essay on disadvantages of living in a big city

Big City Life: Advantages and Disadvantages Essay

Introduction, disadvantages.

Historically, big cities were always centers of commerce and economic growth, offering greater security and job opportunities. To this day, leaving the desperation of the countryside for the success of a huge metropolis is a popular trope in culture and media. Although it is common to romanticize the lifestyle of big city dwellers, living in a large urban area comes at a high cost. Metropolitan residents do indeed enjoy a tremendous amount of career and quality of life advantages; however, it is not a secret that living in big cities is often associated with a lack of meaningful interpersonal interactions.

On the one hand, big city life offers excellent opportunities for economic growth. According to Loschiavo (2021), “urban concentration enhances productivity, which, in turn, spurs national economic growth” (p. 5). Due to their sheer massiveness, big metropolitan areas provide their inhabitants with a greater number of open vacancies and increased competitive salaries. In addition, dwellers of such cities benefit from easy access to various quality-of-life services, such as different specialty stores, pharmacies, hospitals, restaurants, and entertainment options. Massive city residents enjoy the best medical service and numerous means of mass transportation.

On the other hand, big city dwellers suffer from a lack of meaningful interpersonal relationships. Loschiavo (2021) claims that “big-city dwellers are exposed to unceasing external contacts with numbers of persons that are nevertheless impersonal and transitory” (p. 10). According to his research, people in larger cities tend to create relationships to meet their needs rather than form meaningful mutual connections. Moreover, a competitive environment in areas of large economic growth contributes to the dissolution of cooperation and thus leads to increased residents’ unhappiness.

In conclusion, life in a big city has advantages and disadvantages. Large urban areas offer better job opportunities and easy access to the best possible medicine, transport, and leisure. However, the competitive and transitory nature of metropolises contributes to the decadence of cooperation and interpersonal relationships. Although big cities offer numerous career-related opportunities, those aspiring to move there must be prepared for lack of satisfaction in their personal life.

Loschiavo, D. (2021). Big-city life (dis) satisfaction? The effect of urban living on subjective well-being. Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 192 , 740-764.

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The advantages and disadvantages of living in a large city

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Living in a Big City: Advantages and Disadvantages (2023)

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City life is often romanticized. Books, television and movies have presented it as bursting from the seams with adventure, culture and a wealth of possibilities. Making it big in the big city has been a mantra for young people for decades, and not without good reason. But realistically, not everyone is going to enjoy the hustle and bustle of an urban environment. How do you decide whether you should be living in a big city?

It’s time to step back and take a careful look at your options. Like everything else, living in the city has advantages and disadvantages. Some are logistical, like expenses and housing. Others are deeply personal — family connections, job opportunities, sports teams, the list goes on.

If you’re considering a move to a big city, we’ll walk you through some things you should know as you move forward.

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Advantages of Living in the City

Major metro areas are popular among millennials for a reason. Many of them have their heart set on city living after graduation, and it’s not hard to see why. When you’re ready to enter adulthood headfirst, here are a few advantages to living in a big city:

1. Entertainment Options

You never have a shortage of things to see and do when you move to a major metro area. Regardless of your preferences, you’ll find places that appeal to your interests, filled with like-minded people who share them. Whether you’re into loud clubs or quiet bookstores, you’ll find both in abundance.

While suburban and rural areas have their own social and cultural amenities, they aren’t on the same scale you’ll come across in the city. You’re also far more likely to see your favorite musical artists in major metros, as they have less incentive to visit small towns. If you’re looking for entertainment and cultural enrichment, cities are often ideal.

Furthermore, larger cities hold more communities and clubs that can help you connect with fellow residents. If you’re trying to make friends, it’s only a matter of narrowing down your interests and getting involved in activities full of other passionate people. In a small town, it’s far more unlikely you’ll be able to connect with friends who share a love for niche hobbies and events.

2. Career Opportunities

One of the biggest reasons graduates move to cities is career advancement. You’ll find more opportunities in the city, and a greater variety of opportunities as well. Whatever you studied, you’re likely to find a position where your education is relevant. In 2023, cities in the Sunbelt region such as Nashville and Austin have the fastest-growing job markets.

Established urban centers like LA and NYC are still viable, but other cities are becoming more attractive for young entrepreneurs. Job growth in the biggest cities has been slower than usual because the COVID-19 pandemic hit them the hardest. However, there still remains a combination of educational, economic and environmental factors that make big cities the best places to find new employment. 

Furthermore, living in a big city is the only way for some people to advance their careers. For example, technology-oriented roles are packed into urban centers like San Francisco, New York and Seattle. Major business and financial centers tend to set up shop here, too. These career paths require young professionals to relocate to cities where more job positions can be found.

3. Public Transportation

The costs of owning a car can add up quickly. You have to account for car payments, insurance, registration fees and other expenses. When you work an entry-level position at a company early in your career, you can’t always justify that kind of investment. Even if you find a reasonable used car, one major repair can throw off your saving goals for the month.

Fortunately, you have a range of options for public transportation when you live in a major metro area. The subway provides a relatively fast, convenient way to get from place to place, avoiding traffic. Plus, you might be able to focus on a book rather than keeping your eyes on the road — as long as the noise isn’t too distracting.

Of course, not every American city is well-equipped for public transportation. If you’re wondering whether your favorite hotspot has a reliable system, check out its rankings . If buses and subways are well-organized and frequently used, then it’s a safe bet to ditch your car before you move.

Disadvantages of Living in the City

While metro areas have their appeal, you’ll find the issue isn’t as one-sided as some might think. Urban living is great, with entertainment options, career opportunities and public transportation, but just like everything else, it has its downsides. Between traffic, crowding and higher expenses, life in a big city might just not be for you. What should you know before you start packing your things to move?

1. Higher Cost of Living

The cost of living is higher in the city than in suburban or rural areas. While there may be more job opportunities in the city, the cost of rent, food and entertainment will eliminate much of your monthly earnings. It’s typically cheaper to live in the suburbs rather than a downtown apartment. However, renting vs buying is a huge decision to make. If you’re spending more income on housing year-to-year, then you might have to put off any plans for property while living in the big city.

As a general rule, the biggest cities have the highest costs of living in the United States, like Los Angeles, New York City, Miami, Denver and others. This also means you’re more likely to be sharing life with a roommate in order to pay a reasonable rent. It’s increasingly difficult to find an affordable apartment in the biggest cities. If you’re looking to live alone, then you may want to seriously rethink moving to the city.

More than this, you have other life expenses you need to consider when making the move to a major metro area. Dining, groceries and entertainment are usually more expensive in the city, and you might find yourself spending more than you’d like for a night out. While you have more options — an attractive advantage of city living — these options come at a price that some people would rather not pay.

2. Less Personal Space

If you value having lots of personal space, cities might not seem so appealing. The close quarters of subway cars and sidewalks aren’t for everyone, and it’s a significant change from life in a small town. When you weigh your options, consider whether you can handle walking among massive crowds of people or living in a small studio apartment.

You might not feel that way at all, and this “disadvantage” wouldn’t even occur to you if it weren’t on this list. On the other hand, the thought of people crowding you whenever you step out your front door could make you uncomfortable. If this is the case, you should reconsider making the move to a city. You might be happier in a quiet environment, where loud neighbors are less of a potential nuisance.

3. Large Population

The large population of major metro areas can create other unforeseen challenges in your daily life. You’ll find it far more difficult to find a parking space if you drive, and once you arrive at your destination, you’re still not in the clear. You might have to push through a crowd, wait longer for a table at restaurants or linger in a line.

Traffic is another important consideration. Country living often means empty roads and direct routes to the grocery store. While living in a big city, you’ll either be taking public transportation or careening down a highway in rush hour to pick up a few necessities. More people can mean more excitement, but this level of energy can be exhausting when you’re on the road.

It’s worth noting that populations in large urban areas saw a substantial decrease during the pandemic, but this decline has slowed or reversed in most cases. Big cities are still packed with people and will continue to grow. Something which shouldn’t challenge you in a small town could extend into an hour-long ordeal. As we’ve stated, big city living is convenient in many ways and inconvenient in others.

4. Fast-Paced Environment

Living life on the fast track can be thrilling. But it’s also more likely to lead to burnout. Culture depends on the city’s regional character, of course, but for the most part, city dwellers have a lot more on their plate. Detroit and Cleveland are the most stressed out cities in the US, and the gloomy yet fast-paced environment has a lot to do with it. 

Consider whether you feel up to longer work hours, longer bus rides and an urge to hustle just to stay ahead. In a small town, it’s less common to compete for jobs with late-night expectations, and commutes are often a 10-minute drive. There’s nothing wrong with being sensitive to stress, and the magic of living in a big city will be lost on you if you end up frazzled by your day-to-day life.

Should You Be Living in a Big City?

Living in a big city isn’t all about glitz and glam. It’s an experience some people couldn’t imagine living without, but it repels others. Often, it’s a subject that people in your life will have strong opinions about, and it can be hard  to cut through the noise.

In the end, there’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to your lifestyle. If living in the city has advantages you’re drawn to, then it’s worth overcoming some of the obstacles you might be dealing with. 

And if suburban or rural life provides the stability and peace of mind you crave, then there’s nothing wrong with avoiding the crowds. Living in a big city has pluses and minuses, and hopefully we’ve helped you figure out which approach works best for you.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantages and Disadvantages Essay Topic: Living in big cities is becoming more difficult

Updated On Feb 28, 2024

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The Essay Writing section of the IELTS Writing Module can be a difficult task for many IELTS Aspirants. Thus, it is vital that you polish your essay writing skills before attempting the IELTS.

Below is a sample IELTS Essay for the IELTS Essay topic:

Some people believe that living in big cities is becoming more difficult. Others believe that it is getting easier. Discuss both views and give your own opinion. OR Describe the advantages and disadvantages of living in the city.

There has been much debate about whether city life is harder or easier. While it is argued that it is more difficult to live there, I think there are more comforts of urban life.

City dwellers may be confronted with various problems. The first matter can be the higher cost of living than that in villages or other smaller towns because urban citizens might have to pay higher prices for transport service or household bills. Secondly, high population density in urban areas may cause overcrowding , followed by a lack of open spaces for green trees or other recreational activities for metropolitan residents . Finally, together with thousands of tons of daily emissions discharged from families or offices, a huge quantity of fumes are released from motor street vehicles or metropolitan factories, leading to air and water pollution. In other words, there may be a deterioration in the quality of air and water ; consequently, health conditions are likely to be threatened.

However, in my view, city life is becoming easier in several cases. Well-known universities, schools at the international level, or other high-quality educational centers located in metropolitan zones generate advantages for city inhabitants to enjoy better educational opportunities to increase their knowledge level . Another factor to make urban life easier is that thanks to the governmental financial investment in improvements in public transport systems like bus or underground services in cities, urban residents’ travel can be facilitated. Furthermore, metropolitan citizens may enhance their spiritual life or enjoy relaxing moments by going to the cinema and theater or spending time in art galleries as well as museums.

In conclusion, although there are numerous difficulties of residing in metropolitan areas, from my point of view, it is increasingly easier to spend life in big urban areas on the basis of my above-mentioned analyses and explanation.

Vocabulary & Expressions

• City dweller   (noun)   a person who lives in a city
• Confront with (verb) face up to and deal with (a problem or difficult situation)
• Cost of living (phrase) the cost of maintaining a certain standard of living
• Population density (noun) the number of people living in each unit of area (such as a square mile)
• Recreational activity (phrase) actions that are performed solely for the enjoyment, pleasure and amusement of individuals
• Metropolitan (adj) belonging to a big city, or typical of big cities
• Discharge (verb) to allow liquid or gas to leave a place, especially when this has harmful effects
• Deteriorate  (verb) to become worse
• Inhabitant (noun) a person or animal that lives in a particular place

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More Writing Task 2 Essay Topics

• Some People Believe That Living In Big Cities Is Becoming More Difficult
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• Some People Think That The Range Of Technology Available To People Is Increasing The Gap Between The Rich And The Poor
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Premium Content

• THE CITIES ISSUE

How the pros and cons of city living vary around the world

Every day, more people become city dwellers. The challenge of urban existence is to balance its benefits and its drawbacks.

For most of the six million years of human evolution , all humans and protohumans lived like somewhat glorified chimpanzees , at low population densities, scattered over the landscape as families or small bands. Only within the past 6,000 years, a small fraction of human history, did some of our ancestors come together in cities. But today more than half the world’s people live in these new settings, some of which have tens of millions of inhabitants.

Urban life involves trade-offs. We may gain big benefits in return for suffering big disadvantages. Let’s consider two of them: the trade-off between individual freedom and community interests, and the trade-off between social ties and anonymity.

To understand the issue of freedom, take first the city of Singapore , in effect one of the world’s most densely populated micro-countries. Singapore’s nearly six million people are packed into about 250 square miles—230 times the average U.S. population density. It’s an Asian financial center, a major port on one of the world’s busiest shipping straits, and a tiny piece of prime real estate wedged between two giant, powerful neighbors, Indonesia and Malaysia. Singapore was part of Malaysia until 1965, when economic and racial tensions spurred its separation. But Singapore depends on Malaysia for most of its water and much of its food, and can’t afford to make mistakes or provoke its neighbors.

Singapore citizens’ bargain with their government: less individual freedom in return for First World living standards.

So Singapore’s government monitors its citizens closely, to make sure that individuals don’t harm the community. Inspectors check for water standing in each household’s pots, lest they furnish breeding sites for disease-transmitting mosquitoes. Smart-technology sensors measure (or will measure) the traffic on every street, the movements of every car, and the temperatures of and shadows cast by buildings. They also will track the water and electricity consumption of every household and will note the time whenever a household toilet is flushed. Americans may view such measures with horror, as George Orwell’s novel 1984 come true. But for Singapore’s citizens, it’s the bargain that they have made with their government: less individual freedom in return for First World living standards, health, and security.

Next consider Germany’s cities, also densely populated. Local governments have rules about the shapes and colors of tiles that Germans may use on their houses’ roofs, and about the sizes and ages of trees that they can or can’t cut down on their property. To obtain a fishing license, Germans must attend many hours of fishing classes, then pass a 60-question exam. Most Americans would bristle at such restrictions. But benefits to German communities include beautiful regional architecture , green cities, government support for the arts, and healthy fish populations.

At the opposite extreme comes my own city of Los Angeles, where rights of the individual property owner are prized as sacred. The result is a free-for-all, in which many individuals and communities suffer disadvantages. Almost any style of house is permissible; local architectural character is nonexistent. Tree cover is vanishing, temperatures are rising, and landowners’ excavated dirt and sprayed pesticides end up on neighbors’ property. To fish in the local bay waters, anyone can buy a fishing license—no questions asked—so of course fish populations decline.

For Hungry Minds

The outcomes of trade-offs differ for Singapore, Germany, and L.A. because different geographies and histories have led to different customs. Population density is highest in Singapore, intermediate in Germany, lowest in the United States (including California). China—whence the ancestors of most of Singapore’s population arrived—has had cities for five millennia, Germany for two millennia, the United States for just a few centuries. Chinese traditional farming is communal; Germans have close-packed individual farms; and U.S. frontier settlements had self-sufficient, widely scattered families. The cultural legacies of those differences live on today.

Another issue of urban life is the trade-off between social ties and anonymity. Traditional living arrangements still practiced today in rural areas of New Guinea, where I’ve been working since the 1960s, resemble those formerly practiced in pre-urban Western societies. New Guinea villagers live out their lives where they were born, constantly surrounded by lifelong friends and social support.

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A first reaction of many lonely, urban Americans is: How heartwarmingly wonderful! When New Guinea villagers move to cities, they find themselves surrounded by strangers, their friends few or recent or scattered across the city. The frequent results are unhappy isolation, decline of social support, and proliferation of urban crime.

Still, we American city dwellers shouldn’t romanticize traditional village living arrangements. My New Guinea friends tell me that those arrangements are also socially suffocating, and limit individuals’ abilities to realize their potential. In New Guinea villages, everybody knows, constantly watches, and incessantly discusses what everybody else is doing.

As a result, a New Guinea friend who spent years living in a U.S. city loved it—because (as she told me) she could sit alone and read a newspaper in peaceful anonymity in a sidewalk café, without being importuned by fellow clan members asking her for money and bewailing their troubles. New Guineans have learned to appreciate the modern urban inventions of opaque bags and trouser pockets—because those inventions permit them to conceal things from neighbors and thereby to acquire small luxuries without becoming targets of village comment. Thus, New Guineans recognize drawbacks as well as heartwarming benefits of village life. They also understand the benefits, not just the pains, of urban anonymity.

It all comes down to compromises. As the world becomes increasingly urban, will all of us be forced to adopt more of Singapore’s solutions? If a government meter that records every flushing of your toilet is part of the price you’d have to pay for living in safety, health, affluence, and beautiful surroundings, what would you choose?

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Top 10 Disadvantages of City Life | Pollution, Stress, Expenditure

Excitement to decide a big move to a big city can sometimes be distracting from the fact that you are going into a transition of the higher cost of living from a simple life in the countryside. City life is luring to most of the people, especially to those who live in a small villages and rural areas. Easy access to the social amenities, great infrastructure, and superb entertainment facilities are some of the causes behind this luring. The glamour of city life is the major reason for the high level of rural to urban migration. But it should be always kept in mind that the urban living is not for everyone. It is much more difficult than life in the suburbs and moves at a very fast pace. There are numerous cons and disadvantages of the living in a big city and city living.

UN has estimated that 55% of the world population lives in cities which are expected to rise by 68% at the end of the year 2050. Thus the cities are going to become more crowded and congested. Consider an example of any well know or major city like New York, London, Beijing, New Delhi, Seoul and you will be able to recall news which highlights the problem of these cities. The problems can be common such as high pollution level, traffic congestions, high cost of living, crime rates or exceptionally high real estate prices etc. Each city has it’s own set of benefits but disadvantages as well.

Also Read: Difference between village life and city life

Disadvantages of City Life & Living in a Big City

In this section, we are going to see some of the major disadvantages of living in big cities. These can be grouped as economical, environmental, lifestyle, transportation & job related cons of city life.

Economical Disadvantages

Living in a city can be expensive, particularly in larger cities. Although the benefits offered are large, but so can be the cost of living.

Living Expenses: In the city, salaries are higher than in rural areas, but this come at a higher cost of living as well. The prices of the commodities are also higher due to the large concentration of people and huge demand.

High Rent & Expensive Real Estate: Need and willingness to live in urban areas has brought a large number of people to the city. Because of this, there is a huge demand for houses and residential areas. This in turn shoots up rent and the prices of the housing units due to shortage of serviced land in major cities. The outright purchase of the house is also very expensive in the city.

Opportunities for Jobs:  Although there are huge numbers of job opportunities in the city, there are also several people who are competing for a single post. This can be frustrating during job searches. Especially when the economy of the city is low, you will remain unemployed even though there are thousands of job ads in the newspaper. The daily search, commute and rental expenses will further result in economical disadvantage.

Scarcity of space:  Most of the apartments in big cities are generally tiny. Also, it is very unusual to have extra space outside your house or apartments like a lawn or a yard. Sharing a common wall with the neighbours and creative to utilize the space properly are the main traits for living a happy life in the city. Only in the parks, you will get to experience greeneries or can carry out physical activities for good health in the city. This is not the case in rural areas due to the abundance of greeneries and open space.

Health & Transportation Issues

Traffic:  Traffic is the biggest nightmare in the city and especially in central business district/ central area . A large proportion of population prefer private transport instead of using public transport. Thus making it is impossible to avoid traffic in the urban areas. You always have to leave early from your home due to this headache.

Parking:  Parking in the city can be a major problem compared to rural areas. Some areas in the urban setting have a paid permit for parking. Free ones fill up like a hot cake. You may have to park your car a few blocks away from the destination in the street.

Crime:  In the city, the rate of crime is higher than in the countryside. People are more tempted to rob or do a theft due to increased poverty in urban areas.

Health: City living is generally equated to loss of physical activity. There is lack of green spaces and the overall urban lifestyle leaves individuals with little or no time to exercise. Those who are serious about keeping themselves healthy by means of exercise look out for gyms. However those living in small town might still find some open spaces and green spaces. Rural life offer more physical activity and thus eliminates need for gym in most of the cases.

Cultural Differences & Insensitivity

Lack of Privacy:    Living in a crowded city is the basic necessity of the urban lifestyle. This precipitates the privacy reduction due to scarcity of space in the setting of the city. The closeness of the buildings, flats with a common wall and severely cramped apartments has lead to the decrease in space and diminution of privacy greatly.

Community:  Most people in urban areas are very individualistic and pay little or no attention to the affairs of other people. The sense of community is very vital since many problems can be tackled as a community which is the case in the rural setting.

Different Types of People:  The different types of people in the city can be a bit overwhelming sometimes if you are not properly familiarized with their culture. You will always be surrounded by the crowd, whether you want them or not.

Technology:  Technologies are vastly and increasingly used in the progress and running of the city. As the inhabitants of the urban areas become more digitalised, there is an emergency to prevent any social division due to technological advancements.

Environmental Issues

Threats to the Environment:  Rapid urbanization is straining the basic infrastructure that is coupled with extreme and frequent weather conditions. Global Warming that is an extreme threat to climate change is mostly generated in the cities. Some of the environmental threats that are common in the urban areas are heat waves, epidemics, and tropical cyclones. Due to a large number of population density in the city, such threats can cause distressing deaths and economic loss. Making the cities resistant to these types of threats and to reduce global warming is the significant challenges that the city authorities are facing recently.

Pollution: Big city life cannot be discussed without mentioning about pollution. Smog, high carbon emission rate, polluted drinking water and high decibels of noise are some of the reasons for air, water and noise pollution in the city. Also, the increased number of motorized transports and waste from the large population are other sources of pollution. Waste disposal and solid waste management are added disadvantage of a big city.

Noise Pollution:  Many major metropolitan areas share one thing in common and that is noise pollution and levels. This is because the roads of the urban areas are full of cars, buses, taxis, and bikes which increases the overall noise level. Shopping centres are the hotspots of noise pollution. Another reason for noise pollution is the emission of sound from the large factories during their production. Noise pollution leads to different types of cardiovascular diseases, increase in blood pressure and stress.

Resources:  Cities need more resources like food, water, and energy to be feasible. But the authorities of the metropolitan are reducing the water catchment areas, and lands for agriculture. Due to this many cities will struggle to offer these natural resources to the increasing demand of the population. Due to increasing growth in the population, green spaces will also be reduced due to liveability. Food prices may enhance due to scarcity of the freshwater and less number of fertile lands.

Other Disadvantages of Living a life in the City

Apart from the above mentioned significant disadvantages, there are other problems also that persist in the city. They are:

• The sewerage system is a problem in the city due to the high level of population. If the systems are not well maintained, then the people may even have to face blockages due to this.
• Due to overpopulation in the urban areas, you may sometimes feel suffocated. Walking closely in the streets, congestion and frequently bumping into each other are some of the most common phenomena in the streets of the metropolitan cities.
• To maintain the lifestyle of the city, people tend to take more loans from the banks and put their entire property on mortgages.
• The youths in the city tend to accept bad habits like smoking, drugs, gambling and drinking more rapidly than those in the suburbs.
• Due to huge pressure and workload, people in the urban areas suffer from high stress that leads to depression
• Here the demand for housing is more than the supply putting a strain on the infrastructure of the urban setting
• Most of the people in the city are exposed to unhealthy and abnormal lifestyles leading to innumerable health problems.
• The percentage of pure water and fresh air is less and is full of harmful chemicals. The environment is full of smoke, dust, garbage, and gases.

Related: Disadvantages of Village Life or Living in the countryside

Some facts about the disadvantages of city life in Various Countries

 Some hard facts that showcase the disadvantageous position of the people living in different cities are:

• Nearly six million people are cramped in the 250 square mile city of Singapore. This population is almost 230 times more than in the USA. Smart technologies are implied to measure the traffic of the streets, temperatures of the cities to retain the negative effects of global warming and climate change. The Singapore Government also monitors the consumption of electricity and water to supply all the resources to every individual in the city with equality.
• In Germany, the people living in the city have to use tiles of a particular colour on the roof was determined by the Government. Also, they cannot cut down any trees on their property without permission from the authorities. To do legal fishing, the citizens of Germany have to do hours of fishing classes and then have to pass an exam.

Advantages of Living in the City

Now enough talking about the disadvantages of the urban areas and let us peep into the positive aspects of living in a city, particularly in terms of better infrastructure. Read about them below:

• In a large city, access to basic amenities like water and electricity is very easy.
• There is the availability of better roads and facilities for transportation in the cities and especially in urban centers.
• Due to a large number of enterprises, organizations, and factories, there are huge job opportunities
• There are better educational facilities with more qualified teachers and better infrastructure.
• A large city has all the medical facilities, hospitals and specialised health facilities with experts and doctors.
• Easy access to entertainment and shopping is also present in metropolitan areas due to the presence of numerous museums, shopping malls, game parks, amusement parks, and restaurants.
• You can meet different types of people coming from various cultures and speaking diverse languages. Talking to them can give you a refreshing feeling and different experience altogether in your city neighbourhoods
• Cities are the hosts of many big events like festivals, baseball games, music concerts, exhibitions, art openings and many more.

Well, to sum up, we can say that living in the city has some disadvantages but it does include some advantages also. You have to weigh the consequences of both the positive and negative aspects of urban life and make up your mind about moving to the metropolitan setting. It will be a perfect time to move to an urban area if you are young and are looking for a job or higher education.

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Pros and Cons of Living in a Big City

The events of the past few years have left many of us reevaluating where and how we work and live. As you look for a change of scenery and try to find your forever city , you might wonder if city or country/suburban life is right for you. We’ve already given you a few things to consider before moving to the country, so here are some pros and cons to keep in mind before packing up and heading to a big city.

Pros of Living in a Big City

There’s a reason big cities attract big populations. With endless activities, great food, and better jobs, it’s no surprise many people dream of making the move. The advantages of living in the city include:

1. More Job Opportunities

Large corporations tend to flock to cities, and one look at city skyscrapers will give you a good idea of what companies you can apply to. Whether you’re interested in the corporate world, retail, the medical field, or something in between, you’ll find no shortage of job openings. And many of these jobs come with higher salaries than outside the city. 

2. Tons of Entertainment and Dining Options

One of the biggest pros of living in the city is you never have to be bored. City life is bustling, and you will always find things to do. From Instagram-worthy brunch spots to cozy local cafes to vibrant nightclubs, there are options that fit every lifestyle and mood. 

When researching cities to live in, consider the activities you enjoy. Cities like Los Angeles and Boston might be great for sports fans, while cities like Las Vegas and NYC are go-to’s for nightlife.

3. Better Access to Public Transportation 

You can easily get around in many major cities, thanks to public transit. Buses, subways, trams, and even rentable electric scooters and bikes make transportation a breeze — without needing a car. 

Keep in mind that not every large city has robust public transportation systems. New York and Chicago are known for their amazing subway and train systems, but other cities may only offer buses or commuter rail. Unless you live in the middle of downtown, you may have fewer options. Research the types of transportation available in different cities and how widespread they are to find the right fit for your lifestyle. 

4. Walkability 

Don’t feel like riding the bus? When you live closer to the heart of the city, you can often find most things you need within walking distance, whether it’s a little bodega for groceries around the corner or a hip restaurant for dinner a few blocks away. 

Like public transportation, walkability can vary from city to city and neighborhood to neighborhood. If walkability is a must, make sure you choose an apartment in the right area. 

5. Airport Proximity and Quality

Big cities usually have bigger and better airports. Being close to an airport can be a huge plus if you’re a jet setter or need to travel for work. Airfare tends to be lower when flying between larger airports, and you’ll have more flights to choose from. Plus, you might have public transportation options for getting to the airport, saving you the cost of rideshares or airport parking. 

Cons of Living in a Big City

While big city life has a ton to offer, it can also come with drawbacks, especially if you’re used to a more rural environment. Disadvantages of living in the city include:

1. More People

Cities attract a lot of people, which can definitely be a con if you like personal space. Sidewalks, grocery stores, bars, and other public places are more crowded in the city than in the country. On the other hand, some might consider more people to be one of the benefits of living in the city. After all, higher population density makes it easier to meet people in your new city . 

2. Less Space

Larger populations also tend to mean less room when it comes to housing. To fit more people in, apartments and residential spaces might be smaller than you’d like. Depending on the city, it can be difficult to find rentals with plenty of square footage, enough storage space, or outdoor areas like patios and yards. 

3. Higher Cost of Living

With more people concentrated in a city, the cost of living tends to be much higher than in the suburbs or rural areas. You might find more job opportunities with higher salaries in the city, but you also have to consider the larger price tag for rent, groceries, and other necessities.

A cost of living calculator can help you determine how much you need to make to maintain your current standard of living. Use this information to guide salary negotiations while searching for new jobs and to decide if you can afford a bigger city. 

Because cities have so much going on, they tend to be noisy. You have to worry about the noise from traffic, police sirens, large groups of people walking down the street, nearby concerts, trains, and planes. Crowded apartments might also mean thin walls where you can easily hear those living next to and above you. If you enjoy peace and quiet, city life might not be for you. 

5. Parking Can Be a Struggle 

Depending on where you live in the city, you might not have all the same benefits of living in a downtown apartment . You may not be able to walk everywhere, and your public transportation options could be limited, which can cause you to rely on a car. Unfortunately, many cities don’t have much parking, leaving you circling the block a few dozen times for an open spot or paying an arm and a leg to park in a garage.

City vs. Suburb: Which Is Right for You?

When considering the differences between city vs. country living, the only person who knows which one is better is you. Maybe the pros of city life outweigh the cons for you, or vice versa. Whether you choose to make the move to a major metropolis or are looking to slink out to the suburbs, CORT is here to help.

Customize a CORT Furniture Rental package that suits your space and big city (or not!) style. After you build your furniture and houseware package, set a delivery date, and our team will take care of the rest, including setting up your furniture in your new home. Then, once you’re ready to move out, we’ll pick it up! Get started at your local CORT showroom or online today.

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The Advantages and Disadvantages to Living in a Big City or Small Town

This essay will compare the advantages and disadvantages of living in a big city versus a small town. It will discuss factors like lifestyle, access to amenities, community, cost of living, and employment opportunities. The piece will explore how these environments differently affect residents’ quality of life, personal preferences, and social dynamics. More free essay examples are accessible at PapersOwl about Economy.

How it works

There are many advantages and disadvantages to living in a big city or a small town.

Both hold certain characteristics that make them special to different individuals. One person might prefer living in a city, with its fast-paced lifestyle, while another might prefer the quietness of a small town. The different views all boil down to a person’s personality. Yet, the question remains: Is living in a big city or small town better? When comparing various factors such as academics, available facilities, career opportunities, public transportation, and entertainment, living in a big city is decidedly better than living in a small town.

A big city is known to have a higher academic standard than a small town. Big cities have access to modern technologies, better resources, and overall a better academic environment. Small towns often do not have the right technologies to help students advance in their studies. The schools usually do not have enough funding from the government because there are not a lot of students. Resources in a small town are minimal at best. On the other hand, schools in big cities have more funding because there are more students. Moreover, with more funding comes further resources for a better academic environment.

Not only are there better academics in a big city compared to a small town, there are also various convenient facilities and public services. Cities have multiple government buildings that are all close by, unlike towns. In small towns, you have to travel a long way before you reach a government building other than maybe the mayor’s office and the post office. Buildings such as the social security department and public safety department are commonly found in big cities rather than small towns, where you have to travel to find government offices. In addition, in small towns, there are few government workers, and you can find it difficult to get what you need. Big cities have numerous people who can help you out from answering all your questions to signing paperwork.

There are many career opportunities to be found in a big city. In the city, there are jobs that fit everybody’s needs. You can find jobs that fit your specific skills in a big city, whereas in a small town, jobs are limited and you could be stuck with a job that does not fulfill your needs. Moreover, there are more chances to get high-paying jobs in a big city. Small towns have limited jobs because the range is only what the town needs. There are no positions such as computer technician or psychologist in a small town; these jobs are in cities. Cities are big and therefore give you more opportunities to find something perfect for you, unlike a town where you have to deal with something you don’t like. This is why people move to and commute to the city for jobs.

Gas and oil prices are going up every day. Cities provide public transportation so a person can commute from place to place easily. It is more practical to travel by buses and subways since they are fast and cost much less than a tank of gas. Towns do not have public transportation like the city does, and people either have to travel by car or foot. Driving a car is great for long distances, but for short distances, public transportation is more preferable. This is why cities hold the advantages over small towns.

Entertainments are easily found in big cities. The city offers so much for those who are willing to look. From movie theaters and casinos to museums, it has a little bit – and often much more – for everyone. In contrast, a town doesn’t offer as much in terms of entertainment. Towns do not have amusement parks or large shopping malls. The closest bars in small towns are probably an hour or so away! Cities have so many places you can explore without ever becoming bored, whereas towns have only so many places to see before they start to lose their appeal.

Other benefits of living in a city include the people you meet. Firstly, you can meet new people and make new friends. A person can find others just like themselves and experience new things in a city that cannot be found in a small town. Another advantage is that with the thousands and millions of inhabitants, comes a certain anonymity. There are so many people in a city that you can easily blend into the crowd. In a big city, no one knows your business unless you share it; your life is your own. Most small towns cannot offer the same degree of privacy since populations in small towns are so small; everyone could know your name.

Cities are fast-paced, while towns are quiet and peaceful. The preference for one over the other depends on a person’s nature. However, if one were to decide which is better based on factors such as academic opportunities, convenient facilities, career opportunities, public transportation, and entertainment, a big city would be the obvious choice. Cities are expansive and hold numerous opportunities that small towns cannot, making them the optimal choice. While small towns may have their merits such as peacefulness, natural beauty, and tight-knit communities, cities offer wonders that are unbeatable.

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PapersOwl.com. (2023). The Advantages and Disadvantages to Living in a Big City or Small Town . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-to-living-in-a-big-city-or-small-town/ [Accessed: 19-May-2024]

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ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF LIVING IN A BIG CITY

IELTS essay ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF LIVING IN A BIG CITY

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Small Town vs Big City

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