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From someone who has been blessed with having close relatives that live in a very rural environment, I've found that most of the benefits of suburban living are

From someone who has been blessed with having close relatives that live in a very rural environment, I've found that most of the benefits of suburban living are mere imitations of the benefits of rural living. The only one you really lose is proximity to things like work and brick-and-mortar stores. Everything else is like the suburbs but way better: near-zero crime, an intimate community (if there are even other people), a sense of autonomy, breathtaking nature, star-filled skies, insanely low cost of living. No need for playgrounds and pools, the kids can go explore in the woods and swim in the nearby pond/creek. Nobody will abduct or harm them because there are no other people for miles. If you want local produce, you can get some from a nearby farmer or just grow it in a giant garden in your front yard. The main downsides are distance from everything, and lack of any kind of culture. You have to make your own culture inside your home.

bkmartin 12y ago
Isn't the "lack of culture" actually the "culture" of rural living? What does that even mean, lack of culture? There's lots of culture in rural living, its just not the same as city or urban or whatever you want to call it. There is music, and gatherings, and performances, and games, etc. Carnivals, dances (the square variety is well liked), singing (blue grass and country are popular), art (lots of art from rural dwellers). So While I agree with the beginning of your post... I too love rural living. I grew up farming, my parents still farm. The culture bit is just not true, you just might not like it as much as something else, which is ok.
- rthomas6 12y ago
  Upon reflection you're 100% correct. You're right, there are some awesome folk traditions to be found in US rural areas. The only rural culture I was exposed to was hunting and fishing, which I enjoy greatly, but it's not exactly art or music. I think the problem may lie with my relatives. After thinking about it, my mom did tell me stories about how her grandparents and great aunts and uncles would get together and play the fiddle and sing. That said, you have to admit, the art/music/gatherings in the country are much less frequent and much less varied than in a big city.

bkmartin 12y ago

Isn't the "lack of culture" actually the "culture" of rural living? What does that even mean, lack of culture? There's lots of culture in rural living, its just not the same as city or urban or whatever you want to call it. There is music, and gatherings, and performances, and games, etc. Carnivals, dances (the square variety is well liked), singing (blue grass and country are popular), art (lots of art from rural dwellers). So While I agree with the beginning of your post... I too love rural living. I grew up farming, my parents still farm. The culture bit is just not true, you just might not like it as much as something else, which is ok.

rthomas6 12y ago
Upon reflection you're 100% correct. You're right, there are some awesome folk traditions to be found in US rural areas. The only rural culture I was exposed to was hunting and fishing, which I enjoy greatly, but it's not exactly art or music. I think the problem may lie with my relatives. After thinking about it, my mom did tell me stories about how her grandparents and great aunts and uncles would get together and play the fiddle and sing. That said, you have to admit, the art/music/gatherings in the country are much less frequent and much less varied than in a big city.