Country Living Vs. City Living: Which Is Right For You? | United Country
Updated April 9, 2025
Living in a rural setting or an urban center both have their advantages and disadvantages. But which one is right for you?
They say, ‘The grass isn’t necessarily greener on the other side’. If you are living in the city, you might want to escape the hustle and bustle of it all, while those who live in rural areas may often feel they’re missing out on all that city life has to offer.
Making a decision on whether a city or country is best for you should be based on more than just what other people tell you.
To make a well-informed decision, consider your lifestyle, personality type, and financial goals. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of country living vs. city living and help you decide which is right for you.
Related: 7 Tips for Buying a House in the Country
Advantages of Living in the Country
Living in the country has many benefits that can’t be found in city life. From having more space to being surrounded by fresh air, there are plenty of advantages to living rurally. Let’s explore some of the advantages of living in the countryside.
Stronger Sense of Community
One of the best things about living in a small town or rural area compared to a city – is the sense of community you are likely to find there. Living in the country often means being part of an active and connected community of people. It is true that rural areas are more sparsely populated than urban areas, however, you will almost always find strong and friendly relationships between neighbors.
These connections make it easier to share resources, get support during challenging times and generally be a part of something bigger than yourself. Everyone looks out for each other and helps one another, especially if someone falls in hard times.
Nature and Outdoors
A major advantage of living in the country is that you can have access to beautiful natural scenery such as rolling hills, lakes, streams, and beautiful trees. There is a peaceful feeling when you wake up in the morning with all the nature around you.
Not only does it help to reduce stress levels but it also allows for activities like swimming, fishing, canoeing or simply lounging and admiring the views.
People who live in the city rarely experience these types of outdoor entertainment due to overcrowded parks and limited green spaces.
Related: Why Move to the Country?
More Space and More Privacy
Homeowners can design their own yards, large enough to get away from neighbors and find some peace and quiet. In addition, they can enjoy the natural beauty of not being surrounded by buildings and all of their associated noise.
Lower Cost of Living
Due to many rural areas not being as popular compared to urban centers, properties are generally cheaper and even come with a bit of land thrown in.
This makes it ideal for people who would like to make some property investments or those looking for an affordable home with added privacy and space. Country homes also have great potential for development which can help to boost their value.
Less Pollution
The levels of air, noise and light pollution are much lower in rural areas. By living in the country, you can enjoy clean air and a peaceful environment free from car horns and bright city lights. The lush vegetation found in many rural areas helps absorb harmful pollutants from the air and reduce air pollution further.
Peace and Tranquility
One key advantage of living in the country is the peace and quiet that it offers.
Not only do you avoid the hustle and bustle of city life, but you are given the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature away from traffic, sirens, and busy streets.
This level of peace may provide an ideal atmosphere for families with children, retirees, or those who simply wish to take a break from everyday society.
Less Traffic
One of the main reasons people choose to live in rural areas is because of less traffic and less hustle and bustle. You’ll be able to enjoy peace and quiet without the sound of cars whizzing past your home.
The lack of traffic makes enjoying walks around your town or village much easier than living in the city where you have to compete with other commuters for road space.
Culture of the Country
Living in the country provides a unique cultural experience. People living in the country have an opportunity to experience life from a different perspective than city-dwellers. The nature, history and culture of rural areas often provide endless opportunities for learning about the land and its people.
From traditional crafts like quilting or woodworking to tasting authentic local cuisine, there are many ways to get connected with the culture that you can’t find in urban settings.
The culture found in rural areas is raw, colorful, and fascinating to learn about firsthand – make sure you take the time to explore it while living in the country!
Less Crime
There are typically fewer people and less urban sprawl than what exists in many cities, which limits the amount of crime-based activity in those areas.
This reduction in criminal activity makes it safer for individuals to pursue outdoor activities such as walking and jogging without fear of falling victim to a potentially criminal act. Living in an area with lower crime reduces the chances of becoming a victim of serious crimes such as theft or home invasion.
Hiking Trails and Forests
Living near natural spaces such as hiking trails and forests can provide a great source of relaxation, exploration, and personal growth. It gives us an opportunity to reconnect with nature on a regular basis, something we often forget to do whilst leading busy lives in the city.
Exploring nearby hiking trails lets us escape our daily routines, walk through beautiful undisturbed surroundings and experience nature at its best.
Forests also provide much-needed clean air which helps improve physical and mental health, calming a frazzled mind and allowing time to reflect on life’s big questions in tranquil surroundings.
Advantages of Living in the City
Living in the city is often considered a dream come true. From exciting nightlife to endless opportunities for dining, entertainment, and more, there are countless advantages of living in the city. Here are just a few of the key benefits of city life:
Convenience
City living is defined by its convenience. From 24-hour stores and food and other deliveries to immediate access to hospitals, banks and schools, everything you need is often within a few blocks. The close proximity of services makes running errands more efficient, schedules more flexible and life more manageable for people who lead busy lifestyles and need access to amenities.
Career Opportunities
The biggest advantage of living in a city is having access to more employment opportunities. Most large cities have job markets spanning many industries including technology, finance, healthcare, hospitality, retail, and even media and public relations.
With such a strong presence across different sectors – and often at higher salaries than their suburban counterparts – it’s easy to understand why so many people choose to live in urban centers.
Cultural Experiences and Entertainment
Urban centers have a lot to offer when it comes to culture and entertainment. From theater performances and festivals celebrating various cultures from around the world, you can always find interesting ways to spend your time off from work.
Many cities also organize exciting events like outdoor concerts or films on big screens that make for great nights out with friends or family.
Public Transportation
Large cities usually offer well-crafted public transportation systems that make getting around simpler than ever before.
From buses and trains reaching every corner of the metropolitan area to Uber rides available just about anywhere within minutes, you’ll never need your own car for getting around if you live in a major city.
Even better yet – most public systems accept contactless payments via NFC card readers or apps like Apple Pay which gives you an extra level of convenience when traveling between places.
Social Connections
When it comes down to it, people love having close relationships with those around them who share similar interests or experiences as they do.
Living in an urban center gives everyone the opportunity to connect with friends who have been through similar situations or have had wild experiences that serve as great conversation starters that you’d never find outside the city walls!
This type of life support system helps people stay positive & thrive despite any tumultuous periods they may encounter while living their daily lives within bustling metropolises enjoying every bit of its energy & vibrancy!
Cons of Living in the Country
While country living offers a long list of benefits, from the physical and spiritual nourishment of the great outdoors to a significantly lower cost of living. Despite these advantages, there are several drawbacks when it comes to country life that impact lifestyles and daily convenience.
Limited Amenities
Small town and communities in the country tend to have fewer nearby amenities such as hospitals, music and entertainment venues or large commercial centers. Accessing specialized services like these may require longer drives compared to more suburban or urban areas, which can be inconvenient in emergencies or during bad weather.
Fewer Job Opportunities
Job opportunities in rural areas can be scarce, especially for sectors that rely on a substantial business sector or a specialized industry. Many residents either work in agriculture, education, healthcare or commute long distances to nearby cities for more options.
Potential Isolation
One of the appeals of country living is the peace and privacy, but this can also leave some folks feeling lonely. For those who thrive on regular social interactions, living far from neighbors and moving away from friends or social event could lead to a sense of disconnections for those not used to a quieter environment.
Limited Public Transportation
Most rural communities lack reliable public transit, which makes owning a vehicle a necessity when living in the country. This can be a barrier for those unable to drive or prefer more eco-friendly commuting options.
Cons of Living in the City
City and urban life offer a wide range of opportunities and amenities for those residing in those spaces, but its important to be aware of the challenges that comes with living in a bustling metropolitan area.
Higher Cost of Living
City life comes with higher living costs compared to the country. Rent, groceries, childcare, parking and everyday essentials can all cost significantly more in urban areas compared to rural regions. For those on a tight budget, this can create ongoing financial pressure.
Noise and Crowds
Cities are vibrant cultural centers, but also noisy and densely populated. Constant exposure to traffic, sirens, nightlife and construction can be overwhelming for those used to quiet surroundings. This extends to the crowd sizes of both place you frequent like grocery stores to special occasions like venues.
Less Space
City living often means less living space. Apartments in the city often have limited square footage, shared walls and no yard spaces. Storage can be tight, and privacy may be hard to come by in high-rise buildings, apartment or condo complexes or densely packed neighborhoods.
Fast-Paced Lifestyle
Living in the city creates a more fast-paced lifestyle that some may thrive on while others find it exhausting. City dwellers often manage intricate commutes, tight schedules, competition for space and constant activity, which can lead to burnout or stress for some individuals.
Are You Ready to Live in the Country or the City?
The choice of whether to live in a city or country ultimately comes down to personal preference.
City living grants access to more employment opportunities, as well as cultural experiences and entertainment.
Country living offers a slower pace of life, with access to natural spaces for exploration and relaxation.
Both living options can offer a sense of belonging, whether it be within a close-knit rural community or an urban center buzzing with activity. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which lifestyle will best suit your needs and goals.
