Ask HN: How useful is it to live in a city? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: How useful is it to live in a city?

8 pointsswman11 comments

I’m currently listing the pros and cons of moving to a big city from a small town. I have nine pros, and only 2 cons which are + cost of living and having to downsize.

I feel that I am bored out of my mind where I live. On weekends I’m rushing out of here to the city to hang out with my friends or go eat some new food. I also like the hustle and bustle.

I’m also working on my own stuff and feel like all the tech entrepreneurs and meetups are in the city. There aren’t really that many interesting things going in my small town, at least that I’m interested in.

I already come to terms that I can’t afford a house yet in my state. So I’m gonna take a chance and go to the city, maybe it works out from a networking and growth perspective. I’m not sure how I’m working on that from my small town. Please help with some insights or advice.

Also I'm in my 30s now in California.. single with no family or kids.

My perspective:

Plusses of cities:

- can walk to many things, others are available via short drive or mass transit trip

- friends live nearby

- convenience store literally downstairs from where I live. Want a can of Coke at 10:30 pm? Not a problem.

- well-maintained: meaning no major potholes, snow is regularly shoveled from sidewalks etc.

- I can live in an apartment, which means basically almost zero home maintenance work.

Minuses of cities:

- Depending on specific location, can be far from nice green walking areas (and even such area is close by, it can be heavily occupied by others and hence will not help with relaxing as much)

- Noise levels from neighboring apartments, cars, barking dogs, never-ending construction and home improvements going around etc.

- Much more people around. Random inconsiderate strangers (aka assholes who blast music from their cars, park like the whole street belongs to them etc. etc. ) make me angry.

Also plusses of cities:

- possibly shorter commute (walk/cycle to work)

- anonymity - you probably won't even know who your neighbours are

Minuses:

- you won't have a house, decent living space or any land. So a lot of hobbies and recreational activities won't be available to you (gardening, barbecue, woodwork, proper cooking, home gym in the garage - even having a cat could be problematic)

- anonymity - you probably won't even know who your neighbours are

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.

If you think downsizing is a con, you might find that city life is not for you. Unless you are relatively wealthy, personal space (both in your living space and outside of it) is always limited the closer you get to a big city’s downtown core.

Personally, I love it. I grew up in a small home in a very rural area and as an adult I’ve only lived in urban apartments smaller than about 600 square feet.

I still own a lot of shit, but it’s nothing compared to people I know who live in the suburbs and fill 2000 (or bigger) square foot homes with stuff and have entire rooms they barely use.

It depends on which stage of life you are in and your personality as well.

In my 20's, city living was aspirational. But once we settled down and had a family, I shudder thinking of the inconveniences of a city life (parking, storage, etc.)

Also, city life is too noisy for me, with everyone offering things to do/activities for me and my family all the time. I like some peace and quiet to think and commit to long term projects. The constant bustle of the city grates on me. But, that could be due to my personality too.

Could you specify the country or region you wish to compare?

Move to SF or LA

If you’re bored in a small town, it’s not a bad idea.

Which city?

Either SF or LA

I love LA, could not stand SF.

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