Urban and rural living each have their own benefits and disadvantages. The environment you choose will affect your lifestyle, day-to-day activities and, possibly, your health. A person’s personality, job and financial situation may influence the choice of environment.
Pace of Life
Cities are more crowded and faster-paced while rural living is often more relaxed and less congested. The slower pace of rural areas provides a sense of community and the openness makes people seem accessible to each other. Cities have fewer homes with yards, but those living in rural areas have more access to open space and nature. In contrast, cities have state-of-the-art skyscrapers and offices that serve to create walls.
Pollution
Cities are a hub for industrialization. There are more factories and businesses, making the areas more polluted. Additionally, the increased population in cities makes the ground more likely to be marred by litter and heavy use.
Convenience
City life gives inhabitants the ability to be exposed to more culture. Museums, theatre, and monuments are often easily accessible in cities. Additionally, most cities have a broad range of multicultural restaurants accessible by public transportation or walking. In contrast, entertainment in rural areas may be more limited or require travel.
Personal Fitness
Research conducted in 2003 by Saint Louis University's Department of Community Health and Prevention Research Center in St. Louis, Missouri, found that people living in rural environments were less likely to meet recommended requirements for exercise than urban residents. The research also showed urban residents were more likely to exercise in public parks or malls. Additionally, parking may be at a premium in cities, but the convenience of activities nearby may make it more conducive to walk as opposed to driving to a destination.
Cost of Living
Generally, the convenience of cities makes them costlier. Larger cities with more industry, including Los Angeles and New York, are more expensive than smaller cities. Often, housing further from cities is cheaper, larger and may come with more land. However, the area of the city also affects the price. Space limitations may also make parking costlier in the city.
Green Living Comparisons
City living may reduce the need for a car, encourage the use of public transportation or walking and, because of fewer yards, minimize the use of pesticides. Additionally, many people live in smaller living spaces, which use fewer natural resources for heating and maintenance. In contrast, the upkeep of larger country homes may require more natural resources. Available land allows residents to grow fresh food in the country.