City vs. Rural Lifestyle: Which One is Right for You?

As someone who grew up in rural West Virginia (and loved it) yet now lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (and also loves it, for the last four years it’s been incredible), I have a lot of thoughts and feelings on the pros and cons of rural vs. city living. That said, I often get asked, “Which do you prefer?” My answer, honestly, is “both,” and I often encourage people to do what’s right for them specifically (when they’re asking me where they should go, where they should live based on my experiences, etc. etc. etc.)

So, is city living right for you? Is rural living inherently better or worse than the city, or vice-versa? I’m here to dispel those myths (they’re both great in their own way) and dive in to my experience living in both types of areas, so let’s begin—

Me, now, living in Philadelphia, PA enjoying dinner at Assembly Rooftop Lounge in Logan Circle.

Rural vs. City Living: which is right for you?

You may have a degree in a specific niche, or certain interests or lifestyle preferences (like being an outdoorsy person, vs. being a “shopper”, that sort of thing), or many other things that make you more inclined to city or rural living, and that’s a good place to start.

I always tell people (when they ask me which lifestyle I prefer, city or rural), “Go where you can thrive.” Interested in nature, hiking trails, and working for the park service or as a Zipline guide, etc? West Virginia is perfect for you. Working as a software engineer, into exciting nightlife, and looking for a more “metropolitan” area to make friends and participate in groups, etc? Perhaps a city (of relatively medium-to-large size) is better for you.

Essentially, you have to ask yourself a few things, including (but not limited to), 1.) what you enjoy doing for recreation, 2.) what your career goals are, in the short-and-long terms, and 3.) how you see your family growing in the years to come. Cities aren’t inherently “better” than rural areas; that is a myth (and one I’ve grown quite tired of hearing over the years.) Cities aren’t inherently “worse” (or “more dangerous”, etc.) either. It’s all a matter of doing what’s best for you, your career, your family, and your lifestyle.

Andrew and I would’ve lived in West Virginia forever. We love it there. We’re outdoorsy people. Our family and closest friends are there. Leaving was a hard choice, but ultimately, the pros of moving to Philadelphia outweighed the cons for us as a couple and a family. We can work in our specific career niches more easily in Philadelphia; we can enjoy nightlife and music scenes that are extreme vibrant (things that are recreationally important to us); we can enjoy more arts and culture-related events here. It’s those sort of things.

Me, in West Virginia, helping my brother’s girlfriend rehabilitate the abundant wildlife found there.

There are pros and cons to every place on earth. No place is inherently “better” or “worse” than other place in reality; just better or worse for you as an individual. That said, have you asked yourself the three questions above? If so, would you like me to break down what it’s like to live in Philadelphia? West Virginia? Let’s discuss.

Xoxo, MM.