by R Marie Taylor

Created on: July 27, 2008

I think the countryside is a safer place to live than the city because rural areas are less likely to be targeted by terrorists. You're also less likely to be mugged, raped, murdered, robbed or have your car/bike stolen when you don't live in a city.

Most cities are filled with people moving in and moving away, so there's not much chance to form lasting bonds of friendship with people, besides you tend to be much more wary of other people in the city anyway. However, in the country the population growth tends to come from within the community so there are relationships that span over several generations. The country is a great place for children to grow up because the air is generally fresher and the children are mainly less jaded than city kids.

There are lots of things to do in the countryside for fun and entertainment, these activities tend to be wholesome and family oriented such as regional fairs and school events. High school football, basketball, baseball, track & field events are invariably well attended in the country. There is huge support for music concerts and shows at the school and community theatre level as well. Folks in the country tend to go to church or some other place of worship regularly and they attend events such as church picnics, pot-lucks and holiday events. In the country children are encouraged to swim, run, play, ride a bike or even a horse for fun and many country raised kids understand the value and necessity of helping others.

Many people in the country are independent minded and self-employed. This is where you'll find truckers, farmers and contractors. You'll also find telecommuters and other business owners out in the countryside working their high-tech jobs from a home office while their families enjoy the safety and serenity of country life. The countryside is a haven to famous and not so famous writers, artists and poets seeking a muse for their next big thing. It's where films are conceived and eventually created. The sense of space and the slow pace of life relieves the creative part of your mind to visualise possibilities. Yes, I believe that the most creative minds in the world do their best work away from the hustle, bustle and distractions of city life.

Community is vital to country life in a way that could never happen in the city. People will come out to see a local parade and they'll rally around to help the local high school band make it to some event out of town. Folks tend to be a bit more patriotic in the country and they're not afraid to make their voices heard in local government. Many country people view their 'home town' as their home rather than a temporary place to stay until something better comes along. The sense of 'belonging' somewhere is strong in the country, it's the main reason many people stay there year after year.

For me personally, I don't mind visiting the city to see a show or some other fabulous attraction, but whenever I do venture into a city, I immediately notice the dirt and noise as compared to my home-town. I also feel slightly uncomfortable in the crush of bodies on public transportation and I'm usually very concerned about losing my money or ID. I would never want to live with that type of worry every single day, nor would I choose to live in a place filled to overflowing with far too many stressed out, rushed, rude, impatient, jaded and in some cases, possibly dangerous people.

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