Where did you grow up? Did you grow up surrounded by skyscrapers, always hearing the buzz of traffic? Or were you surrounded by fields and the sound or wind? Maybe you were somewhere in between, like the suburbs. But the real question is, which of these options are the best? You might think this is a matter of opinion. And you might be right. But really, I think it depends on what kind of person you are.
Life in the city is fast-paced. People are always rushing around, trying to get to their next destination. They’re rushing to work and rushing to the supermarket and rushing to their homes. People stay out late, even as the nightlife turns into early-morning-life. And for some, this might be ideal. It’s harder to be lonely when you’re surrounded by people every waking hour. A study conducted by an international team of psychologists found that city dwellers tend to be more extroverted, competitive, assertive, and open-minded (Smithsonian Magazine). If this sounds like you, chances are you’re better suited for an apartment in Manhattan than a cabin in the woods.
Rural life, on the other hand, is the opposite. It’s slow. You don’t see people bustling around. Stepping outside, you might not even see people at all. It’s quiet. You’re closer to nature. There’s solitude. Whether we mean the countryside or the mountains or the forest, the difference is huge. Some people might think this sounds boring or lonely. However, it’s been found by NORC Walsh Center in the new work they are conducting that people in rural areas tend to be more resilient and hard-working. They also have a stronger connection to nature, and their communities are more tightly knit (National Library of Medicine). So if these are aspects of life that you value more than the urban bustle, you might be better off in a small town.
I asked two students here at Quartz Hill High School whether they’d prefer to live in an urban environment like a city, or in a rural environment such as the countryside or the mountains. Marissa Plasentillo said she would rather live in an urban environment because “I love getting to know people, and there are lots of people in a city environment. I also love loud noises, they help me sleep at night.” She makes a great point. Rather than being close with a few neighbors, the city allows you to meet all kinds of people. They’re incredibly diverse and allow you to see many perspectives in life. For people who cannot stand silence, the constant noise of people and traffic is perfect.
Kylah Cook said she would rather live somewhere in the countryside because “It’s quieter, it’s got less light and gas pollution, and you can be closer with the people around you. Also, city prices are wild.” She makes a great point as well. Big cities can be full of smog, and it’s difficult to see the stars with the amount of light surrounding you. Plus, the cost of living in an urban environment is on average much higher than in a forest. Illinois has the most rural towns of any state, and its cost of living is about $58k per year. (Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis). California on the other hand has the most big cities in the US, and has a much higher cost of living of $65k (OneMain Financial).
Both of these students make good arguments, and technically they are both correct. One environment is not better than the other, so there is no right answer. At the end of the day, it matters more about who you’re asking. Everyone is wired differently so a different environment will be ideal for each and every person.
