General Discussion

Small towns and rural areas do not have much diversity compared to larger cities. Diversity and size increase input on ideas from various perspectives. Smaller, more homogenous communities develop their own local views and customs. They can often be narrow in views and lack a larger picture of life beyond their own neighbors and personal issues.

In cities, there is usually public transportation. There are malls, Plazas, supermarkets. There are municipal departments for snow clearance, parks, public swimming pools and maintenance, etc (or a YMCA pool), car repair shops, etc.

In rural areas, people have to be more self reliant. They attach a plow to a truck and clear their own snow. They have cars and learn to do minor repairs themselves. They have to keep up the car maintenance because the cars or trucks are essential where there are
no buses or cabs. They have to plan their time and activities around trips to towns for shopping. They are more consciously aware of individual independence. They are also usually good about helping a neighbor in distress because, without nearby services, people need help from each other sometimes. That means, of course, that they know everybody's personal problems and business and they gossip to others.

I grew up in a city and lived later in larger cities. My father grew up on a farm and most of his relatives lived in rural communities. I have lived and felt the differences between rural versus urban life.