Joseph T. Cool

WC HOF'er

On my way back from a meeting today at work I was pondering the differences between small and big city life. Which do you prefer? Do you like the hustle and bustle of people moving about in all areas or prefer the calm and easy going atmosphere that comes with a more laid back community?

Looking back on where my family and I lived a year ago we were in a small Northern California town where you could drive for 10-20 minutes and get everything you needed to survive or relax. Most people knew each other in the community and local churches. I was familiar with local politics and officials.

From growing up in that area I knew the past history of the buildings and the town. I had been told these vast stories and legends about how our family moved to this area and all their experiences therein.

I must admit though that I was never comfortable in that area and always felt something lacking. I could not put it to words it just never felt like “home� to me and I was always left wanting to live someone where else.

When I got married in 2003 my wife was not impressed with live in Northern California. We both made plans to start looking at other cities and job offers to see what was out there. When my daughter was born in 2006 this search came to a head as we found a job in Washington State that had everything we were looking for. It was a large town with lots of chance for growth and a way for us to make a fresh start in a new community away from the family history that was in the area we lived in before.

Needless to say the initial transition to the Northwest area was a nerve wracking one making all the preparations but we got through it over time. Being unhappy with my job in California as well I was eager for the fresh professional environment as well.

Now a year later after the move we could not be happier. We have the chance to own our own home eventually which is something we were not even close to before. My daughters have a good school environment to enter when they are ready. In California I would not be happy with them in the public school system….here I have no problem with it due to the environment and the better schools that are offered here in terms of teachers, reputation, location as related to our home, etc.

Most nights are spent in our family doing something new out….we rarely visit the same location twice in a week if we’re making family outings. It seldom gets boring. The big town environment offers for lots of places to visit and enjoy.

Not to mention I am still learning the history of the area. It is something that had caught my interest and fancy as I read more and more about it. Not to mention it really feels like home now being here. All aspects of our lives have come together and it feels bright looking at the future here.

Now that I’ve ramble on a bit….please share your preference in big/small communities….

I’d be interested to hear other people’s thoughts.

The Phantom

I live on the outskirts of Cardiff which is Wales’ Capital City. Even though it’s one of Europes fastest growing capital cities, to me it’s not that big. Cities like London and Birmingham are much bigger. I enjoy living in the city, but at this stage in my life I’d like to move to an even bigger city. Maybe it’s because I’ve become bored with Cardiff after living here for 21 years, and I just need a new location.

I love the hustle and bustle, with everyone rushing around. In big cities there are lots of things to do, so that I won’t become bored. The calm and easy going lifestyle is not for me at the moment, there is plenty of time for that when I am older.

Dakstang

WC's Resident Redneck

I have not really experienced big city life. I have been to some bigger cities and it just seems like a hassle to me. Driving seems to be really hard in a big city as well and I would think parking would be a problem as well.

I love small town life. I live right in the middle of a small town. It is unincorporated meaning it has no elected officials, no policeman, no red lights....etc. We don't have any traffic to deal with, and no parking issues. I don't think I would ever want to live in a big city.

Beaker

I like living in a small town where most people know each other, but I do with is was a little bigger and busier. There is nothing to do in this city, which is one reason I think for the decline in the behavior of the younger kids in this town.

U MAD

Gigglypuff

Ive never lived in a small town so i cant really say which one I prefer. I live in Bradford, which isn't one of the larger cities in the UK but its big enough for me. In fact, Ive often said its the perfect size. Its big enough for it to never get boring. There are plenty of things to do and its even attached to Leeds so its no hassle to get over there if you fancy a change of pace (Leeds is waaaay busier)

But its also small enough for you to know everyone. Of course you cant actually know everyone, lol, but it sure feels that way. Larger cities intimidate me a little and Im not sure if Id like to live there but I would be interested in a small village jut to experience a totally different pace of life.

Tyler Durden

WC Hall Of Famer

I prefer to live in a small town, but work in the big city! That way I get enough of each.

Felix

The Enigma Of WC

I live in a small town, it's almost like Mayberry, without Andy, Barney, Opey... you get the idea. Everyone knows everyone, and the crime rate is low / almost non existent except the occasional drunk and disorderly. I love living here. I've lived in larger cities, and to be honest, when I go back, the attitude of people are completely different. The kindness is gone, and it's just a mad rush. I'm not saying I don't enjoy that once in a while, but I can do without standing in a store and having some Bitch (This actually happened just the other day) argue for 15 minutes with the cashier about a 25 cent mistake on the cost of something, or going to walk into a store and the person in front you you purposely hurrying so that the door quickly closes before you get to it (opposed to holding the door).

For my children, its a much better environment, and I know that even though they still get into mischief, they don't have to worry about getting shot, kidnapped, etc.

It's not perfect, and of course all those things COULD happen, but chances are it's very slim.

CM Diddy

I live just outside of Providence, and its a pretty small, territorial city. I like it because its only an hour and a half from Boston, an hour from the CT casinos, and 3 hours from NYC.

Ive lived in both farm towns and the city, and I think living in the city is more for me. Everythings alot more convienient, and theres lots more to do.

Randy Orton

WC's Resident Alchoholic

This is what I do. I get enough of the big city working there all week