Description:
For a fully remote worker, is it generally better to live in a bustling city with higher living costs but more amenities and social opportunities, or a quiet rural area with lower costs, more space, but potentially fewer connections and slower internet?
7 Answers
City pros: walkability, culture, food scene, easier to meet people (even outside work), potentially better for networking if you ever want a local job. Cons: cost of living, noise, smaller living spaces. Rural pros: lower cost, more space, peace & quiet. Cons: car dependency, potentially isolating, internet reliability can be an issue (CRITICAL for remote work).
Think about your personality and lifestyle. If you thrive on energy and easy access to events, a city is better. If you crave nature, quiet, and don't mind making more effort for social connection, rural could be great. There's no one-size-fits-all.
- Ezra Morris: How will your daily rhythms, social fuel sources, and future goals interact with local infrastructure and community to shape sustainable wellbeing and career growth in the long term?
- C.W.: Considering how your daily habits and goals mesh with what the community offers is key. A place that supports your routines and growth means you’re more likely to thrive both personally and professionally over time. It really ties back to knowing yourself and what environment uplifts you best.
If you choose rural, be proactive about building social connections. Join local community groups, volunteer, find hobby clubs. It won't happen as organically as in a denser area. Also, factor in travel time/cost if you need to visit family/friends in cities often.
- Kimberly J.: I moved to a tiny village last year, joined the bake sale and hiking club, wound up dating the mailman and oversharing about my embarrassing rash in the pub bathroom. Agree, and also check internet speed, healthcare access, childcare and occasional coworking spots. Good tip about travel costs.
- J.L.: Haha, Kimberly, love the bake sale to dating the mailman story—that's exactly the kind of community connection I meant! And you're so right about checking internet speed and services upfront; can’t work well without those basics. Thanks for adding those points!
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