For those that know me, I am somewhat an avid outdoorsman. I enjoy spending time looking out over green fields feeling the wind on my face. I enjoy the smell of a fresh breeze with rain approaching from the horizon. It’s relaxing to find the silence that lurks on land full of trees and creeks.

I first moved to a city during college. I started out living in a duplex, sharing a space with my older brother. Living in town during undergrad wasn’t a big deal because I was only 45 minutes from my parents’ house. The importance of my parents’ house (other than seeing my family) was it was where I went to hunt and escape from the restrictions of town. It was important to me that every fall and winter I could take some time during the weekend to enjoy nature. Most of the enjoyment for me involved sitting in a discrete location, watching the sun lift itself above or dissipate beyond the trees. There is a peacefulness to me that is only found in nature.

In early fall the woods feels more full of life than any time of year. The croaking of frogs, the calls of songbirds and buzzing of insects fill the air. A calmness and tranquility lives among the crickets that roar to life as the sun sets. Owls swoop low in the trees on the hunt for prey. A nearly silent predator with just a gentle wisp from its wings glides from tree to tree. It’s hard to describe their silence as they glide. A paper airplane is something that comes to mind. A gentle swoop with a soft landing, only making noise when they choose. A nearly invisible bird that is most easily spotted when they let out a “hoot” or their silhouette.

City Civility

Most of the city scape is removed from an apparent wilderness. A lack of an unimpeded view of nature that is clogged with buildings and vehicles. Few spaces exist where nature can thrive without the hands of humans intervening in its beauty.

Not everything touched by humans turns to gold, but some of it is unique and special. A city park or slow flowing river offers citizens an escape from a concrete jungle. An opportunity is presented for running, hiking and biking. There are pockets where people can take to the water to paddle their way into a daylong adventure. The chance may even present itself for a meal, pulled from the water that gives life to everything in the area.

A past railway has evolved into a highway for those who prefer to travel on sweat and tears (in a good way). We are experiencing a regression from a bustling Industrial Age to a nature focused city environment. These long and narrow paths allow traveling great distances avoiding cars, traffic and the roar of city streets.

The Advantages of the City

  1. Restaurants
    1. Most restaurants are located in cities, living in the city makes them much closer.
    2. The diversity in restaurants is far greater when compared to a small town.
  2. Gas stations
    1. I never have to drive a far distance to fill up my car or fetch fuel for my mower. It’s easy and doesn’t take much time.
    2. Fuel tends to be cheaper than a station on a major highway or road.
  3. Cost of Living
    1. Living in the city costs less than the country. My wife and I don’t have as much upkeep costs either. We are able to allocate extra money for other fun hobbies and savings.
    2. We don’t have a large yard or landscaping, which costs less to maintain.
  4. Distance to Friends
    1. Most of our friends live in the city. Living near them makes it easier to hang out or go somewhere together.
    2. We can travel on interstate highways to get to friends homes or out of state faster.
  5. The Mailbox
    1. Our mailbox is attached to our house.
    2. This is not common when living in the country and may require getting wet or cold to get the Mail.
  6. Metroparks
    1. My wife and I have enjoyed being close to parks.
    2. Parks give a similar feel to being out in nature, which we enjoy.

Disadvantages

  1. Hobbies
    1. I have a hard time doing all my hobbies living in the city.
    2. I enjoy hunting and fishing which means I have to drive further to find a spot.
  2. Distance to Neighbors
    1. Our neighbors are only 20 ft away from our door which gives us less privacy.
  3. Space to Relax
    1. We have a small yard and a view of other houses from our porch.
    2. Having a better view from the house would be nice.
  4. Restrictions
    1. There are tasks I enjoy doing that can’t be done in my yard. As an example, I can’t build a bonfire as big as I want due to city restrictions.
  5. Distance to family
    1. We are currently living 2 hours from our family.
    2. This isn’t really an issue with being in the city, but being in a different city/state.