What are some pros and cons about living in and/or away from the city?

[Gratefuled]

There are advantages and disadvantages either way. It just all depends on your needs and wants.

I obviously prefer the city where everything is close by. 

Unfortunately, the woman I fell in love with and eventually married already had a house away from the city. 

I don't like the inconveniences of living away from everything. 

I rented a condo walking distance to SM Mall. It had a pool, recreation room, and all the amenities. 

Later, obviously when we married, I moved into her house and started remodelling it to my liking. 

What about YOU?

 

Edited July 16, 2017 by Gratefuled

[Snowy79]

I think I've got the best of both Worlds. I hate shopping at the best of times but do realise the benefits of getting those hard to find objects.

I live in a nice area close to a beach and a local market. It's not the biggest market but there's enough fruit, veg and meat to knock up a decent meal. If I want I can travel 1 1/2hrs by road to a city or jump on a 45 min flight to a decent built up holiday area. If I really want punishment I can be in Manila within 3 hrs.

I value fresh air and my sanity too much to live in a city full time.

[Old55]

In / or away?

Away on another continent. 

If we had no children I think we would be living on Bantyan Island or along Sogod Bay Leyte. On the other hand both places are very very very far from many things I/we would wish to have on hand. 

[Gratefuled]

31 minutes ago, Old55 said:

If we had no children I think we would be living on Bantyan Island or along Sogod Bay Leyte. On the other hand both places are very very very far from many things I/we would wish to have on hand. 

You could live off the land like the natives. 

That is if you can live without your smart phone, television, computer, A/C. 

just eat wild fruit, veggies, and fish 

[Mike J]

We live in the town of Moalboal which is quite  small.  For us the closest large city is Cebu City, about 3 hours away.  

The advantage to living in a city:

Healthcare is readily available

Large malls to find the clothing, foods, etc that you are used to as expat.

Lots of restaurants to choose from

Better schools if you have children

More leisure activities (cinema, museums, galleries, sporting events, concerts, etc)

Better/faster internet and 4G cell service

The advantage to living away from the city:

Cleaner air and fresh breezes, less litter

Friendly neighbors

A slower pace of life

Easier to become a member of the community

Very little traffic and no gridlock

Less crime (probably)

Lower cost of living

Ultimately I think the choice depends on if you are a "small town" or a "big city" type person.  We almost purchased a house in Cebu City about three years ago.  We have to go to the city for any serious medical care, special shopping trips, etc.  Now when I have to make one of these trips I am SO THANKFUL that we live in Moalboal and I cannot wait to return home. 

 

 

[Queenie O.]

2 hours ago, Old55 said:

In / or away?

Away on another continent. 

If we had no children I think we would be living on Bantyan Island or along Sogod Bay Leyte. On the other hand both places are very very very far from many things I/we would wish to have on hand. 

We live out here in northern Cebu, and yes without children in the house, the seaside and peacefulness of living out here does have it's benefits.  I do think that I could lead a more stimulating life in or closer to Cebu City because of the many advantages of city living, but it takes a lot of money to really live the lifestyle to the way I'd like. My husband hates the city and traffic, so I guess the travel back and forth to the city is my only practical choice.

[JDDavao II]

I grew up in what was a small town in New Jersey. We weren't far from dairy farms and fields of summer sweet corn and we actually had a livestock market about a block from our house. I hunted and fished and owned a pickup truck.

After moving to Seattle, I was hooked on city life. There was just so much of the world to experience and it was all just beyond my front door. I could never live in a rural setting again, although I will always be able to appreciate the reasons others prefer to.

We're on the edge of the city here in Davao. It's about 7Km to SM Mall and about the same to the Poblacion. Our area is just now starting to see interest from the city. They've built a shortcut from one of the main highways and are now widening the main road to four lanes.

We have everything we need: two hospitals, a major mall, Jollibee and Chow King, plenty of crossroad markets and sari sari stores, all nearby. If we needed them, there are several schools nearby as well.

We don't have a car (it's cheaper to use taxis for us than own a car) and I don't mind the traffic too much as I love to people watch from the back seat.

It's the city life for me. At least, this city.

[Gary D]

Our place is very rural but about 3k from a largish town Dinilupihan and 30 mins from Subic. Manila 3 hours away. Best of both worlds.

[Tukaram (Tim)]

We are only an hour from the city by jeepney (25 minutes by car - which I do have, do not want).  I get pretty bored out here, but I am a city boy.  I looked at her province when I first arrived and there was no way I was living over 2 hours from a grocery store.  I find the city more fun, just as friendly, and quieter.  More city people have jobs and want to sleep.  Out here we have some very noisy neighbors. Many of them, various distances, but someone is always "sharing" their shitty taste in what they consider music.  Out in her province it was worse.

We lived in the city for over a year and I much preferred it.  After I retire we will most likely move back.  We are just where we are because there is no rent. If I had enough money we would move to Boracay, and she agreed to that!  ha ha 

[Gary D]

2 hours ago, Tukaram (Tim) said:

We are only an hour from the city by jeepney (25 minutes by car - which I do have, do not want).  I get pretty bored out here, but I am a city boy.  I looked at her province when I first arrived and there was no way I was living over 2 hours from a grocery store.  I find the city more fun, just as friendly, and quieter.  More city people have jobs and want to sleep.  Out here we have some very noisy neighbors. Many of them, various distances, but someone is always "sharing" their shitty taste in what they consider music.  Out in her province it was worse.

We lived in the city for over a year and I much preferred it.  After I retire we will most likely move back.  We are just where we are because there is no rent. If I had enough money we would move to Boracay, and she agreed to that!  ha ha 

I can't imagine Boracay being quiet