Moved from a city of 1M (Ottawa) to a town of 12K (Arnprior) about 30-40 minutes away, depending on how you count. Pluses: quiet; know my neighbours (not every

Moved from a city of 1M (Ottawa) to a town of 12K (Arnprior) about 30-40 minutes away, depending on how you count. Pluses: quiet; know my neighbours (not everyone will consider that a plus); most walks with the dog take me into real country (depends on the direction we take); best Internet of any of my colleagues during video calls (newer infrastructure, I guess); driving is far less stressful (I WFH, so I don’t drive as much, either); chatting with cashiers, bank tellers, pharmacists, etc., and no one is fussed; people just aren’t as fussed and impatient. Cons: grocery store doesn’t always get the specials (they are advertised, they just don’t get any); hospital sorta sucks (long story); wine store doesn’t get the really good stuff (only those who understand LCBO Vintage Releases will get that). Neutral: family is 30-40 minutes away (they were almost that anyway, mostly, but now it is a more enjoyable drive); the symphony and most theatre is much further away, but I find I feel less need for them; gas is cheaper, but I use less on the highway, but I drive less; pretty much the same level of choices for dining, except at the highest end.