking to have your heart warmed, sink into the way, way back with a great movie about just that.

Bike Crews Ruled the Streets

Boy, if these aren’t the real life “Stranger Things” kids then I don’t know who is. In the 80s, you and your crew rolled everywhere together, from school, to the woods, to the mall. Speaking of…

Heading to the Movie Theater Was a Big Night Out

Look at that lineup. Strange that this December of 1989 doesn’t seem to include Best Picture winner “Rain Man” but hey, this theater needed to save some screens for “Look Who’s Talking,” you know? I get it.

Renting, Not Streaming

Nobody was impulse-watching anything in the 80s. You had to get in your car, drive to the video store, wait in line, and drive back home before cracking into a movie. You’re probably picking up 2 or 3 at a time and coming back a week later. Hope you made good decisions! You’re stuck with them.

McDonald’s Birthdays Were Everything

If you wanted to line up a killer birthday party for yourself, there were no other options: McDonald’s was where it was at, and frankly, it makes a lot of sense. It tasted better, cost less, and had a PlayPlace.

Wrestling Dominated

Wrestling was at its peak popularity in the 80s, and even if you weren’t a fan, it was part of popular culture. Wrestling stars were the LeBrons of their time. Remember when Hulk Hogan slammed Andre the Giant? Everybody who lived through the 80s does.

Alarm Clock Radios Were Essential

Need directions? Need to know the weather? Need to wait around patiently, finger hovering over the record button for hours, hoping a radio station will play your favorite song so you can record it and listen to it whenever you wanted to? You needed a radio for that, and, well, a lot of what your smart phone does today.

Maps Were Your Friend

Need to figure out how to get somewhere? Look at a map. Memorize it or write it down. Those are your options. And while you’re out here in Orlando in the 80s, please do check out the Museum of Dishes and tell me how it is.

Passing Notes Was Better Than Texting

The drama! The anticipation! The ability to talk across schools! Note passing was everything.

Car Phones Were a Thing (for Some)

It’s wild to think that your car was the most convenient place to chat on a mobile phone, but that was life in the ’80s (at least for those who could afford one). It was home, work, or your car; those are the places you get to make calls. While they weren’t the norm in most cars around then, they weren’t scarce either.

Anti-Smoking Ads Were Everywhere

Including scam audio cassette tapes. Hypnosis, baby!