Introduction
The legacy of the argument for glamorous urban living versus serene country living is centuries old. The lives of people around the world have evolved in diverse ways, and globalisation has set the very pace with which the world’s culture works, society interacts, and economies function. The fundamental tribal way in which people in remote parts of the globe live is sedentary and bears the harsh aspects of being isolated from the mainstream population; however, in contrast, it is a way of life many people still practise as it has its positives. This essay aims to provide a better and clearer understanding and to help answer questions such as: can urban living be compared to rural living and vice versa? What are the pros and cons of both ways of living? What role do social, economic and environmental factors play in determining an area’s development level? What modern problems do megacities face? Additionally, it will pinpoint rural living and the process of ruralism in relation to urbanism and emphasise the relationship between city life and farm life.
Urban Life: The New Dawn
According to the United Nations Report 2021, the urban context represents the opposite of normality with city populations, growing economies, and cultural impacts. Constant electricity, clean water supplies, broadband connectivity and good schools would be some. An easier standard of living contributes to more.
Job openings are one of the most significant conveniences that come with suburban living. When it comes to social and economic aspects, cities are built to host businesses and industries, which in turn creates a demand for workers. More career opportunities in urban areas arise in the financial, technological, healthcare, and even entertainment and arts sectors. Besides, the growth of metropolitan areas has led to the rise of big corporations and transnational companies which can also pay more and promote employees.
It is also worth noting the high development of cities in terms of medical and health services. In an urban setting, one can find a range of individuals from the sick needing diagnosis or treatment to the well-educated to teach them through the whole cycle, spanning from primary to university education. Having these kinds of services enhances the lifestyle of the people residing nearby, as they do not have to worry about finding high-standard services or facilities. In addition, urban markets also include art and cultural centres, theatres, museums and many other kinds of entertaining as well as educational experiences.
Cities are also seen to have the edge when it comes to transport. This is mainly due to the availability of means of transport such as trains, buses and subways, which are operated by the government, making travel relatively easy and cheap. Consequently, commuting becomes quite efficient and aids in time conservation as it reduces the need for personal vehicles. Additionally, cities can be said to have more technology, such as fast internet connections, smart devices and many digital systems, which enhance the comfort of life.
However, there are problems too with city living, even with these benefits. The centre of these big cities with many opportunities is often the most desirable place to live but it is also the most expensive, which hinders some residents from acquiring basic goods and services. This, in turn, punctures the real estate market as the prices of housing are significantly higher than the average earnings, causing people to settle in polluted and labour-intensive areas in the cities where standards are poor. Furthermore, many individuals and residents are uncomfortable with big city life due to the amount of pressure, pollution and limited access to parks and recreational sites, which threatens one’s health.
Rural Life: Mundane yet Full of Contentment
Unlike urban areas with their hustle in motion, rural areas remain characterised by a much slower pace, close-knit communities, and a stronger attachment to nature. The rural dwellers appear to have a deep sense of autonomy over their daily lives and routines in the relatively peaceful atmosphere that the rural areas afford them. Even though most amenities and conveniences urban areas possess are absent in rural areas, many people are perfectly satisfied, finding their consolation in the simplicity of rural life. That is the rural way of life one would ideally expect.
Access to nature is one of the main benefits of living in rural areas. Open spaces, such as the countryside, forests, rivers, and other natural landscapes, are a common sight in rural areas where people reside. People who live in these areas have even more reasons to appreciate the beauty of their surroundings, as they are likely to have a less busy and stressful lifestyle. Thanks to rural life, those who want more out of life than the vibration of an overpopulated city and its chaos have the perfect answer.
Furthermore, rural areas are marked by a lower cost of living compared to urban areas. This is characterised by cheaper housing, groceries, and even daily bills. Therefore, the countryside works best for those looking to cut down on their living costs and improve their work-life balance. Moreover, the majority of the rural population can serve a greater purpose by helping one another in their local community, where strong family-like attachments are created amongst the neighbours. Such a slower life enables them to become more socially content and more rooted in society. However, rural life also has its challenges. The rural population has few medical services and limited educational facilities. As a result, in emergencies, they may have to travel several miles away to get the treatment, which is a drawback. In addition to this, there is a lack of job selection in the rural areas where specialised courses are required, and as a result, many young people leave for the cities for work, where the lack of skilled workforce and economic growth of the rural communities flourish.
Urbanisation and Its Implications
Urbanisation has altered the demographics of both urban society and the rural one. The statistics indicate that people are relocating to major cities in droves for better job opportunities, leaving hinterlands sparsely populated and economically deprived. This has resulted in the proliferation of urban spaces at the cost of rural growth, depicting a growing polarization between urban and rural lifestyles.
With urbanisation came electricity, better projects, stronger buildings, and an enhanced lifestyle for the people residing in cities. But with advances like this came a price, an expensive one. The unplanned growth of urban spaces brought with it overpopulation and social imbalance. Most major cities struggle with cheap accommodation, contaminated air, and proper waste disposal. All these factors have accentuated the development gap between urban spaces and villages, wherein the latter go virtually ignored.
This imbalance between the two spaces is the current focus of many governments around the globe. The plan is to better connect villages with the urban landscape, whether that be better roads, upgraded schools, medical centres, or job centres. The aim is to approach the issue head-on, close the development gap, and ensure that all regions grow uniformly and not one at the cost of the other.
Living In a Major City Or in The Countryside – The Comparative Aspects Of Living In A Rural Place Or An Urban Centre
City and country living have their fair share of disadvantages, hence, people need to consider what suits them the most. However, it is possible to argue that the quality of life is greatly influenced by the environment someone lives in. Life in urban settings provides a lot of job opportunities, but it is also associated with a lot of stress due to the expensive nature of the city. Conversely, while the countryside is serene, less stressful and relatively cheap, there are very few, if any, job opportunities that can be beneficial for some people.
Primarily, those living in urban areas are more fragmented and individualised due to widespread usage of technology and public services. However, rural areas are more likely to have dependence among themselves as they share and work together to accomplish a goal. Life in rural areas is said to be more family-centred and slower, giving more orientation to communities.
Conclusion
The concept of life in an urban area is vastly different when compared with life in a rural area. Both have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, which are affected by a host of factors including social, economic and environmental. Life in the cities is fast with good career opportunities and advancement, along with decent facilities and culture. However, it is costly, stressful and filled with pollution. In stark contrast, rural areas have more scope for community building and offer more freedom and a slower pace, but have very limited infrastructure development.
Urbanisation is only increasing, and it is crucial to consider the implications that come with it for both the urban population and the rural population. The promotion of rural development and the reduction of challenges posed by urbanisation can help build a more cohesive society with a boost in sustainability that enables both lifestyles, city living and country living. Knowing the pros and cons of life in the city and life in the rural area can assist a person in determining what they want to build for themselves based on their values, priorities, and wants for the future.