Step outside and hear the lively sounds of people and bustling streets. This is the daily reality for people walking down the streets and taking in the skyline views in cities like Paris, Milan, London, and New York.
Living in the city provides a sense of familiarity with the great diversity found there. It also provides a bigger range of cultural experiences, with easy access to museums, theaters, and a vibrant nightlife.
Public transportation options are widely available, making it easier to get around without a car. Everything from shopping to entertainment options are closer and more accessible to residents, and having fun is easier in general.
In terms of employment, cities almost always have greater job opportunities and hubs for education and research.
Healthcare access is also more accessible. An article in The Wall Street Journal states that “rural residents are now more likely than other Americans to be obese, sedentary, and smoke cigarettes. They also face higher rates of related health problems, including diabetes, stroke, and heart attacks.” This shows that people are more active and alive in a city compared to the country.
People in the country who feel stuck don’t think about the scenery or clean air there. They think about being lonely and leaving for the city. When living in the country feels like a dead end, people stop noticing the “beauty of things.”
In general, rural areas are vital for agriculture, but the cons of living there outweigh the advantages. The loneliness and emptiness of country living cannot compare with the liveliness and opportunities of city life.
Imagine waking up and being greeted by the sounds of birds chirping and a beautiful sight through the bedroom window. This is the reality of living in the country.
In a world that is so often polluted by negativity and hate, living in a smaller, more personal space is superior to the crowded reality of the city. The country allows for interpersonal and connected living.
The city sounds good on paper. There are plenty of places to eat, many people to talk to, and lively job opportunities. But the reality of the city means living in a fast-paced, high-priced, and overly noisy environment. The country offers seclusion, connection to nature, and overall peace.
Living in the country means having a connection to the natural world. Rather than living day to day in a highly technological environment, the country allows for more appreciation for the beauty of nature.
Not only is country life more conducive to the appreciation of nature, but it is genuinely a more natural environment. This article from the CDC suggests that air quality improves as areas become more rural or less urban.
In the city, people spend their days rushing around, trying to beat impossible traffic, and ignoring all the noise. A country day, meanwhile, would be much slower-paced. Activities such as nature walks or community events are relaxing and peaceful. Generally speaking, everyone knows each other, and support can be found in the town and from neighbors, rather than living with thousands of total strangers in every direction.
Overall, life in the country, with space, privacy, and nature, will always be better than city living. As a vacation, the city sounds alluring. But the traffic, noise, and price would get old after spending any more time there beyond a sightseeing vacation. The peace, nature, and privacy of the country would never get old or overwhelming.
