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It seems to me like when you are in a big city, you spend a lot of your resources effectively "competing" with other people, in ways that don't apply as much to smaller cities. Parking is hard to get, housing is costly, and even social events seem difficult for everyone but the skilled extroverts. Comparatively, in smaller cities, people seem to be more personable, socialization is easier, and parking and housing aren't so hard to get.
Has anyone gotten tired of the "competitiveness" of cities and decided to move to a smaller city or even a rural area?
Sure, but that doesn't make me want to move to a small city with less to do, less opportunities, etc.
Small cities are often hard to socialize because people only hangout with their old buddies, big cities offer transplants who are also looking for friend groups. Parking is hard in small cities too, depending on whats going on, or don't offer transit instead of having to drive. Housing can be costly in many small cities.
This seems like a difference between economically depressed areas versus areas experiencing economic growth more than size.
To each their own, I guess. I've done it both ways, lived in small rural towns, and in large metropolitan areas. As for myself, you couldn't pay me enough to live in the middle of nowhere with people who are not "competitive" and don't understand what is happening in the rest of the country. In my experience, the heartland of America is filled with naïve persons of this sort. Give me the grubby filthy city any day, where one is on the cutting edge of reality, and where the people have no illusions.
To each their own, I guess. I've done it both ways, lived in small rural towns, and in large metropolitan areas. As for myself, you couldn't pay me enough to live in the middle of nowhere with people who are not "competitive" and don't understand what is happening in the rest of the country. In my experience, the heartland of America is filled with naïve persons of this sort. Give me the grubby filthy city any day, where one is on the cutting edge of reality, and where the people have no illusions.
The vast majority don’t live in grubby large cities or naive small towns.
To each their own, I guess. I've done it both ways, lived in small rural towns, and in large metropolitan areas. As for myself, you couldn't pay me enough to live in the middle of nowhere with people who are not "competitive" and don't understand what is happening in the rest of the country. In my experience, the heartland of America is filled with naïve persons of this sort. Give me the grubby filthy city any day, where one is on the cutting edge of reality, and where the people have no illusions.
This is very black and white. There are plenty of places that are not in the middle of nowhere, not ignorant nor provincial, and yet not a hypercompetitive metro area
Small cities are often hard to socialize because people only hangout with their old buddies, big cities offer transplants who are also looking for friend groups.
I'd rather have a parking space than a friend any day. In fact I'd sacrifice a few of my friends if it could move me up in one of those big city lines.
But small towns are more relaxed. That's just a fact. The only place in a small town that has the madness of the big city is the local Walmart.
If you are wealthy enough, parking isn’t an issue. You valet park, throw the car in the expensive parking garage, or own a $100k parking spot while the poors are circling looking for cheap parking.
When I lived in Chicago and I would travel into a busy area, I would take public transit. I didn't have to deal with traffic or parking. I personally value my time and avoid wasteful things like driving around looking for a parking spot.
When I visit Austin Texas, I thought how in the world do people live there and put up with the traffic. It's all about time for me.
I currently live in St Louis and we don't have as many parking and traffic issues. I also live in a walkable neighborhood with access to rapid transit. It's a city plenty to do. As far as the people go I don't have as much interaction with locals who from the suburbs but the transplants are easier to hang out with.
I find St. Louis is a very good balance of big city living with out the hassle.
Yeah, in an urban city you can walk or take transit to most things. No competition involved.
You don't need to be an extrovert to enjoy gatherings. Some social skill is useful, but if you learn to introduce yourself and spend more time listening than talking you'll do fine.
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