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Not that 30's is old, but what I'm getting at is that big city life tends to appeal to and attract 20-somethings. So, I am just curious if people in their 30's, 40's and older can enjoy or prefer big city living. The whole idea of big city living seems to be marketed to young people. But at the same time, there are many young people who prefer quiet, suburban living.
Also, one of the reasons I'm asking this is because I have not lived in a large city since I was 23 and now I'm 31 and concerned if I'm going to be too old to move to a city like Chicago, Philly or DC, since I'm looking for jobs in those places as we speak.
What do you think?
I find myself in a similar boat to you. I'm 34, single, and have been living in the Chicago suburbs (I go into Chi proper frequently). Before that, I lived in Los Angeles for 6 years.
It depends on your lifestyle/tastes and your state. I like the quantity of opportunities that a large metro offers, however, I'm at an age where I want a more sensible pace of living and I know specifically what I'm into. At least 70% of the stuff in Chicago and Los Angeles is stuff that I don't need. There are likely smaller cities that would suit me if they had the particular culture that I like. For that, I'm leaning towards mid-size metros in the southwest, or possibly expatriating to another country.
There are likely smaller cities that are small, but have the people/things that you need. Figure out where those places might be and go from there.
Where did this myth that big cities most appeal to people in their 20s come from? I see no evidence for that. The most urban areas in the country (Manhattan, San Francisco, DC) have tons of people in their 30s, 40s, 50s and up living there. More so than 20-somethings. Typically they make enough money to better be able to enjoy these expensive areas compared to someone recently out of college who is slumming it for several years.
Yes these cities are known for hip bars that appeal to 20-somethings, but that doesn't mean they don't have just as many, if not more, activities that appeal to older folks.
Where did this myth that big cities most appeal to people in their 20s come from? I see no evidence for that. The most urban areas in the country (Manhattan, San Francisco, DC) have tons of people in their 30s, 40s, 50s and up living there. More so than 20-somethings. Typically they make enough money to better be able to enjoy these expensive areas compared to someone recently out of college who is slumming it for several years.
Yes these cities are known for hip bars that appeal to 20-somethings, but that doesn't mean they don't have just as many, if not more, activities that appeal to older folks.
It came from the millions of Americans, young and old, who decided that "city is for singles, suburbs/small towns are for married people".
As I get older there are some aspects of living in a big city that I hate like the aggressive nature of the people. Living in a place where there are traffic jams 14 hours a day mixed in with parking issues dont appeal to me either. I love the big city "go get it done" attitude, culture and amenities. I dont like living in the suburbs with mc mansions and strip malls and too many chains.
For me I find a metro of around 3 million to be good but not any smaller. 10 million metro like Chicago became a little too hectic. 3 to 7 million is about right for me over the age of 40 as long as there is a thriving urban scene with row houses or similar type built environment with several neighborhoods to choose from.
It's all a matter of perspective. There are people of all ages that enjoy city living. Same can be said for suburban and rural living too -- it's all just a matter of what you want. Of course, priorities do change the older you get. I have lived in cities for quite a long time, but once you hit your mid 30s and start a family (if that's your choice) then suddenly the city can become a burden. Between work and family obligations, you no longer have much time to hit up the great cafes and restaurants like you used to, so you start to ask yourself what's the point? There's little payoff to the small spaces, high cost of living, and crowded places. You also develop a need for additional living space. I'm not talking about a McMansion, just being able to turn around in your bedroom without causing an avalanche of Ikea furniture and clothes.
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