The pros and cons of urban and rural living

When you start house-hunting, the location is one of the key starting criteria.

Perhaps you wish to live in the same or a surrounding neighbourhood to where you or your partner grew up. Or there’s a suburb you’ve always dreamed about living in. Or, in some instances, you might be thinking about a complete change of scenery.

If you’re considering a move to the country or city versus staying where you are, there are pros and cons to consider for each. We’ve collated some of these to help with your decision.

City (or urban) living

When we talk about city or urban living, we’re usually referring to high density, industrial areas, such as capital cities like Melbourne. Given the population density, many people live in apartments and unit blocks and work across a multitude of services.

Pros for living in the city

• Accessible transport - There’s usually plenty of trams, trains, buses, ferries, and taxis available - meaning you don’t have to own a car or garage.
• Close proximity to amenities - You’ll be surrounded by shopping outlets, restaurants, cafes, gyms, schools, universities, and health facilities to service your needs and quality of life.
• Range of entertainment options - The city offers great dining and entertainment venues, like cinemas, music venues, and sporting arenas.
• Greater career prospects - You can expect to find a diversity of jobs in various industries.

Cons for living in the city

• Harder to afford - As one of the major drawbacks, housing is usually a lot more expensive than its rural counterparts and prices are constantly rising.
• Less space - Due to the expense, it might be hard to find the perfect house with a decent sized backyard.
• High noise levels - With surrounding roads and side-by-side housing, noise levels are much higher compared to the country.
• Traffic congestion - Being stuck in traffic jams or slow-flow traffic is likely to be a common occurrence.

Country (or rural) living

When we talk about the country, we’re usually referring to the regions on the outskirts or beyond the boundaries of a city or industry area. The majority of people living in rural areas work in agriculture and trades.

Pros for living in the country

• Great value for money - Rural properties provide the opportunity to afford large acreages with stunning views for substantially less than an inner-city terrace.
• Relaxed lifestyle - With fewer crowds and beautiful surroundings, you’ll have the chance to breathe fresh air away from the hustle and bustle.
• Access to local produce - Enjoy produce straight from the farmers and avoid the typical supermarket mark-up in urban towns.
• Places to explore - Country areas have plenty of national parks, walking tracks, swimming spots, and lookouts to discover.
• Welcoming community - While they may live in housing further apart, people in the country usually form close-knit communities where they’re always eager to lend a helping hand.
• Better living standards - Apart from living in larger spaces, you’ll also experience less air and noise pollution, and more intimate schooling class sizes.

Cons for living in the country

• Limited public transport - In most instances, you’ll need to rely upon your own private methods of transport.
• Lack of privacy - While it might be quieter, people in smaller rural towns are likely to know everyone and have an opinion on everything.
• Risk of drought, flooding, and bushfires - In the case of natural disasters, the lives of you and your family may be at risk. Food and water resources might dry up as well.
• Limited employment opportunities - There are usually limited work options in rural areas and less job openings. You’ll have to work harder to get the job you want.

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Have these pros and cons helped you to decide? If you're ready to find your dream home in the country or city, jump onto Listing Loop and sign up for FREE today. We're always happy to help with all the dramas and stressors of house buying and selling.

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