Large cities (I mean those with populations exceeding half a million people) seem to be ideal from a commercial and industrial perspective with a large number of people in one area to supply a workforce and a large body of consumers. With the exception of businesses that require open space (ranching/farming for example) large cities would seem to be equal or superior to any other population arrangement.
When it comes to the question of what is best for individuals though, I don’t think that such close proximity to so many other people is desirable for some people (certainly not for me). I believe that there are great advantages such as access to cultural and entertainment options that are more available in large cities than they are in other settings but I can’t see those outweighing the noise and crowding of the city to make living there preferable to living close enough to access the amenities.
I admit to a lack of experience with large cities. I have visited Chicago, Orlando, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Denver, and Albuquerque (and Phoenix, but that was long enough ago that I don’t think it would have counted), but the largest city I have lived in is St. Louis which is not quite that large. Does anyone see any advantages or disadvantages of living in large cities that I may have missed?
Access to adequate telecommunications services is a big one. In rural areas, many don’t even have a single choice for high-speed Internet access and cell phone service is spotty at best. You also find a much wider selection of fresh produce and meats (among other products) in your grocery store in an urban area.
Those things are generally available in smaller cities as well, although that is definitely a drawback to rural living.
Drawback to big city:
Claustrophobia
Big schools
Air pollution
Traffic congestion
Violence/Crime
Benefits of big city:
Variety of entertainment – sports/concerts/theater etc
Universities
Big schools – easier to find a niche, more and better electives, clubs, activities
Higher paying jobs
Drawback to rural/small city:
Boredom
Small schools – fewer electives, clubs and advanced classes
Lower paying jobs
Children generally have to move away to get a degree and a job.
Benefit of small city/rural:
Small schools – big fish in small pond ie. can be involved in everything if you want.
Less or no crime/violence
Open spaces
More sense of community
Cameron,
That list seems to conform to my expectations of the differences. Thanks for putting is so succinctly.