Urban, Suburban, Rural

[tp4tissue]

What does gekha prefer2liv ?

[LavenderB]

I generally prefer the city or denser walkable suburbs with good public transit. I could see myself living in a rural area if it had a good public transit connection to a city, provided I don't have to commute there for work or basic shopping.

[TomahawkLabs]

Grew up in a midwestern town of ~1,000 residents. Moved to the "big city" where the metro is ~250k residents. My next home will be back again in a small community of sub 20k residents with and acre or so of land. Bigger city allows me economic opportunity for my family and I. Because I live in an area where the average home price is higher than other areas of the metro, the schools are funded better. Once my kids are adults and I no longer need to live in an area that gives my kid a slight economic advantage, I will leave to greener pastures.

[noisyturtle]

My dad is a big city person, and always tries to push me to live in bustling metropolises. I love the convenience, and especially food options, but I hate people, crowds, noise, and errant stinks. You need to learn to live with the city occasionally uncontrollably inconveniencing you. I can see the appeal of certain cities, a lot of places in southern EU are very beautiful and I could see spending a lifetime in some.

Personally, I prefer rural areas. Places near/in the woods or forest are nice. Mountains are very pleasant. Forest on a mountain is the best. But those places you need money and a vehicle to make them work. It becomes a lifestyle, you sacrifice some conveniences and ease of life for privacy and beauty.

Suburban is not for me. Homes that all look the same, having to greet your neighbors every time you see them, highway driving in suv's that have never once seen a dirt trail. I cannot understand how people can crave that life of boring conformity.

[fohat.digs]

Suburban is not for me.

When we had kids, living in a moderately affluent neighborhood with lots of kids in a progressive area ensured good schools and a positive social environment for the kids.

Raising kids - their development always comes first.

[TomahawkLabs]

Suburban is not for me.

When we had kids, living in a moderately affluent neighborhood with lots of kids in a progressive area ensured good schools and a positive social environment for the kids.

Raising kids - their development always comes first.

Good parent. Putting the kids needs above your lifestyle wants. Good on ya.

[Findecanor]

There are "suburbs" and there are "suburbs".

Over here, schools and grocery stores are located close to where people live. Other services, such as doctor's offices and more stores are often located in "suburban centres". Everything is connected with public transit, and to the city centre. Some suburbs are more densely built with highrises, some with single-family homes, but most are mixed.
Kids and adults, rich and poor, all use the public transit system. I've shared seats on the subway with domestic celebrities and the CEO of the richest business bank. There is no need to own a car, and many people don't even have a driver's license.

I wouldn't want to live anywhere less than that, and I'm lucky to live in what I consider the best of even these: within the borders of the Royal National City Park in Stockholm, within which urban development is (supposed to be) restricted. I live in a multi-family building but surrounded by greenery, and within walking distance to park land and farm land. The city centre is 15 minutes away by subway, but I often ride my bicycle anyway.

[Leslieann]

Cities are great, the problem is American cities are not.
Our cities are built for cars, or adapted to cars and then we crowd them to the point cars no longer work and public transport is lacking. While there are a few U.S. cities sort of capable, they are super anti-car (and I love being able to go long distance when I want) and insanely expensive to live in. You can also get boxed in job-wise, you can't leave because of costs, and you have limited job options close enough to get to with public transport.

Rural also has perks, but it also has a LOT of downsides, like nothing being convenient. Pizza, maybe one delivers. Broadband, yeah, good luck. Jobs, suuuure, if you're a farmer. otherwise you're probably driving into town or the suburbs anyhow.

Suburbs are a good mix of good and bad, the problem is it creates sprawl which just creates a bad cycle. We spread out for more room and lifestyle then the population grows and the city encroaches so the suburb moves further out. Repeat.


The real problem is the American lifestyle being so car and home oriented, our ancestors made it that way and they're VERY unwilling to let go of it. Everything is car centric so you almost have to have one and American retirement plans are basically built around you owning a home which pushes you further and further out to be able to afford one, meaning you are even more reliant on a car. If you expect to retire on Social Security you either have to be very wealthy or own your home before that happens or you pretty much can't retire as rent will nearly absorb your entire retirement check.  And now we've made it to where you almost have to be rich to even own a home.

[tp4tissue]

Looked at some indepth farm Pnls lately,  it's really hard to be consistent, and unless you come at it with alot of money swinging already, it doesn't make much sense.

[chyros]

I'm a city boy through and through. To me a suburb is basically a farm, and villages don't even exist, there's just nobody there.

That said, I prefer small cities to big ones. Also prefer less car-centric ones. But it needs to be an actual city, you know >250k inhabitants.

[noisyturtle]

Agreed walkability adds to a cities accessibility and charm

[chyros]

Agreed walkability adds to a cities accessibility and charm

And especially cyclability   .

[tankLancer]

I'd definitely prefer the suburbs. My life is pretty simple, and my main hobbies are swimming and keyboards. I spend a lot of time at the mills for work, so living in a community close to both the factories and a good swimming spot (like a pool or river) would be ideal.