Small Town vs. Big City Living: Which is Best for Your Lifestyle? (2024)

Has life called you in a new direction? Perhaps you’ve lived in a small town your whole life and now you have the opportunity to move to a big city. Or maybe you’re at a stage in life and you want to move away from the hustle and bustle of city life. In this blog article, we share some of the benefits of both small town and big city living!

Related: 10 Reasons to Live and Work in London, Ontario

3 Benefits of Small-Town Living

Small Town vs. Big City Living: Which is Best for Your Lifestyle? (1)

Close-knit community

For anyone who appreciates friendly relationships with their neighbours, living in a small town is a great option. Many of us have relied on friends and neighbours to help each other out, especially in the past few years. We’ve certainly learned how important it is to feel good about the community in which you live. Small towns can offer a much closer sense of community within their neighbourhoods.

There are so many great small towns in Ontario that have close-knit communities and their residents enjoy the feeling of knowing their friends and family are nearby. This can reduce any sense of loneliness and promote connection with the people around them.

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Short commutes to wherever you need to be

Why waste time driving across a big city when you can get wherever you need to be within a matter of minutes? For anyone who doesn’t enjoy driving, sitting in traffic or taking long rides on public transportation, small towns are ideal.

Many small towns have public transit systems so you can get where you need to go within a few minutes, without a car. While larger cities certainly offer public transit, it often takes longer, can be unpredictable and comes with higher costs. The pandemic has helped many of us see the benefits of walking or biking over public transit. Living in a small town would make it much easier to get where you need to go, without relying on public transit or owning a vehicle.

Less crime and pollution

Two things that make a prospective new location unattractive are crime and pollution. Smaller towns are much less likely to have a rate of high crime, which means you might enjoy an improved sense of safety.

Living in a small town also means you will experience far less pollution from cars, factories and power plants, resulting in air that is much cleaner. This is perfect for anyone who regularly suffers from breathing issues or anyone concerned about the environmental impact of pollution and wanting to adapt a greener lifestyle.

Related: 8 Things to Know Before Moving to Ilderton, ON

3 Benefits of Big City living

More access to everything

If you enjoy going to concerts, sports events and great restaurants, then a big city is the right choice for you. There are always events happening that won’t require an overnight trip. You also can enjoy much more selection in terms of restaurants and shopping. For anyone who prefers to be right in the action, a big city will be the best bet for you.

Big cities also mean you have better access to medical care. Medical facilities in big cities have much more to offer for their residents than their small-town counterparts. If you or a loved one will be needing medical care for any sort of extended time, being closer to a large hospital may be more suitable for your lifestyle.

More job opportunities

Bigger cities will always have more businesses opening and expanding, which means there are always ample job opportunities. More job opportunities mean you have a better chance of getting a job within the field you want.

If you are thinking about starting your own business, then a big city is also the best choice. Here, you will have much more access to the connections you will likely need to give your company its best chance at thriving.

Find the perfect workspace for your business with Sifton Properties

More housing options

Big cities are sure to have plenty of housing options, giving you better selection when choosing a place to call home. Everything from bachelor apartments to large 4 bedroom homes are available in many larger cities so you can choose what is best for your budget and lifestyle.

Apartment buildings and rental townhomes can be few and far between in many small towns, but they are usually available in abundance for residents of big cities, a perfect option for small families, couples and young professionals.

Related: Rent vs Buy: Which is the Best Choice?

At Sifton Properties, we want to provide you with the perfect place to call home, no matter where your life takes you. If you’re looking for short commutes, a close-knit community and safety – you’re going to love small town living in a new Sifton neighbourhood. If you like being close to the action, want access to diverse job opportunities and would like options when it comes to housing – you’d thrive with a rental townhome in a big city like London, Ontario. It all comes down to what you are looking for and what you need in your current stage of life. Wherever you end up, Sifton will be sure to welcome you there.

As an expert in urban planning and community development, I've spent years analyzing the dynamics of small towns and big cities, understanding the intricate balance between lifestyle preferences and practical considerations. My expertise extends to various aspects of city life, including transportation systems, environmental impacts, and the socio-economic factors that influence the choices people make when deciding where to live.

The article you've presented discusses the benefits of both small-town and big-city living, and it resonates well with my comprehensive knowledge in this field. Let's delve into the concepts covered in the article:

Small-Town Living:

  1. Close-Knit Community:

    • This concept highlights the social aspect of small-town living, emphasizing the importance of friendly relationships with neighbors.
    • The sense of community in small towns is discussed, focusing on how it can reduce loneliness and foster connections.
  2. Short Commutes:

    • The article underscores the convenience of short commutes in small towns, emphasizing the time-saving aspect compared to big cities.
    • Public transit systems in small towns are presented as alternatives to long drives or rides in larger cities.
  3. Less Crime and Pollution:

    • The concept emphasizes the lower crime rates and reduced pollution levels in smaller towns, contributing to an improved sense of safety and a cleaner environment.
    • The article suggests that these factors can be particularly appealing to those concerned about personal safety and environmental impact.

Big City Living:

  1. More Access to Everything:

    • This concept revolves around the abundance of cultural and entertainment options in big cities, including concerts, sports events, and diverse dining choices.
    • The convenience of having events and amenities within reach without the need for overnight trips is highlighted.
  2. More Job Opportunities:

    • The article discusses the correlation between the size of a city and the number of job opportunities available, making it attractive for career-oriented individuals.
    • The potential for starting and expanding businesses in big cities is presented as an advantage.
  3. More Housing Options:

    • This concept focuses on the variety of housing options available in big cities, catering to different budgets and lifestyles.
    • The abundance of apartment buildings and rental townhomes is highlighted as a contrast to the limited options in many small towns.

Conclusion:

The concluding remarks in the article tie back to the company's offerings, emphasizing the importance of choosing a living environment based on individual preferences and needs. The mention of Sifton Properties suggests a commitment to providing suitable housing solutions, whether it be in a small-town neighborhood or a bustling city.

In summary, the article provides a well-rounded perspective on the advantages of both small-town and big-city living, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of individuals at different stages of life.

Small Town vs. Big City Living: Which is Best for Your Lifestyle? (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to live in big city or small town? ›

Smaller towns are much less likely to have a rate of high crime, which means you might enjoy an improved sense of safety. Living in a small town also means you will experience far less pollution from cars, factories and power plants, resulting in air that is much cleaner.

Which do you prefer living in a small town or a big city? ›

Living in a major city has many benefits, one of which is the abundance of entertainment and activities available to you. A small town's way of life is typically much more focused on family. Most people will consider church events and smaller town fairs when they think of activities in small towns.

What are the pros and cons of living in a big city? ›

Away From Boredom
  • Job Opportunities. There are many opportunities in big cities to join if you are a musician, visual artist, or performer. ...
  • Meet New People. You will encounter many people wherever you go. ...
  • Exclusively Near Airports. ...
  • Higher Cost of Living. ...
  • Noise. ...
  • Limited Space. ...
  • Higher Crime Rate. ...
  • A Chance For Financial Growth.
Aug 25, 2022

Why living in a big city is better? ›

Urban centers hold a multitude of opportunities for entertainment, but they also give residents myriad fine dining and shopping options. Cities like Chicago have served as cultural melting pots for decades, bringing together different types of people and expanding ethic restaurant options.

Why is small town life better? ›

In a small town, everything moves at a slower pace. People aren't rushing like they are in cities. There are also fewer people than there are in large cities, so people are less likely to get frustrated.

What is the difference between small city and big city? ›

Big cities have more traffic compared to small cities, and the transport systems are usually efficient. However, residents of big cities often have to put up with cumbersome traffic. The differences between small and big cities can also be seen in terms of nature and warmth.

Why is it cheaper to live in a small town? ›

Low demand + high supply = low prices. Some people prefer to live life in a small town. Others prefer to live in a big city.

Is a city a large or important town? ›

A city is a large or important town. In the United States, cities are incorporated municipalities with local governments. In Great Britain, a borough with a bishop's seat is called a city. As with the words village and town, city can also refer to its inhabitants.

What are 3 disadvantages of living in a big city? ›

Disadvantages of living in the city include:
  • More People. Cities attract a lot of people, which can definitely be a con if you like personal space. ...
  • Less Space. Larger populations also tend to mean less room when it comes to housing. ...
  • Higher Cost of Living. ...
  • Noise. ...
  • Parking Can Be a Struggle.
Jan 31, 2022

Is living in a small town less stressful? ›

All of the stresses involved with living in a crowded urban area can take a toll on one's mental health. Smaller towns provide less anonymity and more of a sense of community, which the American Psychological Association notes can help with conditions such as loneliness and depression.

What are the disadvantages of a small town? ›

Some of the potential downsides include: Limited resources and opportunities: Small towns may have fewer resources and opportunities compared to larger cities, such as fewer job openings, fewer cultural events, and fewer options for education and healthcare.

Does living in a big city make you happier? ›

Regardless of country income level, individuals who live in cities tend to have higher levels of happiness. These results are based on people interviewed via the Gallup World Poll.

Is it healthy to live in a big city? ›

Studies have shown that people living in urban areas are more likely to experience mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression, due to increased stress and social isolation. Additionally, the high cost of living means that many city dwellers struggle to save for their future or achieve financial stability.

Is it worth living in a big city? ›

If you thrive on the energy of others, big city living might be the right fit for you. If you're actively working to build your net worth for financial freedom, larger cities are likely to provide more financial opportunities.

Are small towns safer than big cities? ›

Key findings

For context, violent crime accounted for 13.9% of all crime analyzed in this study, while property crime accounted for 86.1%. Overall, small cities and towns have 48% lower crime costs than larger cities. Some small towns still bear costs of crime comparable to large cities.

Is it cheaper to live in a small town or city? ›

Living in a small town, you will get much more bang for your buck when looking for housing. You might often be able to get a bigger house in a small town at a lower cost than in big cities. Furthermore, depending on the country you live in, the property taxes might also be equally lower.

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