Rural Living Vs. Urban Living
If you are planning on moving to the country or leaving the country for the city, consider these pros and cons.
It is sometimes a common case of “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence”. City people often long for the restful life of the country. Country people often long for the excitement of the city. A move from one to the other can be shocking, if not very traumatic. A city dweller might think the peace and quite of the country is better, only to be kept awake by coyotes. A farm kid might long for the fast pace of the town only to be overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed.
For those who don’t know, Rural means “country”, and Urban means “city”.
Cons of Rural Living
Isolation
Your nearest neighbor may be a mile away. There may be times when you won’t see another human being for days unless you go somewhere.
Schools are not in walking distance – Yup, your kids will be on a school bus. This may be a 1 hour ride, each way.
Shopping is Not Convenient
If you so much as run out of milk (and do not have your own milk cow or goat) it means a trip in the car.
Mechanics and most services are not close – It is not easy if your car breaks down and your nearest mechanic is 30 miles away.
Internet and Television Services May be Lower
I am on dial up… enough said.
Restaurants and Entertainment are Not Easily Available
Driving involves time, expense, and planning.
Pros of Rural Living
Friendly Neighbors
The first thing that happened when I moved to the country is people introduced themselves as my “neighbor”, when I asked where they lived, they would tell me… “one mile north and two miles west” or something like that. I have had neighbors plow my driveway in winter just for something to do. Other neighbors make a point of keeping us informed on area news.
Distant Neighbors
More privacy. You do not need to worry about going out into your yard and being bothered or pestered to make conversation.
You Can Have a Huge Garden
It is much easier to become self sufficient or at least semi-self sufficient when you have the space to do so.
You Can Have a Horse
Or a llama, donkey, chicken, sheep, bison, whatever your amount of space (and fencing) allows. You should check area laws. Free Range hens will not only give you eggs, but will eat a lot of bugs.
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Published in: Rural Living
Noelevz | Aug 11, 2008 | Reply
For me, I am an urban person, I really don’t like to go out alot and I really can’t get with technology I would be very uncomfortable living for days without my pc.
Bayli | Feb 3, 2009 | Reply
Well i am a all out country girl, and i am hear to say its more peaceful and you can be free to run, or jump on your 4wheeler and ride and not have to worry about riding in someone elses yard. and thats kinda hard for me i have 82 acres of nothing but freedom!!!
And us my family like to say that we live IN GODS COUNTRY, can i get an AMEN!!!!
just a thought | Mar 11, 2009 | Reply
Thats kinda funny how Noelevz says he’s urban because he couldnt live without his pc. The very next post is a country girl. I think it’s funny Noelevz would assume that people in the country don’t use computers.
N. Quinteros | Mar 27, 2009 | Reply
I’ve had the pleasure to live in both, the country and city. The transition was okay, but I had to adjust quickly. I was 12 years old when we left the country and entered city life. You can imagine the peer pressure from day one. I enjoyed both. Of course, there were times when I felt out-of-place and wanted to return to the country due to the extremely fast-pace lifestyle of the other kids around me. But, I observed, learned and had to fit in. One thing that I realized early was that I was much stronger than most of my friends.(due to working along side my uncle on his farm) My experience had shone me many, many differences from both sides. I can honestly say that I loved them both.
Sunshine | May 4, 2009 | Reply
I was 22 when I left West Virginia and moved to California and let me tell you it was real transition. Now after living here for 5 years I am about to make that transition again so I will keep you posted.
Noelevz | Jul 28, 2009 | Reply
The rural area that I am referring to is our province here in the Philippines. When you are there there are no electricity, no telephone lines, no internet. You might luckily get a cellphone signal but it rarely becomes connected.
Mac | Aug 15, 2009 | Reply
Brother (Noelevz),
The article’s about comparing life in the ‘country’ in the United States (or maybe another 1st World Country). Not eking a living on the countryside of a ‘3rd World Country’. Your comments are interesting but out of context of what was discussed in the article.
Ty | Sep 16, 2009 | Reply
I am thinking about moving to the city, Ive been in cities before and i liked them and this will really help a lot
Noah & Victoria | Dec 7, 2009 | Reply
I have lived in the urban life style for 14yrs n i lived the country life for 5 yrs n i perfur urban cause its better bt country life is cheapper
luv | May 18, 2010 | Reply
how do you know which is which??
luv | May 18, 2010 | Reply
how do you know which is which??
Mark Gordon Brown | May 30, 2010 | Reply
to luv
RURAL – is in the country
URBAN – is in the city
Phyllis Dolan | Sep 11, 2010 | Reply
I have family that live in the country and I live in the city as far as I am concerned give me the city any day. I like the excitement and ease of going to theater, movies, restaurants, schools, transportation, medical care and so much more. I know many people love the country and the peace and quiet, but they give up so much. If I want peace I go on a retreat.
Brian | Apr 21, 2012 | Reply
Amen