The Pros & Cons Of The Concrete Jungle
There are often two sides of the spectrum–– the city slickers and the country folk who wouldn’t step foot in a city if their life depended on it. For many reasons, people are drawn to the sparkle and dazzle of a major city while others prefer to be more secluded on rural land. Whether you’re deciding where to live or where to travel next, consider this list of pros and cons before heading downtown.
1. High Living Cost
You pay double the price on rent for half the space if you want to live downtown. Living in a big city generally means you have a higher cost of living, from groceries to your property bills. There are extra fees like parking permits or laundry, and gas stations charge you more for gas. If there’s a farmer’s market in town, expect to pay ten bucks for a cucumber.
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2. Noise
Between the traffic, the number of people, and the businesses, living in a city can be very noisy. You’ll hear honking and emergency vehicle sirens daily and lots of chatter from the citygoers as they commute. Special events like concerts and sports games will add to the noise and the congestion. You can’t choose your neighbors–– if you get an apartment next to a practicing DJ, goodbye sleep!
3. Lack Of Space
More people means less space. Many city apartments and condos these days are tiny and often lack any outdoor space. We try to cram as many people as possible into one building. It’s hard to find a parking space because parking lots are always full and you often need a permit to park on the street. If you want space in a city you have to pay a lot for it.
4. Pollution
There’s a lot more pollution affecting daily lives in a city. Cities are major air polluters with congested streets, heavy traffic, constant construction, and large venues. More waste is produced when thousands of people order takeout, dine in restaurants, and attend events. Some apartment buildings don’t have composting facilities in place either.
5. Light Pollution
If you live in a city for too long you might forget what’s above you. With all the lights from venues, skyscrapers, streetlights, and automobiles, you seldom see stars in the night sky. Light pollution disrupts your view of the sky and it will never be fully dark in a city. You need black-out curtains or an eye mask if you’re sensitive to light when you sleep.
6. Separation From Nature
Welcome to the concrete jungle! You’re lucky if there are parks around you to get some green space and some oxygen from a tree. Living in a city separates you from nature because urbanization is at its peak and the only animals you see are pet dogs on leashes.
7. Crime Rates
It’s just natural that more people means more crime. Cities have higher crime rates than small towns because there are more opportunities and more people to agitate. With plenty of businesses and cars around, theft seems easier and more tempting. Higher crime rates also boost your insurance rates since burglaries, damage, and vandalism are more likely to occur.
8. Waiting Times
You need a lot of patience when you’re downtown. There will always be lineups anywhere you go, from the supermarket to the concert hall. Restaurants fill up quickly and many of them require reservations in advance. If a place is popular you’ll know because the queue snakes down the street. There are lengthy wait times for medical appointments or beauty treatments like hair salons and you better book in advance.
9. Traffic
Entering or leaving a city can often be a nightmare. Who coined the term “rush hour” when there’s only a small window of less traffic in a day? Driving in a city involves many obstacles like pedestrians, cyclists, and public transportation. Your commute will never be the same time because of frequent accidents and road closures.
10. Higher Insurance Premiums
As mentioned, higher crime rates result in higher insurance but other factors raise insurance premiums as well. There’s a greater risk of car accidents which means your auto insurance is higher. From rental properties to the need for security, there are greater risks in a city, and insurance companies know this all too well.
Those are the reasons major cities can suck but on the contrary, there are some incredible things you’ll only find in a city. Read on to find out why a city rules too.
1. Thriving Art Scene
Most cities have a vibrant art culture. There are concerts and gigs every night and live shows at the best theaters. You find art galleries and museums all over the city and book signings and literary events at cozy bookstores. Mosaics and murals are painted on walls and different venues are uniquely designed.
2. Individuality & Acceptance
From cultural diversity to sexual orientation, cities include all kinds of people who are typically more accepting of differences. You’ll see people expressing themselves through fashion and hairstyles and there’s more variety in style. Cities can often encourage individuality and people feel more free to show who they are.
3. Activities
If you’ve lived in the same city for a decade, chances are you still haven’t seen it all. There is always something to do in a major city you’d never be bored. Nightlife is thriving and venues tend to stay open late into the night. Cities host museums, landmarks, stadiums, studios, and so much more that there are activities to attend around the clock.
4. Job Opportunities
With companies and businesses taking over the skyscrapers, many job positions need to be filled. Cities typically house the headquarters for the biggest companies and have a bustling business district. Cities are the centers for business with greater career opportunities than most other parts of a country.
5. Higher Salaries
With greater job opportunities come higher salaries. Thankfully salaries are greater to keep up with the high cost of living. Since larger corporations live there, they can afford to pay for top employers. With remote work on the rise, more employers can earn the same salaries without an expensive commute.
6. Public Transportation
Public transportation is at everyone’s doorstep. It’s easy to get around a city without your own vehicle and it’s just as simple to travel away as well. Cities often have accessible buses, streetcars, subways, and trains for commuters’ convenience. Major airports are usually nearby and public transit can get you there. Train and bus routes for far destinations generally start from a city too.
7. Healthcare
Top professionals in the medical field will work in a city. Specialized services are offered there and the medical technology is at its prime. There are many facilities and proximity to health care is close. Access to mental and physical healthcare is easier than in rural areas and there are more opportunities for help.
8. Big Events
The most famous talents from around the world will perform in a city. Cities have large venues that can fit thousands of people so the biggest bands and acts will go there. From fashion shows to festivals, major events take place in the heart of a city.
9. Diverse Dining
A city is often a melting pot of cultures which means the food diversity is rich. Sometimes you’ll find 20 different food options within walking distance of each other. The scale of dining varies, from the wealthiest of fine dining restaurants to cheap and cheerful takeout joints. There’s something for everyone and you’ll never run out of restaurants to try.
10. Meet New People
If you want to make new friends or dive into dating life, a city is the place to be. With so many people, you’ll encounter new faces every single day. From events to coffee shops, there are loads of opportunities to meet new people. If you’re on dating apps, a city is where you’ll land the most dates and there’s no shortage of venues.
