Country Mouse vs. City Mouse
It’s an age-old debate: the countryside or the city. It’s hard to sway either to the other side, but we’ve narrowed down the 10 best things about each one! Let’s dive in together to see which team you’re truly on.
1. All That Fresh Air
You never really appreciate fresh air until you have it. The distinction is pretty noticeable—all that pollution and garbage swapped out for the cleanest air you’ve ever inhaled. Paired with a great sunset, city life just can’t compare.
2. Neighbors Don’t Live on Top of Each Other
You have more than enough space in the country; neighbors are stuffed into condo buildings, giving you the freedom to truly enjoy your property. It’s nice to have the option to make friends, not exchange awkward pleasantries every morning!
3. Less Hustle and Bustle
City life isn’t for everyone and some people need a break from all the construction, traffic, and street festivals. Though it’s nice for some to indulge in constant events, others prefer the country’s peace and quiet.
4. Life Goes a Little Slower
“Life moves pretty fast. You don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” That little wiseacre Ferris Bueller knew what he was talking about. In the country, you have nothing but time on your hands. Stop and smell the roses. Go for a walk. Speak with your neighbor. Whatever you do, you’ll actually have the time to enjoy it.
5. Unbeatable Scenery
Say what you want about country living, nothing tops its views. Whether it’s a sunset over emerald hills or an adorable horse grazing in a field, country life offers what cities can’t: an open world.
6. Greater Sense of Community
You may have noticed that everyone in the country knows each other. Though that sounds like a nightmare for some people, others love the sense of community. You could probably head to your neighbor’s house for a cup of sugar!
7. Pets Have More Freedom
We’d love to give our fur babies the world, and country life is a good place to start. They have more access to open fields and bigger properties—and may even find a new friend! With all those horses, chickens, and cows around, who knows what adventures await.
8. Lower Crime Rates
Less congestion means less crime, which is a big selling point. Of course, no area is without it entirely, but you won’t have to worry about the same degrees of car theft or home burglaries.
9. More Chances to Use the Land
While some people rent out their basements for a little extra cash, those in the country have an entire plot to play with. Rent out the barn. Start a farm-to-fork business. Start an AirBnb. However you convert the land, you’ll have several opportunities for more income.
10. Sense of Independence
The countryside demands independence. You’ll need to commute, take care of your property, tend to your animals, and trust yourself for DIY projects—all on your own! It sounds daunting at first, but that kind of independence only boosts confidence.
Now, that doesn’t mean city living is a total bust. Let’s dive into some of the best things about living in one.
1. Shorter Commutes
Sure, it’s nice to live with the horses and sheep—if you can sacrifice convenience. Cities may be loud but they also have everything you need for more peace of mind. Hospitals, mechanics, restaurants, and veterinary clinics are often only a short drive away.
2. More Job Opportunities
Just about everything is sparse in the countryside, and that includes job offers. Most cities are rife with options, all ranging from a variety of fields. The competition is fierce but so are the opportunities!
3. You Won’t Randomly Smell Manure
Alright, we’ll admit it. Most cities have some kind of…odor going on. Whether it’s the pollution or the overcrowding, we don’t know, but at least there aren’t random whiffs of manure. There’s nothing worse than driving with your windows down only to get slapped in the face by an obvious chicken farm.
4. More Accommodation Available
The countryside offers larger properties with more privacy—but the variety’s scarce. The city has townhomes, condos, detached houses, and apartments. Depending on your situation, it might make more sense to invest in a condo than an entire two-acre property.
5. Better Access to the Internet
We’d all love to unplug from our phones (and we should), but the internet is a basic necessity. City mice don’t have to worry about shoddy reception or a lack of big-name providers, and a good connection comes in real handy.
6. Cities Have Better Nightlife
Are you looking for a good Chinese restaurant? Do you want to spend the day at an art gallery? What about your favorite band—are they in town? Cities offer all kinds of entertainment and you won’t find anything close in the country.
7. Opportunities for a Social Life
You’re bound to make new friends with so much entertainment around! Head to a paint-and-sip class or pop over to your local library for an author talk. Cities are packed with like-minded people and you won’t find the same social events in the country.
8. You’re Basically Anonymous
Some people thrive in a community but others enjoy anonymity. Neighbors won’t know your business. Doctors won’t ask about your job. People don’t pry into your privacy. In the country? Everyone knows everyone.
9. Public Transportation
Country living is borderline impossible when you don’t have a car. In the city, however, you still have plenty of ways to get around. Buses, streetcars, and even taxi cabs flow through the streets, ensuring you aren’t stranded for groceries.
10. More Convenience
Like it or not, cities are way more convenient than the countryside. Where you live depends on what you value. Are you willing to give up diverse food options for more land? Are you okay with a serious lack of nightlife? To embrace the country is to forego the city—and that includes its perks.
