Confession: Growing up, I had the best of both world. All my surgeries and hospital stays turned me into the utmost, uber-chic city gal. My senses took it all in. The tall buildings that stretched across the horizon. The classic Chicago smell – a mixture of pollution and whiffs of nearby Lake Michigan. The sound of a car honk in the distance or the music of a street performer. And the hoards of people rushing — always rushing — to their jobs, iPhones firmly in hand. I loved the hustle and bustle the big, expansive city had to offer.
But I also loved the calming quiet retreat awaiting me at home — in a small town amidst the cornfields and far removed from the city. Summer picnics. A rocking chair on the front porch. A glass of tall lemonade perched on the wooden table. The sounds of the country and the ears of corn blowing in the wind sweeping over the field. Seeing for miles in the distance.
What about you, friends? Are you a city mouse or a country mouse? What do you like about the city? The country? Do you think it’s possible for someone to be both? xoxo
[First two photos by Virginia Gálvez, bottom graphic via The Color]
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Jessi Haish says
i would say i'm a little bit of both!
Linz says
City mouse. I used to think I was a country mouse, but as I get older, I realize the convenience of the city is more my thing. Having said that, I need it to be a city with quiet…like Seattle. Living in NY would blow my mind, and not in a good way.
Abby (Diligent Joy) says
I like the city- I like the convenience and diversity that it offers. But now that I'm a parent, I like the subs a bit, too. I like having a yard and I like knowing that we are in a somewhat safer area.
I think having both worlds is best. We live in a smallish community but are 15 minutes from the city (not that SLC is that big).
Melissa Blake says
Jessi, I think i'm like you — a little of both.
Melissa Blake says
Linz, Seattle is one of my dream cities — i'd love to go there!!!
Brittany says
I live in country- I mean no mall for at least 45 mins. We do have a walmart in 15 mins. I have been to NY and LA once and LOVED it! I love the big buildings and city lights!
Madeleine says
I live in an outer borough of London so I get the best of both worlds. I walked across fields to school as a kid, but all the joys of the city (theatres, shops, restaurants etc) are really close. It's quiet at home, but the hustle and bustle is something I thrive on!
Stephanie says
BOTH! I love living where I live because I'm 10 minutes from downtown Portland, 5 minutes from the country, 45 minutes from the mountains and an hour from the ocean. It doesn't get much better than that!
The Drifter and the Gypsy says
I constantly ask myself this question. I used to be more of a city girl, but I find myself gravitating to the country more and more now.
drollgirl says
i'll take the city life for the most part, with the option to visit calmer and quieter locations as often as possible! 😉
Patricia Villamil says
For now, I'm a happy city girl, but I also enjoy and daydream about being in the country, removed from all the noise and tribulations of the city.
Inês de Castro says
I'm a city mouse, but where I come from (Lisbon, Portugal) there aren't enormous cities like in the US. I would like to experience living in the country, even if just for a few weeks.
Puput says
I like both. I spent my childhood in a quite town but now I stay at busy city. 🙂
Jenny in Ohio says
I grew up in the country,and moved to the city. I am SOOOO ready to be back in the country now. My husband and I are saving up to buy a house with acreage. ahhh….dreamy…
Maggie says
oh man that's worth reflecting on. i do love the city, but i neeeed to be around trees and grass. i think a happy medium like where someone above mentioned seattle would make me happy. plenty to do but still gorgeous and natural!
Shannon Hughes says
I was the only one from my family to break away and live in the city (Chicago) and I'm hooked. I think I might be urban for life! But I find myself constantly thinking about the question you posed since my family members' well-meaning questions force me to defend my living choice.
But maybe when I'm older, a nice country house would be nice for a weekend getaway 🙂
Laura says
I live in DC, so I'm spoiled with all of the city conveniences but also surrounded by tons of green space (1,700 acres in Rock Creek Park alone). I hate driving and I actually find the sound of traffic and people at night soothing so I think it's the city life for me! I grew up in the suburbs and it was nice, but the whole having to own a car thing gets me every time…
Melissa Blake says
Laura — the few times i've been to DC have been wonderful. The city is so amazing, and the transportation system is perfect for my wheelchair!
Mo says
Definitely quiet country with a city close by (not more than 2 hours away). I want a mini farm, veggies, chickens, maybe a goat or two. The outskirts of Pittsburgh have been more and more appealing to me lately.