231_Urban vs Rural Living: The Pros, Cons, and Critical Considerations

Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast

Episode 231

Urban vs Rural Living: The Pros, Cons, and Critical Considerations

Just the other day I was sitting on the hillside in the sun enjoying a cup of coffee and thinking about all the time I’d lived at the cabin. My thoughts were centered around all that I had accomplished and the amount of time it had taken. And of course there is always that lingering question of whether or not it had been worth it.

Furthermore, after all this time had all my efforts produced a lifestyle that was truly sustainable and environmentally friendly or would it have been better if I had lived in an urban area. After all, there are pros and cons of everything we do. But if I had it all to do over again, what exactly are the pros, cons, and critical considerations?

So join me for E 231, where I am going to discuss the finer points of urban versus rural living.

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E231 Urban vs Rural Living: The Pros, Cons, and Critical Considerations.

You have to know that I have never been much of a city person. The times in my life when I have lived in urban areas it seemed as if I always had an exit plan. That being said, I do remember there being distinct advantages to being in town. When I lived in South Carolina everything I needed was 5 to 10 minutes away from the house. Life was easy and convenient. While at the cabin, everything I need is at least 20 miles away.

But certainly you have heard me discuss all the advantages to living where and how I do. I find it difficult to believe that living in a urban area is more sustainable. Yet that is the conclusion of several studies I recently read. But by now that I have spent years living in both environments. What I want to do is examine the pros and cons of both and decide whether or not it is more sustainable and environmentally friendly to live urban or rural.

But before we do that, let’s talk about the good news story of the week. This week’s good news story is really more of a social interest story. I think by now we are all familiar with the known detrimental affects of constant exposure to social media, test messages, voice mails, advertising etc. Fortunately, many educational institutions are tuning in on this as well.

In the UK over 90% of national schools have institute smartphone bans. A survey of over 15,000 schools revealed that 99.8% of elementary schools and 90% of middle schools had instituted some form of a ban. The best part is that this is something the schools did on their own without any direction from the government. Furthermore, the response from parents has been phenomenal.

Numerous educational organizations in the US have also instituted bans on smartphones. In the US, the government has also largely left this to the individual states.

The bottom line is that the research is clear. Reducing the use of cellphones in class improves concentration and learning, improves mental and physical health, and reduces pressures caused social media,” said Washington schools superintendent Chris Reykdal.

So, there you have it. Once again it is shown that limiting the exposure to all the media actually improves our health

Now let’s move on to this week’s episode.

Not long after I had purchased my homestead property, early one winter morning I was putting on my backpack and preparing to walk the last mile up the hill to the cabin. All was quiet, no one was around and I had the place to myself. As I was hiking, I was thinking about a great many things, including my current financial situation. I was going over a whole list of things in my head that I needed to accomplish in order to work less and spend more time at home. After all, it seemed as if I spent a lot of time commuting and I wanted to cut down on that as much as possible.

And here I am 25 years later. I have managed to reduce my traveling and commuting for work by 70% and I am down to working two days a week. As far as I am concerned, mission accomplished. After years of hard work I  accomplished something I had always wanted. But I do look back and wonder sometimes if there might have been a better way that I simply overlooked.

So, what I want to present is some information on the on-going debate as to whether rural living actually is more sustainable and environmentally friendly relative to urban living. And I might add that this has always been my argument. But am I right or wrong? 

The debate over whether urban or rural living is more environmentally friendly involves several factors. Urban areas are often considered more environmentally friendly due to their compact size. Urban areas can reduce our environmental impact in several ways. Cities are often more efficient in terms of resource use and can have a lower environmental impact per person compared to rural areas. This is due to their higher population density and infrastructure that supports more efficient transportation and energy use. Public transportation systems in cities can significantly reduce fossil fuel emissions compared to personal vehicles used in suburban and rural areas.

Additionally urban areas can promote sustainable practices such as green building design, which incorporates design principles to reduce environmental impact and create healthier living conditions. Cities can also implement effective urban planning that maximizes the use of green spaces, which absorb carbon dioxide, reduce urban heat, and even provide wildlife habitat. These green spaces also encourage exercise and promotes mental well-being. For these reasons as well as others urban living is often considered better for the future of the planet. And this of course was a great surprise for me because I have always enjoyed living in a rural area and have done so for most of my life.

Sustainability Challenges of Urban Living

Now you might think that based on what I just said, maybe all my time at the cabin has been a waste. But, let’s look at some of the sustainability challenges of urban living because that lifestyle also has it’s issues

Cities tend to generate large amounts of pollution and encroach on natural habitats, which of course exacerbates environmental issues. Urban areas also have significant indirect energy and material demands that are not often accounted for when considering urban energy use. For example, almost all gasoline consumed in the U.S. is consumed in metropolitan areas because this is where most people live. Additionally, urban areas depend on resources and materials produced elsewhere, often at high energy costs, and these resources are transported over long distances to cities.

Furthermore, city living comes with several other downsides. Noise pollution is a significant issue, with constant sounds from traffic, sirens, and even public events making it challenging to find peace and quiet. The high population density can lead to crowded living spaces and limited personal space, which might not appeal to everyone. And I often wonder if this is why there is so much road rage.

The cost of living in cities is generally higher, including expenses for housing, utilities, and daily necessities. Safety is yet another concern. Cities tend to have higher crime rates compared to smaller towns.

Specific health impacts of city living are also widely known. While cities encourage physical activity due to walkability and public transportation, they also expose residents to higher levels of pollution and stress, which can negatively affect mental health. Studies have shown that city dwellers have a higher risk of anxiety and mood disorders, and those born and raised in cities are more likely to develop schizophrenia.

Sustainability of Rural Living

Now, despite what several studies proclaim rural living offers several sustainability benefits that contribute markedly to environmental, economic, and the social well-being of those the live in these areas.  One key advantage is the potential for self-sufficiency. Rural areas provide ample space for having a garden, raising livestock, and powering your home with renewable energy. This allows people to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle that is environmentally friendly.

Rural communities often foster a strong sense of community and cooperation, which can enhance social sustainability. Rural communities are often known for their close-knit nature, where people support each other, creating a resilient social network not often seen in urban areas

Additionally, rural areas typically have lower levels of air pollution compared to urban areas, providing cleaner air and a healthier living environment. The tranquility and peacefulness of rural settings also has a positive impact on emotional well-being, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression while improving mood and even cognitive function.

Rural living also promotes a healthier lifestyle through regular physical activity and access to fresh, organic produce, which also contributes to improved overall health and well-being. In many respects rural living supports sustainable development, often balancing economic growth, social equity, and a level of environmental stewardship not always seen in urban areas.

Sustainability Challenges in Rural Living

Now just for the sake of argument, let’s take a few minutes to look at the sustainability challenges to rural living. And I want to point this out simply because rural living is what I have always promoted. So what I am talking about here are challenges for people in general. I am not talking specifically about myself.

Just as in urban areas people in rural areas face several sustainability challenges that impacts their economic, environmental, and even their social well-being.

These challenges can include environmental pollution, land degradation, resource depletion, biodiversity loss, and income loss. Rural communities often lack accessible education and proper infrastructure, which are considered critical for sustainable development. Additionally, rural areas are less economically diverse, making the communities economically vulnerable. Climate change impacts such as water scarcity, flooding, and increased frequency of wildfires further stress these smaller communities.

Rural areas also face geographical and demographic challenges including physical isolation, limited economic diversity, higher poverty rates. These factors tend to increase the vulnerability and limit the adaptability of such communities.

Furthermore, what we already know is that the use of our private vehicles accounts for approximately 50% of our carbon emissions. Rural residences almost always have to use a person vehicle because of the longer travel distances to access services. In fact, when examine my own lifestyle at the cabin, the use of my truck was by far my greatest environmental impact.

The Bottom Line

So the bottom line here is urban living can be more environmentally friendly due to higher density and better public transportation options. Rural living can also be sustainable through personal choices and a lifestyle that minimizes environmental impact.

Here is a rundown of the pros, cons, and critical considerations when deciding what is best lifestyle choice:

Urban Living

Pros

•  Access to Services: Close proximity to hospitals, universities, entertainment, shopping, and public transport.
•  Career Opportunities: Higher concentration of jobs across a wide range of industries. This can also promote faster professional networking.
•  Cultural Diversity: Exposure to a wide range of cultures, ideas, cuisines, and events.
•  Convenience: Everything from 24/7 grocery stores to food delivery services is readily available.

Cons

•  Cost of Living: Higher housing prices, taxes, and everyday expenses.
•  Overcrowding: High population density can lead to traffic congestion, noise, and stress.
•  Environmental Issues: Greater exposure to air pollution, urban heat islands, and limited green space.
•  Pace of Life: Fast, competitive environments can contribute to burnout as well as mental health issues.

Rural Living

Pros

•  Affordability: Lower housing costs, property taxes, and overall cost of living.
•  Space and Nature: More access to land, open spaces, and cleaner air.
•  Community Bonds: Strong sense of community, with closer interpersonal relationships.
•  Slower Pace of Life: Rural areas offer substantial space between properties, providing privacy and the freedom to use your land according to your preferences. This environment can be very peaceful and conducive to a slower pace of life, which often leads to decreased stress levels.

Cons

•  Limited Access: Fewer medical facilities, educational institutions, and entertainment options.
•  Job Scarcity: Narrower range of employment opportunities.
•  Isolation: Geographical and sometimes social isolation; longer distances to reach necessities.
•  Infrastructure Challenges: Potentially less reliable internet and fewer public services. In some areas, even today, there is limited cellular service. Rural living often requires a reliable personal vehicle due to longer traveling distances.

Critical Considerations

1. Career and Education Goals

•  Urban areas often provide better career advancement and education.
•  Remote work options may change the equation for some.

2. Healthcare Needs

•  Immediate access to specialized healthcare is much more available in cities.

3. Cost vs. Income

•  Consider cost of living in relation to expected income in each setting.

4. Lifestyle Preferences

•  Desire for nightlife, culture, and social variety may pull people toward cities.
•  Preference for peace, space, and self-sufficiency may favor rural living.

5. Family Considerations

•  School quality, safety, and outdoor opportunities for children vary significantly.

6. Sustainability and Environmental Impact

•  Urban living, despite its pollution, can be more environmentally sustainable per capita (e.g., public transportation, smaller homes).
•  Rural living encourages personal sustainability (gardening, solar energy, conservation practices).

My Personal Take on the Issue

Now for my personal take on this issue.

There is no doubt that urbanization is a global trend. In developed countries, nearly 80% of the population lives in urban areas. In upper middle income countries, it is somewhere between 50% and 80%. And this trend will most likely continue. Most analysts agree that urban living is better for the climate. But I would argue that you have to take someone’s entire lifestyle into account.

Consider the following example. Now you must know that I cannot take credit for this example. I read this in a article some where and just cannot remember where. But, here goes.

Consider the lifestyle of two people. One guy works from home, uses public transportation for his daily needs or he walks most of the time. The other guy travels for work, taking both domestic and international flights almost weekly. Who has the greatest environmental footprint? Well, most would say it is the person that flies all the time.

Guess again. The guy that works from home writes promotional ads for large oil conglomerates and helps promote the growth and use of fossil fuels. The guy who travels all the time is a climate scientist that spends his career teaching others about climate change and how to stop it.

So, you can’t just say across the board that urban living is more sustainable and environmentally friendly relative to rural living. You have to consider the entire picture.

I will be the first to admit that for years at the cabin the only thing I focused on was living off the grid and being as self sufficient as possible. But as I learned more about what I was doing I realized I there were a lot of improvements I could make from the perspective of sustainability. For example, I never even thought about the environmental impact of all my commuting.

Once I realized this, I changed my work schedule and limited who I was working for and why. Consequently, I reduced my commuting by nearly 70%. That took care of my biggest challenge. On top of that, I have closely tracked the water and electricity we use. Based on usage of the average home, we use 80% less water and 70% less electricity the most homes in the US. And by the way, we are not missing out on anything. We have a very comfortable lifestyle.

In many respects I think it comes down to how you live and not where you live. It comes down to your priorities, your goals and your desired lifestyle. Urban and rural living can both be highly sustainable. It is a matter of personal choice. Just remember that in so many ways where you live shapes how you live, so choose thoughtfully and live sustainably.

Until next week folks, this is your host Patrick signing off. Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future.