Big City Versus Small Town (by Emily)

Fine dining, shopping, new electronics, and bright lights. There are many benefits to living in a big city, but there are also many negative factors. I have lived in
Vancouver, a larger city for my whole life, but I have had experiences in small towns, and yet I am sill undecided on which I like better.

There are many positives to living in a small town. Small towns are simpler, peaceful places. Everyone knows about each others business and there is always someone to talk to. Small towns are places where not everybody is obsessed with having the latest electronics or the ‘smartest’ phones. Having family in Saskatchewan, I have visited there many times. To me, it feels like a much smaller town then my home. Everyone knew when I was arriving, and everyone I bumped into knew who I was. Word spreads fast there, and by the time my stay was over, I knew every neighbour and they knew me. My uncle has a farm in Saskatchewan, and I have had experiences there that are nothing like one would experience in the city. Everyone wakes up at the crack of dawn and starts daily chores. To me it feels like the olden days in which the whole family spends time together and helps out one another.

Conversely, there are also negative factors that come with living in a small town. It can be easy to get bored of a small town. Seeing the same people every day, it becomes hard to meet new people. I found myself getting bored in Saskatchewan, because unlike the city, there is not always something to do or see. I felt secluded and disconnected from my friends back home. Additionally, after a while, the same routine becomes very dull. Like the name says, a small town is small, and is not the place for everyone.

For some, big cities suit them best. Cities have the technology that enables one to stay up to date anywhere they go, have all necessities near by, and a Starbucks on every corner. In a big city, it is hard to feel alone. One falls asleep to the sound of sirens, and wakes up to the sound of garbage trucks.
I have lived in Vancouver all my life, and love everything about it. There is always something to do in the city whether it be shopping, going out with friends, or trying new restaurants. I have gotten used to all of these luxuries growing up. I am able to find a coffee shop on every block and meet new people every day. Cities are great for constantly learning, and Vancouver is no exception. I’ve learned safety and street smarts, and I have learned to respect people of all different cultures. There is always something going on in the city, and for some, that is just the reason they choose to live there.

Nevertheless, there is always a downside to living in a large city.
For one, one seems to spend more money than in a small town.
This is because there is so much surrounding the city like food or shopping, it is hard not to be tempted to buy something.
I find myself in this position often. When I am downtown, food is all around and I am always spending money on lunch because it is quick and easy. In addition, a city is a very busy place and can make one feel as if there is no privacy.
It is not like a small town where it is quiet at night.
Instead it is noisy and can keep one up. This is not the most ideal situation for some, and is a negative factor of living in a big city.

On occasion, the positives of living in a big city or small town can often outweigh the negatives. Although I have had experiences in both places, I am still undecided on my preferred location. In the future I may decide, but until