Country

I was just thinking the other day: Everyone I know in the country is weird. At least for my town, which has no stoplights and one main intersection, we are a little strange, I think. We don't get out much. We think running across the freeway is a thrill. I grew up playing in mud with frogs and snakes. Is that weird?

I feel like my friends and I have had a somewhat difficult time in mixing with others. I almost feel like if I had lived in the city, I might understand more about other types of people (as I've said before, I am the only Asian in my town, along with my brother) and how they think and interact. I feel at times that I am behind on a lot of things, including how to be cool. *buckteeth*

I feel fortunate at the same time that I have grown up in a rural area. I would never trade in my memories of playing in a stream, climbing trees galore, swimming in the river, and hiking up hills for a breathtaking view... all within a half mile from my house. I sometimes feel sorry for my friends who were surrounded by asphalt, concrete, and power lines.

I also think city life is much less healthy, what with all the waves radiating from wireless items like cell phones and Bluetooth, smog, gross water (tap water in the country is so much better than city tap, I can't even explain the difference), garbage... the country is so CLEAN. The sky is so expansive and the hills so extensive that I couldn't imagine such a thing as disease. The only people I know in my hometown with sicknesses smoke, color their hair, and eat too much aspartame. The people who grow their own vegetables and sit outside during the evenings are pretty healthy, as far as I can see.

Work may be more difficult if you live in the country - things get pretty dirty, and there's probably more yardwork (we have a big yard with bushes and trees and roses and more). You also have to look out for mountain lions and coyotes where I live... though I guess you have to battle traffic and other such things in the city.

It can be hard to bond with people in the country due to the physical differences between homes, but at the same time, there are so few people, you can't help but get together sometimes, and we are so close to our neighbors - even our city neighbors with weekend homes - that it's hard to believe.

There are some fascinating structures in Urbania - beautiful buildings, great shows and parades, and breathtaking lights and signs. I envy the diversity as well, in every aspect from ethnicity and culture, sexual orientation (anyone homosexual where I live are considered... different), political views, and more. It's also nice how much people have in common where I live, though.

I do like that I can set my own pace while living in the country. In the city, it seems like you're on a zillion schedules, and you have to depend on traffic, coworkers, prices... city life is too fast sometimes, but that can be exciting in a good way, too.

There are pros and cons of city and country life. Please tell me some of your own benefits and/or disadvantages you may know of!

Country Boy / City Girl

This Hub was last updated on September 12, 2011

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guidebaba 4 years ago from India

Thanks for answering my request.

barryrutherford 4 years ago from Brisbane Queensland Australia

Nice...

MasonsMom 4 years ago from U.S.A.

Great perspective! I don't exactly live in the country, but I don't live in a big city either. (my city's pop. is 50,000) However, you can drive about 15 minutes out of town and be in the country. So I can identify with what you're talking about. It is very different!! Great post!

jacobworld 4 years ago from Ireland

The best solution is to in a small satellite city of a huge one

funride 4 years ago from Portugal

I don´t think you´re weird but I´m suspect because I also live in the country :D

Even though I was born and grew up in a big city when I had the chance I escape to the country side and I will never live in a big city again. I guess I must be weird too ;)

quensday 4 years ago from New York

Hello glassvisage,

This is a great hub. I live in the city, but I think I'm pretty weird for being bored of it. There seems to be nothing left to do. Another physical ailment: I'm semi-deaf. My most commonly used phrase is "what?"

William F. Torpey 4 years ago from South Valley Stream, N.Y. Level 2 Commenter

My first 15 years of life, glassvisage, was as a city boy in Yonkers, N.Y., where there were always lots of kids around to play with and lots of things to do. We could travel all over the city easily on the trolley cars and we played a lot of stickball and softball and all the old games like Kick the Can, Hide and Seek, etc. I didn't see a live cow until I moved to Connecticut around 1950 or so. I loved the city, but there were drawbacks as well. Times have changed, and cities aren't what they once were, nor is anything else. It also depends, to some extent, on what city you're talking about.

Aya Katz 4 years ago from The Ozarks Level 3 Commenter

We live out in the country, just outside the city limits of a village whose population is less than five hundred. I have ten acres surrounding my house, including part wooded (mostly oak) and part pasture, and an orchard full of apples and peaches. It's a great environment for my nine year old daughter, who is very active, likes gymnastics, swimming, horse-back riding and climbing trees. The down side is that she has no other kids to play with, unless we make a very formal play-date appointment. Children used to go outside and find their own friends. Now most parents work outside the home, and children my daughter's age are in day-care, even when school is out. Once we went to the pool and met up with some of her class-mates from school, who were on an organized outing with their day-care providers. It seems that with the social structure today, even children living in the country have very little individual choice as to what they do or who their friends are.

glassvisage 4 years ago from Northern California Hub Author

This is so true! It would take quite a bit to arrange a good playdate... and forget about house parties!

Karen N 4 years ago from United States

I'm living in a small town right now because I didn't want my children to grow up in the city. It's almost crime free which is great, but if you don't like tractor pulls then there's not a lot of entertainment except for the gossip:(

glassvisage 4 years ago from Northern California Hub Author

I agree, Karen; after living in both the country and the city, I've found the country or at least surburbia to be a much better place to raise children

Judy Cullins 4 years ago from La Mesa, CA

Hi Karen, Aren't we all weird? And if we realize that, we would be more compassionate about others not like us. I am in La Mesa across the street from San Diego-surrrounded by nature. I love the culture of city and love the connected to harmony in nature. Viva la differance!

Judy Cullins bookcoaching.com

ripplemaker 4 years ago from Cebu, Philippines Level 4 Commenter

I love the countryside and being surrounded by nature, less traffic and less pollution too. Maybe someday I will retire in the countryside. LOL But for now where I lived, its not that bad yet. But the traffic is getting to be heavy. :)

Jerome Payne 4 years ago

I was born in the city of Philadelphia, and later when I was 12 years old I move to Horntown, VA a small contry town where I was raised. I love it. I move back to the city when I was 28 years old and hate it I plan to move back to country livig when I am retired, when I am 55 years or when my kids is old enough to take of them.

rexy 4 years ago

its so romantic to in country side with the one you love rather than staying in city with a buzy life................

reggie 4 years ago

not bad

jacobworld 4 years ago

interesting

forlan 4 years ago

certainly i like country live, perhaps someday i will go to my hometown too

city slicker 3 years ago

the country seems super boring, what kind of night life is there really?

there is so much that you miss out by living in the country

(i can not speak for the country side since i never lived there for long)

isaac 3 years ago

I live in a little cityish place (daytona florida). Anyways ive been to the city and ive been to the country. God i love the city. I love the noise, the people, the lights, its a wonderful thing. When i went to chicago i was so happy, same with boston. I hate country life. I dont like silence, i love the noise of cars, people. I dont like the privacy, i love talking to people, meeting people. I basically am growing up in the middle. The city is the best thing ever. It looks so much more beautiful than the nature. I would die of boredom out in the country. I feel so at home in the city

glassvisage 3 years ago from Northern California Hub Author

Thanks, isaac, for your honest and personal perspective! You like what I like about cities... although the quiet of the country is something I adore as well, at times :)

dean 3 years ago

Although I am grateful for this hub I can't believe it's the only link from Google on this subject. What a vast untapped topic. I moved from Chicago where I took the "L" to work to big hotels where I cooked and I always liked guns. I lived there 13 years. In Chicago you can't have guns. Sensing trouble I moved to rural WI where there is a shooting range right in town Pop. 1100. I've lived here now 10 years. Of course there are good and bad. Countryboy/citygirl is right lots of nature but you can tell he is lonely and I feel sorry for his girl and she will probably leave him. I never shoot I live alone I flip burgers in in strip mall and am distraught. The country lacks most of all culture, sensitivity and socialbilty. If you are not around people you will lack the social skills to communicate. The spoken word, the different body languages- all that- developes personality. Also the spoken word and human interaction is how much knowledge is disseminated. Converstaions are short and lack depth and meaning. Sarcasm, satire and innuendo are unheard of. As a country friend responded after I told of a city experience "you mean like a Stienfeld show?" I would trade all the rabbits, turkey, bear, deer etc. for a group of friends who were not trying to use the relationship to gather gossip as previous posts referred. It's like living in the Big Brother house where there are no secrets and lots of petty drama. Prison also comes to mind. Envy is rampant as country people are content with just being better of than you. In Chicago, to be exposed to poverty and despair you went to the west side, Here it's right down the street and they aren't black. They are referred to as white trash. Most live in trailers and are consumed with who has weed and when can we smoke it. Partys center around cards and Yahtzee. No gambling, too complicated too broke. The Gov't dole is everywhere. In Chicago it was mainly in the projects. In the city, hardship creates and interesting entrepreneurship - the hustle - selling socks on the subway, shining shoes on the street. Here it would be subect to ridicule and derision. Hard work and competion is risky. If unsuccessful you will be considered a loser you can't simply pick up and try it someplace else, the next corner or train. There is a hierarchy in all small towns going back generations -the chosen few -if you will. A mentality that there is not enough to go around. You can't tell a funnier joke than these people. You will be scorned. My advice to those making the same mistake as me first- don't buy country magazines they know your dislikes of the city and will play on them. Second -be vary wary of buying property our house sold in Chicago sold in a day. I've seen the same homes for sale for ten years out here. You will not know this as listing contracts expire. Just came on the market you'll hear. Third tell those you can that your from a small town somewhere else with more poverty. Lastly and don't laugh act real dumb feign a limp or stutter and they might leave you alone - alone in the country. All alone. After I while you'll be able to strike up a conversation with a turkey or even a coyote. good luck.

glassvisage 3 years ago from Northern California Hub Author

Very interesting, Dean. The comment about envy among country folk struck me; I agree, in that I feel that when I go back home, I shouldn't talk too much about what I'm doing in school or at work for fear that people may think I think I'm "better than them."

And as far as coyotes... we have to keep our cats inside so they won't have conversations with the coyotes!

HestiaPearl 3 years ago

OK... So I love the country

I've only been in a ranch and Grand Canyon. You feel like you can FINALLY breathe! It is like so totally cool.

GO COUNTRY-SIDE

AirForceBrattWWII 3 years ago

Thank you for your comment HestiaPearl ,me too. As a young man I lived in a ranch in Oklahoma. I grew up riding horses, swimming in a lake, and hunting. The country is a wonderful place to go. It's quite healthy too.

Did I mention I am moving with my wife, Bonny to Oklahoma?

I'm moving into a ranch!

DWRob 3 years ago

I also love the country. I was born and raised in a small town. There is not alot to do so you have to be creative. I would spend my summers splitting firewood, swimming in the creek, fishing ect. We live in the mountains so no cell phone service. In some places XM satellite radio can't pick up. We sometimes had to worry about bobcats, coyotes, and bears tearing up the bird feeders but it was quiet and peaceful. When I was 17 i lived with my uncle in the city and hated it. To noisy, and to bright to sleep from all the street lights, and traffic was terrible. The people were rude I'm not implying all city people are rude but the ones I met were. Gang members were a problem so I came back to the country. Like the old saying goes “You can take the boy out of the country but you can't take the country out of the boy”

glassvisage 3 years ago from Northern California Hub Author

Wow, I am always so amazed by how these country stories sound like my own! Thank you all for the comments!

stars439 3 years ago from Louisiana, The Magnolia and Pelican State. Level 6 Commenter

Sounds like you like both the country and the city. Both seem to have advantages and disadvantages. We sort of live in the country, but New Orleans is only seventy miles away. We do not see many folks unless we go to the Post Office or watch cars go by on the highway. I guess we sort of live in suburb area. Even New Orleans is not as busy probably as New York. God Bless You.

Faiz Kashmiri 2 years ago

I love to live in country side, because lived 22 years in beautiful part in Kashmir in country side.It is nice peace and comfrtable.

Feral 2 years ago

I lived in WV and ME for many years, I gotta say there is no other way to live, at least for me... I used to go out with a bag of supplies, and just camp and hike for days. *sigh* someday I can do it again, when I have less responsibilities. >.

Matthew 2 years ago

I was brought up in the countryside in England, although my parents moved house a lot. In my adult life, I've always lived in cities. As I get older, I realize I'm starting to miss the peace and quiet of the country, and being nearer to green things and nature. People? People are strange everywhere aren't they, curious habits. I guess it's good to be mixing with lots of different kinds, but can do that on the net these days, to some extent.

Thank you very much for your piece. I hope you don't mind, glassvisage, I will use it in one of my classes this afternoon. I'm preparing some adult students in Turkey for an English exam and we're going to compare city and country life. Please contact me if there's any problem with that. it's a very interesting article.

glassvisage 2 years ago from Northern California Hub Author

Feral: Yay country! Thanks for stopping by!

Matthew: Sounds great! I love the English countryside. Thanks for the comment!

joel 2 years ago

i hate maddie wild

Jonathan 2 years ago

I was raised in a small town in North East Texas. Going by the population signs, my town only has alittle over 11,000 people in it. I agree with you that to a certain extent being raised and living in the country is ALOT better than being raised and living in the city. By living in the city you are not able to truly appreciate the beauty of the "country side", because of the fact that there is NO "country side" in the city

bakar 2 years ago

that is good thinks. am living country i like it. because it is not jam ore buzzy.wen i want relax i go aut said. that is apettar acity

dude and dudets 2 years ago

the country is awsome think of towns that are big but not crowded like the big cities a bit to crowded not over crowded come on try the country or you can not handel it like a real peson would

Steve 2 years ago

I was born in big towns and grew up around them and also in the city. Me and my best friend would spend many days in the city, playing basketball and walking around in his greek neighborhood. The country life is something I can put up with, but its not the same as being in the city or a big town. Tons more to do. The people in country towns have no clue what entertainment is other than going to the local restaurant and having coffee or a beer. It gets pretty old after a while, but it is nice also after being around the city life for a while. So I would have to say I like a little bit of both in my life. If I am in the mood to be around people and places that stay open late, I'll head to the city and its surrounding suburbs. If I am in the mood to relax and not have to deal with traffic and tons of people, I'll head out to the country. I do have some family that has relocated out in a small country town, so I can go there.

PJ 2 years ago

CITY!! The diversity is awesome. People in the country seem very closed-minded and some seem racist in their views. I'm white and HATE that some black people assume I'm racist when I feel I'm FAR from it =( .... Some white people in the country give many other white people bad names. LIFE IS SHORT SO RESPECT EVERYONE!!!! NO BENEFIT IN BEING FULL OF HATRED!!! Thanks for posting =)

ChevyDude 2 years ago

I love the country. I have lived in the country my whole life. There are trees to climb, places to explore, ponds to fish, places to hunt, places to shoot, no houses within arms reach of your bedroom window, and just open places to do what you please. Where in the city can you go hop on a 4-wheeler(atv) or a dirt bike and go ride behind you house or down on the creek? That is probably my favorite part of the country. I go to the city and I can't find anything to do, it seems like all there is to do is go to a bar or a club, and I'm not much of a drinker. I guess I'll always be a country boy!

glassvisage 2 years ago from Northern California Hub Author

Thank you all for your comments! Great perspectives.

jdizzle 2 years ago

I can not wait to get back to the country life in California. I am in a big city now and bored out of my mind. I am just not into "city living" I don't drink, I eat pretty much all organic food so it is almost impossible to eat anywhere. I do not watch sports or go to the games. I like hiking, going to the coast, playing with my dog, having a garden. The only reason I am here is because of the crappy economy and having to get a job. I am working on working from home permanently so I can just remain out in the country. Liking country life certainly doesn't mean one is dumb. I am just not into the city life which is primarily only materialistic and pretentious.

Felipe Hayes 2 years ago

I actually think people who live in the city are weird. They dress very excentrically, act excentrically, spend money in frivolous things like I-pads and bluetooths. People in the country adhere more to social norms, set ways of life and outlooks. Its not a bad Idea though. As you said, people are healthier and I think live much happier and fuller lives. Interestingly enough, lifespans are higher in urban areas probably due to better access to health care, though my grandparents who not only built their own farmhouse but grow cash crops most of their lives in South America and alive and kicking at 92. There are alot of contradictions to both environments but as for me, I'll stick with the country life.

dododo 2 years ago

idon't like a big city.cause i live in ulanbator city which is a very air pollution. i wake up early morning then ialways go to school but i can't see anything from airpollution it's very dangerous. finally we have sick or we are tumefying cancroid

Natalie 2 years ago

All my firends love the country and want to live in a small town i nthe countryside, exce[pt me. You know, the people who love the country aren't the weird ones! Juding by all those poeple out there majority love the country better :D I perfer the city because well I guess I'm the weird one! The country is peaceful and cosy but I feel more drawn to the city, meeting people, seeing things, the excitment and all the drama! The city seems like a place where something can happen bigger in your life and whilst the country is more stable and seems like a clear straight pathway.

fareeha! 2 years ago

i think city life iz more better than the life of a country or a town!

Jan 2 years ago

I'm struggling to stream into this new rural area in Northern CA. I've lived in the Bay Area all my life and it is just hitting me that I'm a foreigner here. I have to say that living in a city, you get used to talking to people you don't know, probably will never see again. Waiting in lines, at the grocery store, everywhere people strike up conversations. I've had some of the most memorable talks with people on public transit. Here in the country I've been blown away several times by asking someone a question and - because I'm (God knows) a stranger - they look straight at me and walk away w/o saying a word! Now THAT is weird. Yes we have lots of trees and wildlife to look at here. Yes the air is cleaner. I suppose people drive slower on the freeway. All good. I just miss the day to day interaction. It is lonely in paradise!

glassvisage 2 years ago from Northern California Hub Author

Thank you all for your comments! Jan, I'm surprised - in my experience, I've found people in the country to be much more friendly than those in the city! I went to rural Virginia once and was so taken aback by how friendly they were - I was walking along the road and a bus pulled over and asked if I wanted a ride, and I talked to the driver the whole way to the town of Leesburg. Once there, I went in an antique store and struck up a conversation with the woman there, who ended up asking me if I wanted a ride back with her! Maybe the "country" where you were was just yuppieville... a lot of city yuppies come to the country to live in their vacation homes. In the real country, people are friendly :)

PG 2 years ago

I'm a mom of a 3 and 5 yrs old. My husband and I live in a suburban town and want very much to live 20 mins away in a country setting; however we're torn on how this will impact our kids. We want them to have access to local friends, have friends from school over to play, we want them to take gymnastics if they want or go to the movies when they get older... at the same time I don't want to become TAXI mom -- when ultimately I want to live closer to nature not pollute it more with all my driving around. Is there anyone on this hub raising a young family in a remote/country setting?

glassvisage 2 years ago from Northern California Hub Author

PG, thanks for your comments. I don't have my own family, but I can tell you about how my parents raised us. The country was certainly a great place to grow up, having the hills and the river and fields immediately next to our home for my brother and I to play in. However, we were limited in the activities we could participate in. Thankfully there were some sports and clubs through school that we could join, but I ended up changing schools in high school so I could do more activities to add to my college applications. When I was in middle school, I started 4-H, but I ended up dropping out because it was difficult for my mom to drive me to meetings and events 30 minutes from our home. Overall, I'm glad that I grew up in the country, but as I grew older, I was happy to branch out a little.

luke 2 years ago

i loved it when my uncle used to live in the country and i felt more safer but when i went to the city i felt sicker and just felt overall worse then before

Vineeth 2 years ago

No matter where you live, you must be blessed by God--Deut. 28:3

tam1111111 2 years ago

I couldn't live in the country. I live in the inner city in Glasgow. Something is always happening good or bad it's still an experience. You do have to dodge cars and the odd psycho junkie, but it makes life interesting. For me the best thing is the nightlife, bars, clubs, pubs. The people in Glasgow are famous for partying. I've gone out on a Friday afternoon and stayed out till Sunday night a few times. In a small town everything is shut by midnight. The countryside is too quiet, no sirens, traffic, helicopters, people. I think its boring. You can buy anything in the city and you can do anything in the city, why do you think so many people live there?

suganya 2 years ago

It is very nice topic....

and the conversation between different kinds of people gave me some idea..

ed 24 months ago

Country living all the way ,its the way we were meant to live , God ,family ,n friends ,living out here iuu thrive off the simple things ,n those things are what truly make u happy ;)

phee 24 months ago

I think it all just depends on your personality. if youre the kind of person who would go crazy being alone with nothing to do, live in a city. if you like solitary, pristine environments and nature, live in the country. personally, i think the suburbs are best b/c it produces people that can appreciaite variety. yeah, the cities are dangerous sometimes but id rather take the excitement with the risk rather than boredom and isolation. i grew up in a small town and people are closed minded. most of my graduating class was pregnant w/in 4 yrs of graduation and didnt get enough education to properly support the kids. i think living in the country alone makes for small minded people with a narrow outlook on life and interests. living in a city can produce superficial and arrogant people though. it all depends on personality, but variety is always best

Clorpis 23 months ago

Yeah man! Totally..I think kittens are cute..and llamas.Hehe.and lindsay lohan is a danger to our society.

Jessdownunder 22 months ago

I live in one of Australias biggest cities in Melbourne where it is very expensive to own property however the economy is good so there are many good jobs. I have a 2 and 4 year old and I work full time and find myself caught up in a cycle where we earn lots and spend it all on our expensive and busy lifestyle. surely country living would be simpler and you could pop down to he local coffee shop in the morning, read the paper, spend time in the garden, with the kids and not have to work so much... Or is just a case of the grass is greener?

JR 22 months ago

i think the country is better too , I was raised in the northern country of Ny ,

Biggest problem is there are no jobs there though.

I am forced to Live in the big city in order to make decent money.

I wish I could stay in the country.

Edumom4 19 months ago

I have found this very helpful. Chevydude I think was the clincher. I have 3 sons and a very outdoorsy daughter. I grew up in the city and my husband is a country boy through and through. We are looking to buy a house and trying to settle on city or country. My fear is that there is a lot more work and I feel even in the city that I have so much to do already. I do however long to have a couple dogs, chickens, and goats. I would also love to have a garden. It's a tough decision.

just an other guy 19 months ago

cool i think city have more things to do and way more hot girls i live for girls so city is better from my perspective

MR WARREN 19 months ago

I GREW UP IN LOS ANGELES AND FOR THE PAST 7YRS I've BEEN LIVING IN ALABAMA.HONESTLY I CAN'T STAND IT.THERE IS NOTHING EXCITING TO DO&IT SEEMS AS IF THE BORDOM EFFECTS A PERSONS WAY OF THINKING.THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO LIFE THAN COWS,DIRTROADS&MOSQUITOES.I HONESTLY DON'T WANT MY DAUGHTER TO GROW UP DWN HERE.I TOOK HER TO CALI&SHE DIDN'T WANT TO COME BACK.I LOVE THE TRAFFIC,CROWDS OF PEOPLE,THEMANY ACTIVITES,THE BEACH,THE LAKER N DODGER GAMES ETC..GIVE ME A NIGHT OUT IN LA OVER A PITCH BLACK NIGHT IN THE COUNTRY ANYDAY.

glassvisage 19 months ago from Northern California Hub Author

Mr. Warren, thanks for sharing. A lot of people I know who grew up out of the state (I live in California) end up not going back!

koketso 19 months ago

thank you so much for this,i have always underestimated people living in the country side.i am from South Africa and i live in a township,but we always laugh at people from rural areas but i actually respect them 4 who they are.they are true to themselves..........

the essential rounder (sizwe@11c1) 19 months ago

some people don't know what to say.

joy luv@9999999(11c1 19 months ago

WHAT ARE YOU SAYING DUH!

VAN 18 months ago

but ,i like live in city ...

mujahid shah 18 months ago

i do not want to live among buffaloes and cows while i am old aged

miss ann 18 months ago

i love the city more than a country

christina 18 months ago

I HATE THE COUNTRY! I am from a very large suburb bordering Chicago. (i lived 4 city blocks from chicago) I now live in the country and am suffering from depression (not kidding i hate it that much) all the little things you take for granted in the city ----like walking to walgreens, starbucks, jewel, dunkin donuts NEVER happen where i stupidly moved. you can't walk anywhere there is nothing to walk to -no parks no nothing. no offense country people but I hate pick-up trucks and tractors and people are just plain UGLY. not kidding...FAT - Don't take care of there teeth. never experianced an airplaine landing so close to you...you can almost touch it. ride the train downtown cities never sleep as countries die at dusk. cities are bright and have side walks .... everthing is open 24 hours .....in the country if you run out of a medicine and you need it....prepare to drive over an hour to get it.

To make it worse...i have two young sons ages 2 & 8 and if i can't get out of here soon they will think this is what life is about. for me it's not. i like seeing people all the time (that have everything in common with me.) my kids need to learn how to take a bus or train if they want to go downtown. they need to know the world doesnt end when it gets dark. and it is not normal to kill and hunt animals. i never even gave hunting much thought until my neighbor now a days dumps a dead deer on his driveway. anyways i am just venting....moral of the story i hate the country and really need my city life bACK.

casey 17 months ago

In my opinion I like to live in the city and the country. But I like country living more. the country is not boring. There is plenty of things to do in the country like fishing, hunting, quading, riding bike or basically anything you want to do. I'm 16 year's old and live in a small city of about 40,000 and just can't wait for the weekend to go to my dad's house in the country. the night life is great in the country because I always have campfires and make s'mores.

casey112 17 months ago

I think people that have lived in the city all of their life are missing out on something special. I'm not trying to stereotype anybody but I think that some people from the city are fake and only care about artificial nonsense. Living in the country gives you a better perspective on the world.

casey112 17 months ago

Just because you live in the country doesn't mean that you can never go to the city. It's good to have a little bit of both country and city life.

Amanda 17 months ago

I really enjoyed your artical. My husband and i have lived in southern california our whole lives and now that we have 3 childern under the age of 5 we are tossing around the idea of moving to the country in the next 7 years. We both enjoy being out doors and the slower pace you get when moving to the country. The big thing holding us back is we dont want our childern to resent us for taking them away from their friends and the beach. Like you mentioned before the city has people of all shapes, sizes, colors, and beliefs. We want our kids to grow up with the best of both words...so i guess we are still up in the air :/

glassvisage 17 months ago from Northern California Hub Author

Amanda, thanks for your comment. I think that your kids will not resent you if they are still that young. I don't remember much about my friends from when I was under 5, but I do remember playing outside. We had the beach 1 hour away, but we had a stream on our property that was just the best - you couldn't keep us away from it during the summer. Now that I live in the city and I have friends with children growing up in the city, I know that I would never trade my childhood in the country.

Uber man 17 months ago

I lived for 20 years in the country . There was plenty of thing to do . During the winter I had 3 place of choice for Alpine skiing close to where I was and amazing track for hiking.

I had plenty of great climbing spot and a very long and sweet biking track that would travel right into the forest next to a river. I would often go to a nice spot diving in the river fall or another popular place with obstacle and a fun Tarzan Rope.

I would go to the lake fishing or swim or do boating. When I was younger I would build house in tree or drive my motorcycle or go camping with my friend. Or just biking trip and travel 50 km. I was between 2 city of 15000 habs that had a great reputation for tourist activities. I had plenty of thing to do.

People were social , great and healthy.

Been Living in a super city for 12 years now . I don't hate it but , i do miss the liberty , freedom and the people of the countryside. Just sitting outside and watching the stars and telling scary story in front of a campfire .

tran 17 months ago

i love your post, i'm from Viet Nam so i talk English not very well, but anyway i love your post

Charlie 17 months ago

thanks for the help i was looking things up for a debate

Scott 17 months ago

After reading all of these, I feel I would like to live deeper in the city. (orginially from urban, Ontario, California, Living in El Centro, CA - getting experience in my career field.

I will have the weekend getaways and go camping, which covers everything there is to do in the country, i.e. Smores, campfires, fishing, etc. I am an eagle scout, so the desire to live a country life is there. Yet, I do not think I could fully convert to a 'country' life.

The KEY to city life I think is, do not become overwhelmed, don't get in debt, and become a minimalist to an extent.

Oh, 'City' life is also more expensive, hence don't be in debt, and have a good career so you can move to the city or country. (I am in the medical field, I can work at nearly any hospital, and private clinics, and more choices when I have more experience)

Scott 17 months ago

I failed to mention, The city life is good for kids to go to college. Way more choices. Where I moved to for my first major career job, El Centro, CA, There is only one local college, and a few expensive private ones. Choices are very limited. Also, there are few jobs here. 30% unemployment or so. The professional jobs are there, but the educated people for those jobs are not here. Average education level at one time was 3rd grade.

glassvisage 17 months ago from Northern California Hub Author

Thank you all for your comments!

wisam 17 months ago

i prefer city

gjsl 17 months ago

country life is the best so ya'll can shut up

mscowgirl 17 months ago

country life is the best:)

mscowgirl 17 months ago

I have lived in the country my whole life(16 years). I am from one of the least populated states(North Dakota) and there are about 200 people in my small town. I just love how everyone knows everyone. I just love it here.Lots of people say there is nothing to do here, but I disagree in my own way.I always have stuff to do whether its helping my parents or hanging out with friends. In the country you can dirtbike and ride horse all the time. I may be from the country but i have had the chance to go to many big cities like chicago. I have nothing against the city it really is unique in its own way. There are many different kinds of people and lots of tall buildings. i found it fasinating, but i just could never live there for very long it's to inclosed for me. But i have respect for people who can do it. I agree with some of the other comments that it really does depend on your personality.

Erik 17 months ago

Great thread!

I think there are ups and downs with both. What I do know is that it's either a small rural town ar the center of a bigger town or city. I cannot think of anything more boring than a suburb. But I'm planning on moving to a small town. I live in the heart of Melbourne atm and to be honest, no one goes out during the week. So although there are heaps of people, you rarely feel that togetherness. I am kind of past my party days at age 21 (I started early :P) and I have settled down with a girl but I think a small town is more homely. Not like whoop whoop were your closest neighbor is 10 Ks down the road. But a town of 5000-10000. I think the important thing is to keep looking for happiness until you find it. People like different things. As for me, my home is where I am. I don't want to be tied down by possessions. God created an amazing world and I want to see as much as I can.

BlogReader 16 months ago

My town, in Ohio, has only 3,000 people in it, lol. It sucks so bad.. I want to leave and live somehwere with 50-70,000 people. I can't wait to get out of here after I turn 18 (I am 15). I appriciate what I have but on a realistic level I realize it kind of sucks......

Dylan Jackson 16 months ago

I am rather surprised I took the time to read every comment. But it is a rather difficult decision to decide which life is the better choice. Of course it is all based on a persons interests, dreams, and hobbies - but how you are brought into one lifestyle and where is a HUGE factor on the decision.

After reading the comments, it seems people heavily vary and represent different perspectives of one life choice. One person would say something different about the country to the next - giving a different ideal way of how it felt.

In all honesty, I would go far from saying either was bad - I think a lot depends on what specific place you end up and how you live. You could life in a magnificent countryside with friendly people, or perhaps - in some one else's POV, their in the country - alone - bored - and surrounded by angry people and dirt castles.

Same applies with cities. It just all varies on location, the environment, personal traits and how they fit with that society.

hunnies 16 months ago

we think that the one who posted on hating country, no one cares about your comment i mean honestly some city people ( prolbey you) aree soo fat because you city people dont do anything!!!!!!!!!! in the country we do alot more than you would ever imagain! so thanks for trash talking us... get a life:)

country slicker 16 months ago

i love the country

nate 16 months ago

Very interesting article. I have been kicking around the country/city question for quite a few years trying to figure out what would align to my personality.

I grew up in a very rural community in Indiana. I used to think i really liked the country style of life even though I spent much time in Chicago visting family. For me, I believe it is nice to get somewhat of a mix. I have lived in Boise, ID for the last 6years or so. I have, within the last year, moved to a small town in eastern Idaho. It has forced me to change my outlook on living in a small town. I liked in Boise that people were friendly and social and seemed happy. It isn't a big city, (the valley is about 500k) but I still felt like there was enough to do, and somewhat of a cool downtown scene on friday/saturday night.

I have been utterly bored out of my mind in Pocatello ID. People often generalize that people in small towns are friendlier,but i haven't found that to be true.Like someone mentioned earlier, you try to strike up conversation while waiting in line at the grocery store, and someone acts as if you are talking during high school detention. I often wonder if it is more of a rural rocky mountain vibe, because I believe the people are much frienlder (generaly speaking) in the rural midwest. Disclaimer-50% of the population here is mormon and friendly, but that is another forum topic altogether.

I've recently realized that I am somewhat of misantrope, but understand that I still need meaningful human interaction. I would prefer to have a deeper conversation or opinion of something other than the weather. Who cares? (unless it's dumping a foot of powder to ski)

I liked the fact (which someone also mentioned above) that me and my twin brother could get on our dirtbikes and just scream around, shoot guns,enjoy the solitude, have a big party,etc. growing up in Indiana. However, Not to the extent that you miss on important learning experiences and stimulation that would be offered in a larger population.

I guess i have just realized that I truly do value human interaction with other people even though people can really get under your skin. I feel like there really aren't to many people out there I would want to be close friends with, but understand, as stated above, I do need stimulated socially.

In a bigger town, at least you have more options. If your job sucks, get another one. If billy joe isnt a positve friend to have, find another person to hang out with. If your girlfriend isn't right for you, find another one. Why do people in the country feel the need to marry the first person that comes along that will have sex with them and breed out 3 kids before they can legally purchase alcohol? Call me weird.

Maybe I don't believe in the concept of christianity anymore. I would like to think of myself as somewhat open minded. The dogmatic, aloof, conservative, boring hick personality just wears on people who have an opinion on life that isn't like everyone else that wears camo, drives a pick-up truck and likes to hunt. (I like to hunt too but jesus, be yourself)

Yes, a bigger town can be more hectic, more materialistic, more regulated, etc. But for me, like many aspects of my life, can be moderated to a reasonable extent through conscientious living. I can still drive out 15 minutes from town in be in the middle of nowhere. Someone can still get a reasonably well payed job, an attractive intelligent girlfriend, an education, etc. Living in small city with close access to the mountains is where i stand personally. I would like to end my long rant with a quote from friedrich Nietzshe- "The time will soon be past when you could be content to live concealed in the woods like timid deer!”

? Friedrich Nietzsche

C 15 months ago

Christina, I'm in a similar situation. We moved from just outside the Phoenix area to an extremely rural area of south-central Colorado. My husband was born and raised here, I was raised in AZ. We have two sons in elementary school and I worry about the limitations they'll experience living in an old farm town. The nearest large city is three hours away! It is extremely cold here in the winter (20 degrees below zero overnight), the weather is only nice about two months out of the year. I think whether you like the city or country life is really a personal preference. I try to not knock country life, the people who are happy living here can stay here and be happy. But, it is definitely not for me! The same way with the cold. When it doesn't get above 40 degrees for four consecutive months, I start going nuts. I've been EXTREMELY depressed lately knowing it will be winter here for another four months! My husband is completely impossible to talk to regarding moving somewhere that would work for both of us. We've been here 2 1/2 years and I don't know how much longer I can hang on. I want to keep the family together, but my husband's "my way or the highway" attitude is destroying our marriage. Good luck to you!

nini114432 15 months ago

well i live in a city.i think its better because we have places to eat stores etc.dont take it the wrong way.but dont you like to go shopping and as teens and children dont desserve to work at a young way.so for me its better not to suffer so young and start working you now probraly at the age of 18 like regular cities.literly my mom when she was little she lived in pr so since she was the girl of the house she had to work and clean and she was only 6 so i told her it was od shes young so she shouldnt do things like that so my opinion is that that cities are better than countrys no offense if you guise dont like what i said

cameron 15 months ago

i love the country life even though ive been growing up in garland

Jj 14 months ago

Ok if you live in the city and u actually think u need all that electronic stuff you are wrong why dont you try actually talking to someone face to face. And yes just because we live in the country dosent mean we dont have stores or places to eat because we do we have a mcdonalds yea amazing right i know!!!! if you live in the city you miss out on all of the adventures of horseback riding its the best part i have over 30 horses they are the best i tried living in the city and missed everything ewwwww i hate shopping its gross oh i think ill got get a pink dress with new pink 10 inch heels ok i shop at tractor supply and my closet is filled with camoflauge for u city slickers thats brown,black,green and other amazing colors.COUNTRY ROCKS!!!! music- jason aldean,lady antebellum,rascal flatts they RULE!!!!

Ryan Walls 14 months ago

i live in town/ small city with a pop of 4,000 personally i love the city then the town lofe for 3 reason its because theres so many more different people in the city.. like almost everone is the same at my school.. oh and another thing is that the schools are separated like the nearist school is like 5 miles out of town.. i go to my public school (which is in town) and the final reason is that most of the family i connect with is on my dads side and like they all live in the city and when we visit its usually amazing.. i just love the energy,,, it can get really boring in townlife

488847 14 months ago

having HAD to live in a deserted area when originally from urban, I can only have clausterphobic feelings about country life.

Carrie 14 months ago

I know what you mean. I used to want to get away from the country. The people are all old and backward, everyone is white, homosexuals are exotic and no one knows what bisexual or trans or I hate kids even though I'm female even means and everyone is white. For a teen it was lonely I wanted romance. What a complete idiot. Now I think I'd sacrifice my relationship and everything else to move back. I hate the city! Buildings that's why it sucks. It's all about the land. How can you go from waterfalls mountains forest to this grey concrete crap I'm so depressed. I miss animals no one here thinks animals are people. I wish the city would blow up. I go home all the time my partner resents it and I cry every time I have to come back. I hate the coty

Kassie:) 14 months ago

i live in the country and the city smells like crap. i like country water better than city water because we have well water. :)

ui 14 months ago

byhfj

JX 13 months ago

Found this blog on the same subject:

http://uptodatewithjamie.blogspot.com/

marc 13 months ago

i have lived in sydney all my life. now i think i have to get out of here. i have run out of patience. everyone thinks they are doing so much but they are really doing nothing, they just run around being busy wearing themselves out and convincing themselves that they are achieving things.

the worst part for me is the noise. it is intolerable. i can barely stand it. everywhere i go people are making so much noise. they seem so inconsiderate, thinking that everyone wants to overhear their incredibly boring vapid conversation. and it's like some freakish law of nature that whenever i find a quiet place someone will come and make some terrible noise in it, it seems like the loudest person in the train carriage will always come and sit next to me. i can't stand it. i think i'm going crazy.

people are so sociable. they want to have meetings all the time. i just want to be alone and have some peace and quiet. i'm sick of all the dramas and hardships of being social. i keep imagining living alone in the country in the middle of a field with no one around me and no noise, and i could read books and look at the horizon or the sky, think my stupid thoughts, draw pictures, and be left alone.

becca 13 months ago

you rock

Hector 13 months ago

I love the way you see the different I was born and raised in a rural area no I live in a big city and I'm old and I still miss my childhood playing with mud, trees, title animals, the sky in the night where so amazing, the wind, the rain, thank you for sharing your thoughts.

glassvisage 13 months ago from Northern California Hub Author

Thank you all for your comments!

Rebs 13 months ago

I grew up in the burbs. We always had a home in the mountains where we would spend most of our summers. And, with friends in Eastern Colorado who own a huge ranch, we had ample time for horses, ATVs, fishing and backbreaking work. For 5 years I lived in a

town of 35,000 people west of

Chicago., in the middle of

cornfields. I loved it!

The people there were great. It is a university town so there was a lot to do if you wanted to do it. My kids could walk everywhere and ride their bikes safely. They received excellent educations.

I'm now, again a suburbanite (ugh). The burbs are a prison decorated to appeal. But if you're awake enough (my opinion) you won't be able to stand it for long.

I travel ALOT. I love Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, Rome, Athens, Istanbul, Philadelphia, Boston... But bought 40 acres in the middle of almost nowhere in NM, USA. The nearest town is 5 miles away and it has one yellow blinking traffic light. I want chickens again, goats, cats and dogs. And I will someday.

The most peaceful moments I ever spent in the burbs were when I had my chickens. Every morning I'd let them out into the yard (free range) and sit with my coffee just watching them peck for food. If you've never done that you haven't lived.

Do I get the attraction to cities? You bet? Do I understand the draw of open space ? Absolutely. Each persons GETS to choose for themselves and no one is wrong. Even people who like the burbs aren't wrong just, please don't try to convert me.

Give me my 40 acres with no fence. You can keep your white pickets to yourselves.

Thanks for all the sharing. It's been an interesting and sometimes funny read.

glassvisage 13 months ago from Northern California Hub Author

Rebs, thanks for the post! I agree - I'm kind of finding a compromise between city and country and am enjoying the suburban life :)

Jordan 13 months ago

I understand what everyone is saying about how people in the country have seemingly boring ideas of entertainment. But I honk were mixing up the right words. I think that simple is a better word to describe how country people like entertainment. One hong indent like about the city is the everyone feels a need to be constantly entertained and freak out when they're not. Some people enjoy simpler entertainment. Just because you live in the country doesn't mean you can't do fancier things, you just have to be willing to work at it. But country people shouldn't treat technology like a disease. A lot of the latest technology is pretty amazing. I get that some people can get a tad obsessed but that doesn't mean we should stereotype city people as technology freaks that can't stand open spaces. Both places are amazing places to live, if you have the right people: people who love you and value you and enjoy being around you. Enough people prefer to either live in the city or country that we have both. The beauty is in the eye of the beholder really applies here. I don't think I could decide between one place. I think it would be cool to grow up in a suburban area and move to the country when my kids grow up. Then I'd have a different place for my grandchildren. I hope the country stays long enough for me to enjoy it. Feel free to disagree...just a thought! Have a great day! :)

You city folk are lucky. I live in the middle of nowhere in South Carolina (which is the middle of nowhere itself)

I have no opportunity, I can't afford anything, I can't even get a job because I can't get a car because my only parent doesn't have a job because she can't afford gas and won't move to the city and I can't get a job because jobs are 50+ miles away from me

I'm glad I grew up in the country but I'm definitely moving to New York as soon as I turn 18.

I think living in the city's or countryside, doesn't matter. Because the both have advantages and disadvantages. Advantages living in the cities easy to find job, because many international companies located in the cities. There is a lot to spend free time, you can go everywhere like concerts, malls, and others. Disadvantages cities are crowded, everywhere like as pavements, buses and others. A lot of traffic in the city. live in the cities like ant, always busier. People living in the country are slower, family oriented, quiet, healty, less traffic and easier to life. but countryside various of product limited, shopping is a problem. Hard to find a job, because less companies.

I live in the country and it sucks.. I've lived here my whole life. (in southern Ohio) There are only 12 kids in my class, it's so extremely lonely and boring. Trash is everywhere. The closest village is an hour away and even then it's still small... I drive but it cost so much money to get places. Plus I'm different, I don't dress in bibs or listen to country so basically people look at you like you're an idiot. My best friend lives 4 hours away, her city is awesome. So much varity!

Everything is limited. Boring boring boring. No one can say it's family oriented living in the country either or that you're closer to your neighbors. It depends on the family. My neighbors live miles away from us and they hate us(all elderly) and my parents are divorsed. My uncle lives in California.

I've been in the city since the day I was born, when I mean city, I mean New York City, as urban you can get.

I'm 19 years old and I feel like I'm going through a change in my life and I for some reason, I'm starting to hate where I have grown up and lived. I want to be with nature and live in a tight knit community.

I'm tired of the unsocial people in NYC. Nobody cares, you're all alone. And when you are with your friends, what's there to do except spend money? Go to a bar? Go to the movies? Go shopping? Go to clubs and drink? Go where else after that? After a little while the materialistic things get boring, I really want to enjoy nature and life from within my heart. I don't want lights and glitter to create fun for me, I want to have fun from within.

So I do not think country people are not weird at all, you guys don't need all the glamor to have fun. You guys are living like humans. And I would say it's not weird to run down a freeway. City people would also love that but too bad everybody judges you in the city and you have to act like everyone else. It's always about your status and what you wear and how expensive it is. I'm tired of all of this! It's only glamor glamor glamor, that can't last forever.

It's my dream to live in the country where the community can get together and have fun on summer nights. People are friendlier. The only thing I get worried about is I've heard a lot of people from rural areas are narrow minded and can be racist... is this true? I'm not judging but I'd like to know. I don't want to generalize everyone.

Thanks Vicki. As for your question, speaking about my own hometown, people were generally a little less exposed to diversity as my hometown was not very diverse and many people were born and raised there their whole lives for the most part. My brother and I were basically the only Asians, but it didn't really bother us.

I didn't read all the comments.... I live and love the Country. With the real estate issue homes that are well maintained and on property seem to be very easy to sell. Because home owners are able to use their property to make money for them. I also love about the country I'm not surrounded by advertisement. With the Internet I can purchase anything that I want that iuse to be only find at the malls and city's.. I can always visit the city and stay for weeks. Country living is a little harder to experience. You can go camping but most camp sites seem like camping in the suburbs. I feel very blessed to have a country home.

Living in the country is awesome! there is so much to do. Like feeding the cows, riding the horses, playing with the goats, making forts outta hay bails. It's dangerous too. I have been chased by our bull several times. Although the city, I hate it. Too loud. And you don't grow your own food, and city people spend lots of their money in restaurants and concerts. I love the country side. I can't even find a bad thing to say about it. Sorry, city chicks, but I haven't ever had a phone or cell phone, or makeup, or short shorts. I play in the creek and go hunting for snakes with my bare hands. Hey- I have been hunting my whole life! City is noisy and bad people out there too. And yes, I do know what sarcasm is. But city people probably don't know what an elevator in farm-terms is, or what bailer twine is, or even what a poll barn is. And yes, we country people do see others around. We are not NOT social. We just like peace, quiet, plants, barns, the smell of fresh sweet hay, the smell of cow manure;) and animals. I do not mean to be mean about the city and its people, but the city isn't for me. I love the country and the country loves me. That's what I have to say. Great job, country ones!

I grew up in a small town, under 1000 people, and 1 blinking caution light. Things that I hated were - no activities beyond playing in the local sports league. If you wanted to go the local McDonald's, that involved driving about 15 miles away. The one thing I did like was being able to walk out my back door with my .22 rifle and target practice. I didn't have to worry about hitting another structure since our property was adjacent to a hunting club. I have lived a total of 7 years in a small city setting. I loved the conveniences of the stores nearby, I didn't burn as much gas, and there was always something to do. I live back in an isolated rural area again, and I wish I could get away from here. We were fortunate that the land was given to us, so that saved us a lot of money. However, there is nothing out here, no painted lines on the road, no street lights, and markers are missing on the road. My preference would be close to the beach. I can handle hurricanes so I'm a Louisiana native, and have never lived anywhere else besides south Louisiana. I'm crossing my fingers that after my kids graduate high school, we can purchase an RV or travel trailer and go somewhere. This thing of no vacations for the past 8 years is for the birds. I need a change from being surrounded by Loblolly pine trees 10 feet from my back door, infernal love bugs, and mosquitoes.

glassvisage 6 months ago from Northern California Hub Author

QueBella, I can understand so much of what you're saying :) Though my McDonald's was only 10 minutes away, haha. My parents just got a travel trailer and have been exploring now that my dad is retired. I hope you get to do so soon!

Tr1f0rc3 5 months ago

4,000th vote :D

namejustname 2 months ago

Anyone living in the city needs to stay there. Im a true Southern Country boy and do not want or wish to have my lifestyle changed because some city yankee moves into the rural area and wants a wallmart and brings what they wish to get away from with them, attitude and all. Not all but enough are some of the rudest and dumbest people I have ever seen. God help them but please keep them away from here. Im a hard working God fearing man and if I have offended anyone Im sorry but if you aint got no sense please stay out of the country. Aint nothing here but real life,, a real hard life and we are not looking for someone to take care of us. Our Daddys taught us to work hard, take care of your family, know and love your neighbor, have respect for your elders and most of all trust in the Lord. If you aint looking for a life like that please stay in the city.

mandyland29 2 weeks ago

I grew up in Las Vegas but have traveled all over the US and Canada, where I was born, and Im now 21. I married a Marine from a small town in Indiana, and we visit his family there in the country. I have never met a less diverse group of people. The majority of the population is white and the few other races they have there are discriminated against. Not only that, almost everyone there would love an opportunity to get in a fight. They have big egos and are proud of the ignorance they display on a daily basis. Many people have posted about city people being materialistic, well I have never seen people as materialistic as those in the country! I was surprised...they pride themselves on what they own, even if it was given to them, and forget about the fact that they teach their kids to do violence and and dont mind them getting pregnant in high school. They tout their religion and going to church, but they use church to tell their preacher the gossip they hear about other people, not to learn to forgive or better themselves. They believe they are right in anything they do, even if it is blatantly wrong. And their whole family will support it, right or wrong. It may be beautiful in the country and easy to breathe, but it gets old with no secrets and petty drama especially if you grew up there. Believe me, they NEVER let anything go. Too much pride and ego. Where I'm from, sure there were fights growing up. But if you were wrong, your parents told you violence is wrong instead of getting involved and trying to fight too! People call Vegas "Sin City" but at least the people there know what they do is wrong, and do not endorse it to children. In fact, there are a good many laws in place to keep children safe and away from the influence. My family never had a lot of things due to the cost of living (what it used to be) so we were minimalists. We went to church, donated to charities, learned to love Jesus, and had fun in the desert. Plus there is a plethora of things to do in Vegas already. People from my husbands hometown lived with their parents well into their twenties due to irresponsible choices made because of no moral guidelines. We learned to be responsible and get jobs early. They never grow up, like a town of teenagers. I will never go back there. My husband is nothing like them, so he got out early. But maybe that is just the Midwest...

http://glassvisage.hubpages.com/hub/Country-vs-City-Life