City Life Versus Country Life

City Life Versus Country Life

Imagine having to choose to reside in one place for the rest of your life. Which would you opt for? Some people would argue that living in a big city has more benefits than that of living in the country. However, there are many people who would argue that the country life is much more rewarding. Several people move from the city to a farm to get away from the hustle and bustle. Likewise, some farmers have traded in their tractors and animals to live a faster paced city life. Of course, not all large cities are identical nor are all of the places in the country the same. Realizing this, ten years ago, I decided to hang up the city life in Indiana to pursue a more laid back approach to life in rural Tennessee. While both city life and life in the country have their benefits, they also have distinguishable differences.

Working environments vary from people who live in the cities and those in the country. City dwellers generally have a commute, sometimes a lengthy, congested jaunt. Jobs are more plentiful in a city setting; however, the fast paced working environment in the city can cause great displeasure. Some would argue, though, that it would be easier to get another job because the market is higher. Although I agree that the market is greater in the city, so is the number of prospective job seekers.

Life in the city is more hectic and clamorous. While a vast majority of Americans pack themselves into our major cities, there are still millions who live outside of the cities. Certainly, there are a lot more activities in the city: shopping malls and restaurants galore, thrift stores, libraries, museums, concert venues, just to name a few. Obviously, to get the most out of city life, you...

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...t atmosphere, the crime rate in the country is lower. As a matter of fact, unlike homeowners in the city, locking the front door of your country cabin is considered optional.

So whether it is the crazy, energized, stress-filled life of living in the city you prefer or the laid-back, relaxed way of life the country has to offer, both lifestyles have their advantages. The choice is dependent on what is important to each individual. I have many fond memories of living in the city during the first part of my life; however, it is the move to the countryside that has had more of an impact on my life. Though industrial employment opportunities were greater in the city and extra-curricular activities were in abundance, I prefer to treasure the slower paced life in the country, the kindness of friends and neighbors I have here and the down-home flavor of rural living.