Pros and Cons of Urban Living: A Personal Perspective
Elevating the debate on city living versus suburban life, this article explores the genuine experiences of an urban dweller. The narrative dives into the benefits and drawbacks of urban living based on personal observations and candid insights. From the convenience of urban amenities to the challenges such as congestion, read on to discover the mixed feelings associated with the urban lifestyle.
Introduction to Urban Living
The charm of the city is undeniable. Imagine your apartment just a stone's throw away from a bustling grocery store. From ordering a pizza to picking up groceries, urban living offers unparalleled convenience. However, this modern luxure also comes with its fair share of drawbacks. In this article, we will explore both the advantages and disadvantages of urban living, through the personal journey of an individual who has experienced living in both the urban and suburban settings.
Urban Living: Pros and Cons
Urban Living Pros
Convenience: Located in the center of a city with approximately 200,000 inhabitants, the author's apartment is conveniently situated above a large grocery store. Shopping can be completed in less than 10 minutes, making life incredibly easy and efficient.
Entertainment Options: Urban living offers a vast array of entertainment venues, catering to every interest. Whether it's a cinema, concert hall, or a museum, urban inhabitants have more choices compared to smaller towns.
Spontaneity: Urban areas are designed for spontaneity. Since everything and everyone are within arm's reach, one can easily make impromptu decisions and plan spontaneous outings.
Public Transport: With the author residing next to a tram line that leaves every 7 minutes, commuting is effortless. The short 20-minute journey to the university, despite a 5-mile distance and heavy traffic, showcases the efficiency of urban public transportation.
The urban view, while not explicitly described, is evidently a source of joy for the author, indicating the aesthetic beauty of the cityscape.
Urban Living Cons
Lack of Incentive to Spend Time Outside: One of the significant drawbacks of urban living is the reduced urge to spend time outdoors. Many activities that can be enjoyed in open spaces are often restricted within the city limits. Maintaining an active lifestyle requires a conscious effort to seek outdoor activities.
Constant People Interaction: Urban living typically means being surrounded by people. The author expresses that unless one is in their apartment or staying out late, they are never alone. This constant interaction can be overwhelming for those seeking solitude.
Parking and Driving: Managing a car in the city is a recurring challenge. Availability of parking spaces and navigating heavy traffic can significantly add to the stress of daily life.
Cost of Living: Rent and other living expenses in cities are often higher than in smaller towns and villages. This financial burden adds to the overall stress of city living.
My Journey to Urban and Suburban Living
Suburban Life in Atlanta: Twenty years ago, the author lived in the suburbs north of Atlanta in the cities of Marietta and Roswell. Despite the relative niceness of the area, the author could not bear the traffic, congestion, and the urban environment. After only six months, the author moved to northern Minnesota.
Life in Northern Minnesota: Life in the rural area of northern Minnesota provided a stark contrast to urban living. With only 15,000 people in the neighboring small city, job opportunities were few and finding work was challenging. However, the peace and quiet of life in the countryside offered its own set of advantages.
The author now owns 2 acres of grass and forest and lives on a 1/4 mile driveway, providing ample privacy and space. The nearby stores and commercial airport serving Delta flights make it easy to visit family, yet the solitude and self-sufficiency of rural life are highly appreciated.
Conclusion
For now, the author plans to remain a city dweller for the next few years. The current arrangement and lifestyle in the city are suitable for the moment, but the dream of living in a smaller town or countryside persists as the author ages. The decision to choose urban living highlights the complex balance of enjoying the benefits while acknowledging the challenges. The author currently revels in the convenience and spontaneity of city life, though the dream of a less crowded, more peaceful existence persists.