Everything that you Believe about Village vs City life is Wrong

There is richer social life, and more job opportunities than you think in the village. City life will never give you these opportunities.

Once upon a time, I was the city girl who believed the best life you can have only the big metropolitans and megacities; therefore, I lived in Zurich, Stockholm, Los Angeles, Durban, New York, and Washington, DC. I believed the best opportunities, vibrant social life, zero boredom can be riched only in the city. I couldn’t go to the countryside ever, not even for a weekend because I will scream from inside of me:

“This is boring!”

But fast forward to our kind of post-covid life (who knows if it is post-covid…) My husband and I decided to move to the village for the sake of our daughter. During the lockdown in 2020, Spain prohibited children from going outside for 6 weeks. The poor child started living her life on the roofs of Albaicin, in Granada. We did not know how long the pandemic would last, so we gave it a shot and moved to the village. I knew she would have more freedom there even if the lockdown happens again.

And I am glad we did.

You may believe there are many benefits to living in a city, such as access to more job opportunities, cultural and social events, and a wider variety of shops and restaurants. But the same you may have in the village. You only need to choose your village carefully. And I will explain later.

Today, city life is very expensive and stressful, with high rents, long commutes, and crowded streets. Globally, and the prediction states it will get even more expensive to live in the city, thanks to inflation, overpopulation, and climate change.

Village life is often seen as more peaceful and relaxed, with less traffic and noise. It can also be cheaper to live in a village, and there is often more space and nature nearby. And, of course, village life can be quite slow-paced compared to city life.

So, which is better: city life or village life?

It depends on your individual preferences and needs, you may think. But think twice.

I am sure you heard this before:

“If you value convenience, excitement, and busy social life, then city life is probably right for you.”

Wrong!

Let me tell you the “so-called busy city social life” isn’t as busy as you may think for simple reasons such as people living in the city being busier, working more, commuting more instead of socializing. I had fewer social connections in the city than I have now in the village. The bigger the city, the more lonely you feel.

Why?

Because people have more time and they don’t need to chase money to survive.

If you prefer peace, lower costs, and more space for yourself, then village life may be the best choice. For me, the slowness of life makes me more creative, I spend less, I save more.

Convenience: City Life

There are lots of jobs and opportunities available in a city. It is often much easier to find work there than in a village, as well as access to more career options. For example, if you work in healthcare, then living in the city may be the best choice for you. You will have access to many opportunities in this field, such as clinics, hospitals, and private practices. But, this isn’t absolute true today.

For example, this year a recruiter from Linkedin contacted me if I would like to work as a Medical Information Specialist for JnJ pharmaceuticals. They loved my resume and I could start working remotely. They send me their laptop and monitor and within a week of the initial recruiter contact, I was working from home.

And I wasn’t even looking for a job. This is not to brag, but to show you how it is easy to work from anywhere.

City life is often more convenient when it comes to shopping. You will have access to a wider variety of stores. The downside is you will spend more money or be not able to afford to buy their sh*t. In the village, this won’t happen. I shop very rarely and that is why I save greatly.

I do not need useless luxuries and expensive toys.

In the village, organic fruits and veggies are everywhere. I live in a small apartment, but I get produce for free or very little price. And forging within the village is considered normal. Here are many public areas with fruit, almond trees, and grapes to be harvested.

Space: City Life vs Village Life

City life is often crowded, with narrow streets and tall buildings. This can be stressful and uncomfortable, especially if you don’t like being in close quarters with others. In addition, city living can be expensive, as space is at a premium.

Village life is often more spacious, with room to breathe. There are usually more green spaces and nature nearby, which can be refreshing. And, since there are fewer people in a village, it is less likely that you will feel overwhelmed or stressed out.

Village life isn’t as isolating as many assume. There are many jobs or social opportunities as there are in a city. Also, the closeness to nature makes humans happier and healthier, than fighting traffic, living with the constant noise in your daily life.

Cost of Living: City Life vs Village Life

City life is more expensive than village life. This is especially true if you live in a megacity. The cost of rent, food, and transportation can be much higher than in a village.

Village life is often more affordable, as there are fewer opportunities for spending money. The cost of rent, food, and transportation tends to be lower than in a city. Today, with the online opportunities and my fast fiber internet, I have a hard time choosing.

Of course, you need to have education, some skills to be able to work online but most of us do. If it comes to work, I wouldn’t worry if you have the skills, finding a job isn’t a problem in today creators economy. You just need to be creative.

Weather: City Life vs Village Life

City life is often colder in the winter and hotter in the summer than village life. This is because cities are built with concrete and asphalt, which hold in heat or cold. In addition, there is less air circulation in a city, which makes it harder to cool down or warm up.

Village life is usually warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer than city life. This is because villages are built with materials that allow air circulation, such as wood. And, since there are more trees and plants in a village, it is easier to find shade and shelter from the sun.

So, which is better? Village life or city life?

That depends on your priorities. In general, city life is more convenient when it comes to shopping. Job opportunities are today everywhere, especially remote jobs. We live in different times now. Village life is cheaper and has a less stressful atmosphere.

Putting things simply, if you don’t mind spending more money for a little convenience and more shopping which equals more spending, then city life may be the better option for you. But if you prefer life in the city vs the village you’re looking for a more affordable and relaxed lifestyle which helps with creativity, village life may be better suited for your needs.

Before you choose your village, do the research, visit the place to see and feel the community and its surroundings. Does it have a vibrant social life? Are people welcoming outsiders? My village is 2000 years old but very alive and full of different activities for adults and children. Is made of residents from over 35 countries. Bonus: My village is 20 minutes from the city for my convenience. But I still enjoy the countryside.

It is an affordable and simple life. You can smell the fresh mountain air, every morning.

Thank you for reading from Spain!