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Chances are, you have come across the term “urbanization.” If you haven’t, urbanization is when people move from the countryside to urban areas in search of better living opportunities. People who live in the rural areas don’t have the same opportunities as people who live in the city and vice versa.
Both urban and rural life offer their own advantages and disadvantages as options for a place to reside or run your business. Even if you are accustomed to one and have reservations about the way of living that is unfamiliar to you, your opinion might change as your needs do in life. So, if you are concerned about making the wrong choice between one or the other, here are several factors to consider when deciding to move either to a rural or urban area.
1. Healthier Living
If you value a healthier way of living, rural areas might be ideal as they lack pollution and offer the best air quality. Pollution is a major concern in urban areas. The poor air quality leads to smog, and you are almost always exposed to exhaust coming from the vehicles. There is also smoke from buildings and factories, inhaling which can ultimately take a toll on your health.
2. Lower Costs
Living in the cities tends to be more expensive than living in rural areas. In cities, the prices for almost everything from lodging to groceries, gas, electricity, and clothing can be excessive. On the other hand, the countryside offers the perks of a lower cost of living. Alongside the lower costs, you can grow food in the country, which is much cheaper than buying it in the store. Additionally, taxes are higher in urban areas than in smaller towns.
3. Privacy
You can kiss goodbye to privacy in the city. Living in an urban area means you are constantly surrounded by people. Unlike in rural areas, neighbors live pretty close to you in an apartment building or a house in urban towns. So, you lack the privacy to say and do what you want because of the fear that your neighbors might be eavesdropping on your conversations.
4. More Space
A lot of people move to cities seeking a better way of life and better job opportunities. The issue is that with so many people moving into the area, cities soon become overcrowded. If you are used to living in a non-congested town, living in tightly packed neighborhoods might be too much for you.
The streets are constantly cluttered with people, and you have to deal with congestion when you rely on public transportation. Be prepared to deal with rush hour traffic in the morning and the evening.
On the other hand, rural areas offer more space, fewer people on the streets, and a slower pace of life. So, if you prefer a relaxing life, rural is the way to go.
5. Save Money on Transportation
One reason why a lot of people choose to move to the city is that it is convenient. And perhaps, the biggest convenience is the easier access to public transportation. There are endless ways to get around the city, from buses to commuter rails, subways, trams, and cabs. In fact, it is easier to travel to different places as they aren’t too far away from where you live.
This is not often the case in the countryside, where you might have to walk, leverage the few bus routes, or use carpooling services offered by volunteer drivers.
6. Access to Reputable Services
Urban areas offer residents easy access to essential services like healthcare, education, transportation, etc. They are often more reputable and reliable than rural areas.
For instance, in the countryside, you are limited to a few options, or maybe none, when it comes to access to lawyers, attorneys, or legal services in general. However, you will be able to find a wide range of reputable law firms with a good track record for handling cases in more urban areas. For example, those in downtown North Carolina can easily find a Raleigh criminal lawyer.
7. Employment Opportunities
Businesses and industries are primarily concentrated in cities rather than in rural areas, which means more employment opportunities. People can easily find better jobs in cities or relocate their businesses to attract more customers.
An increasing number of companies in the city are willing to hire people who don’t have experience. In rural areas, a handful of opportunities are limited to people with skills, making it hard for inexperienced people to land jobs.
8. Late Night Entertainment
Cities are bustling with entertainment options. There are a lot of things to do during the day, but even more, things to do at night. You can visit casinos, parks, clubs, restaurants, and theaters during the day as well as at night. So, you can be sure you will never be bored in the city. People often don’t have late-night activity options in the countryside because of its smaller and more rural communities.
Urban or Rural: Choose Wisely
Living in urban areas comes with a lot of benefits and potential consequences too. So is the case when it comes to rural living too. When weighing your options, consider the factors that matter to you the most. Living in either area will take some effort to adjust, but you will love your life once you do.
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