If you live in the city you may assume that moving to the countryside has many advantages over living in the city.
Take your time deciding where to move to next
Equally many countryside residents will assume that living in the city is better than living in a small village.
And what are the advantages or disadvantages of living in the suburbs?
What is bliss for one person may be a nightmare for another. We assume that life is always greener on the other side, but what is the reality of living in the country, or the city, or the suburbs?
After the financial crash of 2008, many people left the cities for the villages and towns, but a few years later found themselves heading back to the city.
So many things have changed since then, the world has changed, and currently we are now seeing people move out of the city to the countryside in droves again.
Will they be making the return journey in a year or two when the reality of moving to an unfamiliar environment hits home?
In this week’s home moving blog we will be asking what the difference is between city life, country life, and suburban life is so that you can decide if moving to an unfamiliar way of life is right for you.
If you currently live in the countryside, or a small village, and are thinking about moving to a big city or the suburbs of a city, there are many things that you will find are very different from where you currently live. Are you ready for the city life?
What Does City Life Mean?
We have all heard the term ‘city life’, but what does that actually mean?
City life refers to the things that people experience, their lifestyle, the things that they do, when living in the city.
Moving to the city can be a daunting prospect and a decision not to be taken lightly, especially if you have lived in the countryside all your life.
City life will be very different from country life, but maybe that is exactly what you crave and need.
Here we will look at the advantages and disadvantages of city life and what the main differences between living in the city and living in the countryside or the suburbs are.
16 Reasons to Live in the City
You can be you. Want to hide away and ignore everyone? No problem. Want to go to wild clubs every night? No problem. Want to dress in outlandish fashions? No problem. Want pink hair? Nobody will care. Cities are so diverse that you can be just what, and who, you want to be. You won’t be judged for how you live or look.
Unlimited entertainment, cafes, bars, and restaurants. There is always somewhere to go and something to do.
Easy access to museums, art galleries, and libraries.
You will be able to enjoy many different cultures, from sampling different cuisine at international cafes and restaurants, to attending carnivals and international festivals. Even where you live you will be exposed to many different cultures.
There are far more career opportunities
Everything is usually within easy reach within a city
Public transport often runs 24/7 and will get you just about anywhere, so no need for a car any more
You can go shopping or get a takeaway any time of the day or night
Easy access to medical care, most cities have a couple of large hospitals for example
Emergency service response times are quicker than living miles from anywhere
Security is better in the city, with 24/7 CCTV just about everywhere
Cities give you more opportunity to mix socially, whether that be at the gym, night school, or local music venue
Cities are full of energy. This could be just what you need to ignite your passions if you feel stifled living in a village
There is more choice. Of everything. More schools, more pubs, more parks, more shops, more happening.
And cities have ATM’s. You won’t need to drive 20 miles to get a tenner out.
If you are involved in a car accident it is likely to be a low speed shunt rather than high speed crash due to the congestion of so many cars
It is crowded, everywhere is shoulder to shoulder, all the time.
Cities are noisy, dirty, and pollution levels are high
If you have a low budget, that can mean living in a deprived area or a very small home
Jobs are less secure because there are more people able to replace you
It is harder to get a good job – more people equals lots of competition
Light pollution – you will never sit and watch the stars again
If renting, you are less likely to be able to have pets in a city home
Homes are smaller and closer together, usually without any outdoor living space.
Higher crime rates and generally a feeling of being less safe than in the countryside
It is inconvenient. If you need to get DIY supplies, for instance, that will usually involve a trip to an out of city retail park. And you will likely have to struggle on the bus with your weekly shop.
13 Ways That City life is Different to Country Life and Suburban Life
Public transport run frequently in the city
How does city life compare with country life or suburban life?
# 1 The Buzz
The one thing you will instantly notice is the buzz, the energy, the vibrancy of a city. There is something happening 24 hours a day, there are always shops open and people on the streets.
That can be a little disconcerting, or invigorating, depending upon your viewpoint.
#2 You Can Be You
Living in the country you are probably used to knowing everyone and everyone knowing your business. In the city, you can choose who knows what, and who your friends are.
Living in the suburbs, everyone will want to know your business and judge you. The ‘keeping up with the jones’ mentality is usually rife in the suburbs.
You should bear in mind that unless you are an outgoing type of person, the city can be a lonely place. For some people this could be a bonus if they seek a degree of privacy or anonymity.
#3 Community Spirit
In the city, your ‘community’ can mean just your neighbours, although often you will not even see or speak to them. There are of course exceptions, many apartment blocks have residents associations and try to create a community atmosphere.
There are usually community projects within the cities, which are generally centred on a particular part of the city, which does go some way to creating a community.
Many cultures also have their own community festivals and celebrations which can be exciting and interesting to be a part of.
People of similar cultures tend to live in the same area, which can create a wonderful sense of community if you choose to live amongst them.
Suburbs tend to have far more of a community feel than cities, more akin to living in the countryside, but not quite so intense.
#4 Shopping
In the city, you will have a far broader range of stores than the countryside or suburbs, and many will be open 24 hours.
#5 Eating Out
The same goes for restaurants, in the city, you will find cuisine from virtually every country in the world, and stores that will sell ingredients from every country too.
The suburbs however, tend to be where the huge trade parks and out of town shopping centres are.
#6 Public Transport
In the city, one of the biggest differences you will notice is public transport, which is extensive and can even run 24 hours a day on some routes. You are very unlikely to need a car living in the city.
#7 Schools
Moving to the city you will likely have a choice of schools, and they will be within walking distance of your home usually.
In the suburbs you may have to travel a little further to the schools, but not the vast distances that you would in the countryside.
#8 Healthcare
Getting to healthcare centres in the city is easy, and there are more of them, although they tend to be very busy.
In the countryside you will have less healthcare choice but potentially shorter waiting times. The suburbs are usually well served by healthcare services but again, you may find them oversubscribed.
#9 The Crowds
City life also differs in that there are people and traffic everywhere. People have little personal space, whether that be walking down the street or at home.
#9 Smaller Homes
Homes in the city you will find are smaller and more expensive, with little or no outdoor living space.
#10 Pace of Life
Life is fast-paced living in a city, people always seem to be in a rush with no time to spare. People rarely have time or the desire to stop and chat, they are always in a hurry.
#11 Careers
In the city you can have a career, rather than just a job. There are far more employment and career advancement opportunities, but the job market is fierce.
Far more people apply for a job, applicants with qualifications are common, and it is harder to get a job.
The upside to jobs in a city are that they are usually well paid.
The suburbs are easier to get a job in but do not have the career choices of the big cities. And travelling to work from the suburbs can be long and stressful.
Compared to the countryside, where you have to travel miles to get to work, your workplace in a city is likely to be a far shorter commute.
#12 Green Spaces
Whilst many cities have some great parks, you will not experience the vast open fields or forests that you are used to in the countryside.
And although the city does have its share of wildlife, there will not be such a variety in built up areas.
#13 Accessibility
Going to live in the city you will find that everything is readily available and easily accessible. Music concerts, art galleries, libraries, you name it or need it, it is more than likely right in your city.
And that is what cities are all about. That is city life. Whatever you need is there, the amenities are endless, the choice is vast, and everything is easily accessible.
Moving from the city or the suburbs to the countryside may be a huge shock for some people. In our minds we envisage long country walks, leisurely days spent relaxing in our garden, picking our own vegetables, or evenings spent in a village pub garden.
But what we can really expect life to be like if we choose to move to the countryside, if we choose the country life?
How is country life different to city life and Suburban life? In this next section we look at the pros and cons of country life.
Country life refers to the lifestyle and the experiences of people who live outside of a city or its suburbs.
12 Reasons to Choose the Country Life – The Pros of Living in the Country
The benefits of country life are many, and each person will find their own reasons to fall in love with the countryside.
Here are our 12 top reasons to move to the countryside.
#1 Healthy lifestyle
What are the Health Benefits of Living in the Countryside?
Going to live in the country will benefit your health in many ways. The air is cleaner, you can purchase organic fruit and veg locally, grow your own food, and you will do more outdoor activities such as walking.
You will generally lead a more active lifestyle, eat healthier and get far more fresh air than living in the city or suburbs.
#2 More home for your money
Moving to the countryside allows you to get more home for your money and usually with a good sized garden. Properties are cheaper and better value, whilst council taxes tend to be lower too.
With many people working from home these days, and the limited space that they have to do so, moving to a bigger house in the country will make working from home not only easier but far more enjoyable.
#3 A Garden
The biggest plus for many people moving to the countryside is that they will get a garden with their home. Whether for socializing, somewhere for the kids to safely play or for growing your own vegetables, this is now one of the biggest reasons for people to move out of the city.
For those working from home, having a garden opens up the possibility of having an office built in the garden.
#4 Child Development
Being in the countryside allows your children to experience things that they just cannot experience in a city. They can explore, make dens, see and hear animals they never knew existed, they will spend more time outdoors playing, and they will learn to live in a community. There is less crime in the countryside so will not be exposed to drugs for example.
Living in the countryside is less materialistic than the city which is a valuable lesson for children to learn.
#5 Lower Crime rates
Fewer people usually equate to less crime. There will not be the anti-social behavior that you experience in many cities and suburbs. People take a pride in the countryside where they live so there is little vandalism.
#6 Community
You will find that if you move to the countryside that you will immediately become part of a community. Where people care about their village, where people all come together for the greater good and improvement of their surroundings.
People have time for each other and look out for each other.
#7 Cost of Living is Cheaper
Generally you will find the cost of living cheaper in the countryside, especially if you choose to grow your own vegetables. Not having access to the commercialism of the city, you tend to spend less. And there is not the competition in the countryside to have the latest TV or designer clothes that you find in the city and suburbs.
#8 Peace and Quiet
Moving to the countryside you will swop the noise of traffic, sirens, anti-social behavior for the sounds of the countryside, bird song, animals, and tractors.
#9 A Slower Pace of Life
People make time for each other in the countryside. They are not rushing from AtoB all the time. There is calmness, tranquility that you will not find anywhere else.
You will actually get to see and appreciate the changing of seasons, and take time to marvel at the changing colours of the trees and shrubs.
#10 Space
Not only will your home have more space but even walking down the street you will not be crushed by hordes of people. You will get a seat on the bus, there will be no traffic congestion, and you will easily find a parking space.
Just not being surrounded by high-rise buildings will open up the sky to you making your whole field of vision seem endless.
The huge expanse of countryside views, over fields or forests will give you a feeling of freedom, of not being penned in to a few square metres of city concrete.
#11 No Materialism
We have already mentioned the lack of materialism which will help you live more cheaply. But the mental well-being that the lack of materialism brings is also worth mentioning.
There is no pressure to keep up with the latest trends, you will value what you have and see no need to have the latest fad.
The children will especially reap the benefits of this, being brought up in a world where family, the countryside, animals, and community is far more important than the latest computer game or designer clothes.
#12 Quality Family Time
Finally, your quality of life will improve as a result of all the advantages outlined above. It is impossible to quantify the benefits of being in a relaxed and tranquil environment, where the kids are free to run around, where you can do family activities together, play in the garden or take long country walks.
And at the end of the day, the best reason to move home is to have a better life.
7 Disadvantages of Country Life – The cons of Country Life
Growing your own veg is rewarding but hard work
As with anything in life, there are always going to be downsides. The country life will not suit everyone and if you have never lived in the country before you should be aware of the disadvantages of country life and well as the advantages.
#1 Prejudices
Change comes slowly to the countryside so many people are set in their ways and slow to accept new things.
For this reason you may experience some prejudices when moving out of the city or suburbs to the countryside.
It is not every village that you will experience prejudice, but you should be aware that mixed marriages, same sex couples, people of different religions, cultures or colour, even being a vegetarian may not be readily accepted.
You may find that you are welcomed with open arms for being different from the usual residents of the village but this is something that you should be prepared for or research before you decide on your countryside move.
#2 Lack of choice
Fewer shops, buses and amenities mean that your choice of things to eat, accessibility to other places, lack of entertainment or restaurants will be limited.
Generally you cannot just order a takeaway and expect it to be delivered. There may be a bus every 2 hours rather than every 4 minutes. You cannot just hail a taxi. And if you have a restricted diet, or are a vegan for example, then you will need to plan your shopping expeditions as there will be little to no choice in village stores.
You may have one local café or pub, one village store, or none at all. You need to choose your village carefully when embarking of a country life.
#3 Drink driving and high speeds crashes
Is Living in the Country Safer than the City?
In the city or suburbs, there are so many more vehicles but accidents tend to be low-speed collisions. In the countryside, there is far less traffic so the tendency is to drive more recklessly. But there are many hazards on country roads, stray animals, slow tractors, others travelling beyond the speed limits, slippery roads that are not as well maintained as city streets, which all contribute to more common high-speed crashes.
Fewer people in a large area means that there is a lower Police presence and the perception is that you are less likely to be caught breaking the law. For that reason, drink driving is common in the countryside, and results in many accidents.
#4 Loneliness
Whilst the solitude and tranquility of the countryside is idyllic for some, for others the lack of social amenities, the nearest neighbour maybe being a mile away, means that you can experience loneliness.
This is especially common in the long winter months when the opportunity to go outside or see people around the village is diminished.
Teenagers may not have as wide a social circle as they would in the suburbs or city, there will be less places to hang out and less things to do, which can make for lonely teenage years especially.
#5 Long Commutes or School Runs
Living the country life usually means that you will need transport to get almost anywhere or to get anything done.
Public transport is likely to be limited so having a car is sometimes essential.
You may need to travel 20 minutes to get to a post office, dentist or doctor. The school run may be fine during the summer but ungritted roads in the winter are not so much fun.
And even though you may only need to commute to the city a couple of times a week, it may involve multiple modes of transport, a bus or car ride to the train station, and a long commute to the city by train.
And when doing DIY for example, you need to plan for every eventuality meticulously. A forgotten pack of screws can easily take an hour round trip to fetch.
#6 Is it Cheaper to live in the Country than the City?
We know that homes in the country are generally cheaper than most cities, and the cost of food and local taxes can be cheaper.
But take into consideration that country homes tend to be older and not so well insulated. It may be more costly to heat the home because of the lack of insulation or because it is so much bigger than your old home.
The way the home is heated could also be more costly than your super-efficient city home heating system.
You should also factor in maintenance costs. Country homes are usually older and therefore cost more to maintain.
Kitting out your new country life is also expensive when you factor in gardening machinery and tools, plants and compost for example.
Factor in travelling expenses to do just about anything.
You may also have to pay higher costs for things to be delivered if the courier service works on a banding pricing system.
So although on first glance going to live in the country seems like a very cheap option, there are definitely higher costs for some things to be factored into your budget.
#7 Poor communication
Whilst internet connection and mobile phone coverage are certainly better now than it was even a few years ago, having a good internet connection is vital to many people who work from home these days, or even those who need a connection to the outside world in the long, dark winter months.
It may also be that your village experiences power failures or damaged overhead lines during the winter. Bear in mind that should that happen, the city and suburbs will always be the first to be repaired and it could be days at best before your connection is restored.
You can find out how well connected your village is and all you need to know about moving home and broadband connection in: Moving Home and Broadband.
Easy parking and enough space to not feel overwhelmed
If you don’t want the full-on hectic city life, nor the isolation of country life, then living in the suburbs could be the ideal compromise.
In this section we will ask how is living in the suburbs different to City Life? How is living in the suburbs different from living in the countryside?
What Does Suburban Living Mean?
The suburbs are found on the outskirts of a city or urban area, and the majority of residents will commute to their workplaces in the city.
The word suburb comes from the Latin ‘sub’ which means near or below, whilst ‘Urbis’ means city and is the root of the word urban.
10 Reasons to Live in the Suburbs
Moving to the suburbs from the city or the countryside can make a lot of sense for many people. Here we look at the pros and cons of moving to the suburbs.
#1 Cost of Living
Compared to the city, the cost of living in the suburbs is usually far better value for money. You will find cheaper housing, food, utilities and most everyday costs.
Moving from the countryside to the suburbs you will find the homes more expensive but cheaper to maintain and heat.
#2 Value for Money Homes
Whilst homes will be larger than what you can get for the same money in the city, they will be smaller than a country home.
The advantage of suburban homes is that there will be a huge variety to choose from and usually in good supply. From new builds to terraced homes, flats to large Victorian homes, there will be something to suit everybody’s needs whether they looking to rent or buy.
#3 More Efficient Homes
Homes in the suburbs tend to be newer than country homes so are more energy efficient and require less maintenance.
#4 Outdoor Space
You will likely get a garden with a home in the suburbs, and usually of a manageable size.
But you will also find more parks and open green spaces than the city, the streets less crowded, and parking your car will be easier too.
Buildings are not so closely packed together so you do not feel claustrophobic. There is just a feeling of openness and space that you do not get in the city.
#5 Not Too Noisy, Not Too Quiet
Suburbs do not tend to have the 24-hour noise of the city centre, but equally, they have enough going on that there is an energy, a vitality about the place.
Traffic will not be so congested, and not 24/7, as it is in the city.
Choose your suburban home wisely and you will have all the amenities you need to hand, but a peaceful place in which to live too.
#6 Community Spirit
It can be lonely living in the city or the countryside. In the suburbs you will find it easier to meet a wide circle of people, there are more social events and activities, with many suburban areas having community centres and a whole range of leisure activities.
People tend to know their neighbours and the suburbs are just more social places than the city.
#7 Lower Crime Rates
Compared to most cities, crime tends to be lower in the suburbs. There are fewer people and more of a sense of community which helps account for this.
But there are equally enough people about that you feel safe when out and about. Also you do not have the pitch blackness of the countryside nor the criminal element found in many cities.
Many suburbs are affluent and local councils can afford good CCTV systems, there are neighbourhood watch schemes and a less stretched Police service.
#8 Schools
Generally suburban schools are well funded and are of a high standard, there is also more educational choices than in the country.
The school run will be less laborious than the long country route, with most children attending a school local to their home.
#8 Acceptance
It is easier to be accepted for who you are in some suburbs. Your ethnicity or relationship choices, diet, or life choices will make no difference. Many suburbs are very multi-cultural and diverse.
# 10 Accessibility
Suburban living will give you access to the best of both worlds. You will be within easy access of the countryside or the city, depending upon your needs. You will have the choice and without having to travel long distances.
The suburbs often have the city on one side and glorious countryside on the other.
You will also have easy access to all the amenities and facilities you need. There will be choices of restaurants and cafes, maybe even art galleries or museums, and there will be many more shops than the countryside as well as out of town retail parks.
Everything is convenient in the suburbs. Life is just easier.
Need to pop down the shops in the car? No problem, there is little traffic and parking is fairly easy. No lugging heavy shopping bags on the bus or tube. No 2 hour round trip from the village to buy a bath plug.
8 Disadvantage of Living in the Suburbs
Retail shopping parks are easily accessible
The suburbs make a good choice for a home move for many people, but there are downsides to living in the suburbs.
Many people perceive living in the suburbs as a cop out, neither city life nor country life. Sort of living on the fence of both. The boring option.
But the reality is that some suburbs are more like mini cities, and others are like towns in the countryside. It all depends on the city the suburb is attached to.
And many suburbs face the same problems that those living in the city or countryside face, lack of investment or social problems, too much demand for housing, or not enough amenities following years of expansion.
The suburbs these days are anything but boring and offer you most of the amenities and advantages of living in the city whilst offer you far more choice and options than country life would.
#1 Housing
Homes tend to be closer together than you are used to if you come from the country. The gardens will be smaller and the rooms of homes smaller too.
#2 Gardens
Many suburban homes have gardens, but they are generally smaller than village plots. And if you are moving from a city home with no garden then you may find the expense and hard work of maintaining a garden quite a surprise.
#4 Noise
With more people and more space for noise to travel, noise can be even more of a problem in some suburbs than in the city. Your mind will zone out to certain noise levels if you come from a city, but for those moving from the countryside, even the suburbs can be a noisy place to live.
Whilst not the constant 24/7 of traffic that cities can be subjected to, some suburbs can get traffic noise from early morning to late night as most people use their cars to commute to the city.
#5 Lack of Space
Coming from the countryside you may experience a feeling of claustrophobia, whilst ex-city dwellers may experience the same frustrations due to lack of parking space for example.
Many suburbs suffer from lack of space due to the number of people who now choose to live there, the expansion cannot keep up with demand, and sometimes it is difficult to determine where a city ends and the suburbs begin, they often just merge into one.
#6 Materialism
The suburbs can be a hotbed of rivalry, competing as to who has the latest phone or newest car. Shops are easily accessible so the tendency to shop and indulge in the latest fads is strong.
#7 Neighbours
Living in the suburbs you will have neighbours, some good, and some bad. And suburban neighbours are sometimes regarded as nosy, wanting to know every detail of your life and judging you for your decisions.
In some suburbs you will be expected to look and act a certain way, have a certain level of income, and conform to certain stereotypes.
#8 Commuting
The majority of residents in the suburbs commute to their place of work so the journey to and from work can be long and slow.
Traffic congestion can be a problem at peak times and public transport packed to capacity.
And those long commute scan equate to less quality time spent with your family or friends.
Of course, all the pros and cons we have listed for living in the city, countryside, and the suburbs are generalisations and every location is different.
The suburbs of Edinburgh will be very different to the suburbs of London, the Essex countryside will be very different from the country life on Exmoor.
There are extremes of all types of location.
So spend as much time as you can experiencing all the options you have, visit as often as you can, at different times of the day, days of the week, even during different seasons.
Many people choose to rent a home in an unfamiliar area before deciding upon their final place to live. A brief visit can be very different from day to day life.
If you do choose to rent a place before making a final decision you could consider renting a storage unit for all your household goods. Storage is very inexpensive and will allow you to rent a smaller place, with cheaper removal costs.
Visit our home moving blog section where you will find guides to living in all parts of the UK, as well as many useful guides that will help you choose where to move to next.
And once you have decided where to move to, come back and read all the guides that will make your home move cheaper, quicker, and safer.
Good luck in choosing your new place to live. Come back and tell us in the comments about your experience of moving to a city, suburb, or village.
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