Born and raised in the city, I often wonder how different my life would be if I had been raised in the country. Imagine having to choose to reside in one place for the rest of your life. Which one would you choose? Some would say that the hyperactive lifestyle offered by a big city has more advantages. However, others will say that the calm and peaceful environment of the countryside is much more rewarding. Many people leave the city to settle on a farm to escape the hustle and bustle. Likewise, farmers have traded in their tractors and animals for a bustling urban life. Of course, not all major cities are the same and not all places in the country are the same. Recognizing this, ten years ago I decided to leave city life in Indiana behind and take a more laid-back approach to life in rural Tennessee. Certainly, city living and country living have their advantages, but they also have notable differences. Work environments, for example, vary between people who live in the city and those who live in the countryside. Big cities are exploding with ultra-modern skyscrapers, high-rise office buildings and banks that block out daylight, creating an oppressive aura of concrete and shadows, but jobs for city dwellers are plentiful . However, city dwellers generally have to travel to city centers, a journey that can sometimes be long, arduous and congested. Although jobs are more plentiful in urban areas, the fast-paced work environment, traffic, and dark, grassless atmosphere of the city can cause great discontent. However, some will say that it would be easier to find another job because the market is higher. Although I agree that the job market is stronger in the city, amidst a ......uiescent paper atmosphere, the crime rate in the country is lower. In fact, unlike homeowners in the country, a city dweller would never consider locking doors as an option. So, whether it's the crazy, energetic, stress-filled life of city living that you prefer or the laid-back, relaxed lifestyle that the country has to offer, both have their advantages. The choice depends on what is important to each individual. I have many fond memories of living in the city during the early part of my life; however, it was the move to the countryside that had the greatest impact on my life. Industrial employment opportunities were greater in the city and extracurricular activities were plentiful. Nevertheless, I prefer to cherish the slower pace of life in the countryside, the kindness of the friends and neighbors I have here and the taste of rural life..