Re:Ask HN: How useful is it to live in a city?
by milkytron on Friday August 20, 2021 @05:20PM
(#28251543)
I've lived in a relatively big city for about 4 years now. I started my career in a small town and commuted into a city by car every day for a year.
I think for personal happiness, it depends on what makes you happy, and if your chosen location will lead you to happiness. This is different for everyone.
My reasons for moving into a city were many:
Career opportunities
Shorter commute via transit or bike
Environmental (sold my car and don't drive anymore)
Entertainment
Diversity of people and culture
Social
Food options
Exercise (biking on designated trail to destinations is easy)
Retail options (supporting locals is easier)
---------
There are definitely negatives to living in a city, and some cities have more of those negatives than others. I would never live in certain cities because of them (lived in NYC for a few months and hated it. Still enjoy visiting though). But overall, I have found myself much happier with richer life experiences because I moved to a city. It's not for everyone, but I would say give it a shot for a year if you have that freedom. You can always move again later, but the next time you move you'll have that city life experience to help with your decision.
I think for personal happiness, it depends on what makes you happy, and if your chosen location will lead you to happiness. This is different for everyone.
My reasons for moving into a city were many:
Career opportunities
Shorter commute via transit or bike
Environmental (sold my car and don't drive anymore)
Entertainment
Diversity of people and culture
Social
Food options
Exercise (biking on designated trail to destinations is easy)
Retail options (supporting locals is easier)
---------
There are definitely negatives to living in a city, and some cities have more of those negatives than others. I would never live in certain cities because of them (lived in NYC for a few months and hated it. Still enjoy visiting though). But overall, I have found myself much happier with richer life experiences because I moved to a city. It's not for everyone, but I would say give it a shot for a year if you have that freedom. You can always move again later, but the next time you move you'll have that city life experience to help with your decision.