Home Energy Saving: Town versus country living
There are always meaningful and sometime argumentative debates and discussions in Ireland as to whether you are better off living in a town as opposed to living in the country and of course vice versa.
There are both pros and cons when discussing both options, in other words the advantages and disadvantages associated with living in both urban and rural areas.
Let’s start with the advantage of living in a town. It is convenient, close to shops, healthcare, schools, public transport and much more. There is a perception of a better social life; close to restaurants, pubs, entertainment, sporting and cultural events and other good aminates.
In most cases it is easier to access to jobs, especially in industries like retail, hospitality, and offices with better access to high-speed broadband and internet services.
However, there is a downside to living in a town. More often than not you are faced with a higher cost of living. Property prices and rental accommodation is generally higher in towns.
There are more congested areas in towns, greater noise levels, and a faster-paced lifestyle.
Gardens are smaller in towns, houses have less space and normally built in close proximity to each other, meaning less privacy, and less opportunity for outdoor activities.
What has country living to offer in Ireland? Peace, quiet and tranquility. Less noise, less pollution, and a more relaxed way of life. Larger and more spacious houses, bigger gardens, and more room for outdoor activities.
Experience beautiful landscapes, fresh air, and opportunities for farming or self-sufficiency. Rural areas often have more tight-knit communities and a strong sense of local identity. An example of this would be a GAA Club, older persons groups and community groups. There is almost always a better relationship between neighbours who live in the country.
The downside to country living is, having fewer amenities, less shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Public transport is limited, meaning that most house need a car or in some cases two cars.
There are fewer job opportunities in the country, unless you work remotely or involved in agriculture.
As recently experienced, country areas are more exposed to weather elements. Rural roads can be left inaccessible due to fallen trees or flooding, while power and services outages take longer to be restored in the countryside.
Which lifestyle is better? That depends totally on your lifestyle preferences. If you prefer convenience, job opportunities, and a busy social life, town living might suit you better. If you value peace, nature, and a slower pace of life, the countryside could be ideal.
Your lifestyle normally depends on your early years and upbringing. There is always an attachment to where you grew up, your first school, your friends while growing up and of course your family.
Would you consider ever moving, or are you weighing the pros and cons of town versus country living? Either way it’s a choice that only you can make.
READ MORE