city to country or countryside to city? The big move

By Caitlin Best
August 02, 2015

It can be the answer you’ve been dreaming of, or it can cause culture shock beyond your wildest dreams. Making a move from the countryside to the city – or the city to the countryside – definitely brings a drastic change of lifestyle. It's a big move either way you go.

Making A Case For A Big Move to the City

Thinking about pulling up roots and moving to the city? It’s true that you’ll miss certain charms that come with rural life but there are some great perks with urban living.

Take-Out: Sometimes there’s just nothing better than having dinner-to-go at your fingertips. With just one phone call you can have pepperoni pizza, sushi and spring rolls delivered to your door.

The Leisure Element: Skip those farmyard chores and opt for yoga or a cross fit session. Take advantage of the pools, parks and fitness facilities that are just a short walk or drive away.

Easy Shopping: Imagine this: A trip to the grocery store, box store, boutique and the mall is no longer a big deal. What used to be an out-of-the-way excursion can now be taken care of during the way home from work.

Culture And Night Life: In the country you’ll be hard-pressed to find a theatre or cocktail bar in the vicinity. However, in the city you have access to a variety of amenities to stay entertained.

Public Transit: Hello city transportation. Commutes are never glamorous, but getting from point A to B via the bus or train is so much easier than a long commute into town. Even if you drive, you can feel at ease knowing that someone else is responsible for clearing the roads in the winter months.

The Net: This sounds incredibly simple but getting reliable Internet is sometimes hard to secure in more remote areas. Once you have high-speed access to surf, post and play on your computer and mobile, there’s no going back.

Making A Case For A Big Move to the Countryside

 

According to the Canned Heat song “Going Up The Country” – the country is where the water tastes like wine. This might not be 100 per cent factual, but there are definitely a few a perks of leaving the bright lights of the city behind.

The Great Wide Open: For city dwellers, space comes at a premium. Living in desirable neighbourhoods is often equated to higher rent, not to mention minimal square footage. People looking to upsize their accommodation without changing their budget will greatly benefit from this move.

Fresh Veggies: In 2015, having your own garden is not only practical; it’s also incredibly trendy. This is your chance to convert your windowsill ornamental garden into a full-fledged vegetable patch with everything you’ve ever wanted to plant. Your city friends will think you’re so hip.

Tickets: One thing is sure: You’ll never get a parking ticket living in the country. Hallelujah.

Furry Friends: Your building’s ‘no pet’ policy or your general feeling of guilt over having a lack of backyard will no longer be a concern. If you’ve been waiting to adopt a furry companion into your life, there’s no better time.

Big Quiet: People who can’t stand the sound of car alarms and pedestrian white noise will find their inner calm in the country. While this isn’t for everyone, people who value quiet and privacy will feel right at home.

Two Wheels: Cycling in the city often means contending with two lanes of traffic and other cyclists in the bike lines, which can make a cruise feel rather stressful at times. On the open country roads, the lane is yours – minus the odd tractor or pick-up truck.

About Caitlin Best

Caitlin Best works as a freelance writer and creative based in Calgary, Alberta. When she's not covering the latest lifestyle trends or hot new restaurants for local and national publications, she's planning her next travel adventure.

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