It is sometimes a common case of "The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence". City people often long for the restful life of the country. Country people often long for the excitement of the city. A move from one to the other can be shocking, if not very traumatic. A city dweller might think the peace and quite of the country is better, only to be kept awake by coyotes. A farm kid might long for the fast pace of the town only to be overwhelmed by the pressure to succeed.
For those who don't know, Rural means "country", and Urban means "city".
Cons of Rural Living
Isolation
Your nearest neighbor may be a mile away. There may be times when you won't see another human being for days unless you go somewhere.
Schools are not in walking distance - Yup, your kids will be on a school bus. This may be a 1 hour ride, each way.
Shopping is Not Convenient
If you so much as run out of milk (and do not have your own milk cow or goat) it means a trip in the car.
Mechanics and most services are not close - It is not easy if your car breaks down and your nearest mechanic is 30 miles away.
Internet and Television Services May be Lower
I am on dial up... enough said.
Restaurants and Entertainment is Not Easily Available
Driving involves time, expense, and planning.
Pros of Rural Living
Friendly Neighbors
The first thing that happened when I moved to the country is people introduced themselves as my "neighbor", when I asked where they lived, they would tell me... "one mile north and two miles west" or something like that. I have had neighbors plow my driveway in winter just for something to do. Other neighbors make a point of keeping us informed on area news.
Distant Neighbors
More privacy. You do not need to worry about going out into your yard and being bothered or pestered to make conversation.
You Can Have a Huge Garden
It is much easier to become self sufficient or at least semi-self sufficient when you have the space to do so.
You Can Have a Horse
Or a llama, donkey, chicken, sheep, bison, whatever your amount of space (and fencing) allows. You should check area laws.
You Can See the Stars
Peaceful nights and no city lights.
Farm Auctions
Sure you can go to these things if you live in the city, but where will you put all your cool finds?
Cons of Urban Living
Isolation
You are surrounded by hundreds or thousands of people, but you won't know most of them, and most won't know you. People who live more than a block away won't consider themselves as your neighbor and in some places won't stop to help you if you need a hand.
Noise
Sirens, neighbors fighting, barking dogs, traffic. All day, every day.
Stress
Studies have shown that people living in larger cities have higher levels of stress associated with the competitive nature of living so close together. There is a bigger pressure to "keep up with the Jone's"
Air Pollution
Of course with all the traffic you have higher levels of air pollution and smog risks. Studies have shown children raised in large cities with poor air quality have higher instances of developing asthma.
Lack of Privacy
You cannot go out in your yard without the possibility of your neighbor sticking their head over the fence and talking to you.
Too Many Rules
Sure country life has rules too... but when you are in the city you are sure to have stricter local by-laws.
Pros of Urban Living
Friendly Neighbors
In the city it is not uncommon to have chats with your neighbor through the fence, or when you are shoveling your sidewalk.
Easier Access to Public Transportation
Buses and Taxis are a part of most cities. If not you might even have a friend nearby who can give you a ride.
Lots of Entertainment and Cultural Events
Most cities have lots of entertainment venues so there is usually something going on at any moment of any day to satisfy your needs.
Closer to Emergency Services
Such as Police, Ambulance, and Hospitals.
Vibrancy
The mix of the energy and the city lights, can be very uplifting.
More Social Options
If you do not click with one group of people, there is always another around the corner, or down the street, or on the next block.
Frequently cross paths when City people become tourists and treat country people as lower class citizens, or when country people visit the city and are intolerant of the different mixtures of people. This can be particularly hard when a city person moves to the country or a country person moves to the city and is ostracized by their new community.
