The age-old question has plagued many, “Should I live in a city or should I live in the country? “. There are many advantages and disadvantages to choosing a lifestyle in either setting, and careful examination of all aspects is needed to make the perfect decision for you. One major issue affecting many people trying to make the decision on where to live is their quality of life in either extreme. Health, education, transportation are three major concerns that many consider.
In a city, pollution surrounds you wherever you step whether on the streets of a busy financial district or on the lawn of a large park. Pollution could possibly cause health problems later in life. In the country, pollution is scarce. Fresh air, rolling green hills, a few pieces of litter here and there but pretty much everything is clean, and wow! No smog, you can see the stars! In the country, childhood education, kindergarten through twelfth grade, is significantly better than in a large city; smaller class sizes and larger budgets create excellent learning environments.
In cities, public schools are often plagued with very large classes packed into small spaces. Teachers with low pay, and little or no dedication are thrown into classrooms to teach, resulting in poor education. Transportation is very accessible in city environments. Public transportation, by way of subways, busses and ferries, are cheap and easy ways of getting around a metropolis, whether going out to work, school, or for a night on the town. In the country, everyone needs to have access to his or her own vehicle.
A commute to work or school is about an average of forty-five minutes! Cash flow is very important when choosing a living environment. Living in the city can easily be more expensive, if you do not know where to look. But it can also be very competitive with that of your spending in the country. Apartments can be very affordable in a rent-controlled neighborhood, and are much more feasible for families, or students just starting out on their own; whereas, in the country, you may have to buy a home or hard to find cheap rentals.
Transportation costs, groceries, taxes, and utilities are common expenditures for any adult. But, many may find that a large amount of money can be saved on these living expenses in a city. Monthly rent usually includes utilities, and taxes (school, city, etc), and public transportation is always outside your door for an affordable amount. Often, careers are the reason a person moves from one place to another. They are either transferred, or are looking for a new job. The job market in the country is very small, but open to nearly everyone.
In the city, job markets can frequently be large and uninviting because of major competitors out there trying to get the same job as you. Job salaries in both environments are comparable when examining the total cost of living in either place, but often salaries in a city, because of large companies, can be significantly larger than that of the same job in the country. It’s your choice. Decide on a quiet rural community or perhaps a large bustling energetic city. There is the right setting for every person, and it takes more than a glance to decide what setting is suitable for you and your family.