Are you wondering whether you should move to a small town, or to a big city? Of course, both options have some pros and cons, so if you want to move but don’t have to move to a specific town or city for work-related reasons, you should take a moment to make the right choice.
The perfect destination for you depends on your priorities, and on what you want the most out of your life. Whether you are moving to a small town like London or a big city like Toronto, there are pros and cons of each. Either way, your next move should be an exciting new adventure.
Are you alone, or with a family? What kind of lifestyle do you most enjoy, or do you wish you had? What are your expectations?
Let’s try to settle the small town vs big city debate to help you choose the best option for you:
1. Cost of living
There are many factors to determine between living in a small town vs big city, but it all boils down on one key decision: the cost of living. Everything tends to be more expensive in a big city than in a small town. Renting or buying a home, buying groceries, and even shopping for clothes will probably be a lot more affordable in a small town. If you want to save some money, this is something you should keep in mind.
That being said, if you know you can get a job with a big salary in a big city, you will easily be able to afford the higher cost of living.
2. Job market
If you want to search for a job in a small town, you might be able to find one without too much competition.
Of course, there are more jobs available in a big city, and you might even be able to find a job that pays more, so you can afford to rent an apartment or buy a house. However, finding your dream job might be more difficult, since many people will want the same one.
3. Crime rate
If you want to move to a neighbourhood where you and your children will feel safe, a quiet small town could be the right choice for you.
Big cities tend to have higher crime rates than small towns, but of course, it varies from one city to another, and sometimes even from one neighbourhood to another. Make your research before choosing your new environment.
4. Transportation
If you live in a small town, you might need a car to go out shopping, to go to a medical appointment, to eat lunch in a restaurant, or to get a haircut. Of course, you could walk or ride a bike to go around your neighbourhood, but owning a car could become a necessity.
In a big city, you have many more options when it comes to going around. You can use public transportation, hail a taxi, use a ride-hailing service, or even rent a bike.
5. Proximity of services
Depending on the small town where you might want to move, getting access to all the services you need could be difficult. You might have to drive for a long time to get to a medical clinic, or to enjoy eating in your favourite restaurant.
In a big city, all the services you could possibly want will be closer to you, or getting to them will be easier thanks to public transportation.
6. Entertainment opportunities
Small towns are often quiet and peaceful. Of course, there are still different attractions and entertainment venues in a small town, but not as many as in a big city.
In a vibrant big city, you will find night clubs, sporting events, concerts, museums, festivals, theaters, huge shopping malls, and many more. If keeping yourself and your family busy and entertained is important to you, a big city certainly has what you’re looking for.
7. Social life
It’s often much easier to socialize and make new friends in a small town than in a big city. In a very small town, everyone ends up knowing each other, which can be a good or a bad thing, depending on what you’re looking for.
In a big city, you don’t risk running into someone you know, and don’t want to see. But since you might see different people every single day, you could have a hard time making friends and feeling like you belong.
8. Proximity of nature
If spending time in nature is important to you, you might want to move to a small town instead of in a big city.
Of course, most big cities have parks where you can spend some time surrounded by trees and flowers, but if you really want to spend time in nature, you might have to get out of the city to find the perfect oasis.
9. Pollution levels
Small towns are closer to nature, but they are also less polluted than big cities. It’s easy to go for a walk and to enjoy some fresh air.
In a big city, you will have to get used to air pollution, noise pollution, and even light pollution.
