You might think that life in the countryside involves early mornings, farming & a whole lot of quietness. And you’re not wrong! But there’s more to it than that and most city dwellers could really benefit from living a more rural life. Here are ten lessons urban America could learn from these communities.
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Being Resourceful
Rural communities are great at making the most out of what they have. Such resourcefulness makes rural Americans great at coming up with cheap solutions. Urban areas could learn a thing or two about this—especially with using space creatively. Think vertical gardens & multi-use buildings as well as community spaces that have more than one purpose.
Practical Problem Solving
Similarly, when you’re out in the sticks, you can’t always call someone to fix your problems. Rural people are rather handy, figuring out practical solutions to everyday problems. City dwellers would benefit from having the same can-do attitude! They could go to workshops or take community classes on basic DIY to learn how to deal with problems head-on.
Smart Land Use
Rural areas often have to balance different needs, like farming, conservation & living spaces. Such smart use of land would teach urban planners a thing or two about making cities more livable. They could learn how to integrate more green spaces and even areas for urban wildlife to make city living better for everyone.
Every Little Bit Helps
Individual efforts make a big difference in small towns. This idea that “every little bit helps” could inspire city dwellers to take action in their communities through volunteering or participating in local government. Even helping out a neighbor would create a more connected urban lifestyle!
Prioritizing Education Through Community Involvement
Small towns often emphasize supporting schools & educational events since they understand that these institutions are the center of the community. Urban areas would do well to learn from this. Creating stronger connections between schools and the wider community through mentorship programs and community-led extracurricular activities would certainly help. It’d make the community feel more invested in school success.
Embracing Quiet Moments
In rural areas, silence isn’t something to fill—it’s something to enjoy. The quiet of the countryside gives you time to reflect & relax in a way that’s hard to do in the noise of the city. As such, we could create more quiet spaces in urban areas, like noise-free cafes or parks. At least then, we’d get a break from the constant buzz and have the chance to recharge.
The Importance of Local Businesses
Rural towns often center around local businesses that become more than places to shop. Instead, they’re part of the community’s lifeblood as they provide jobs and local character. Urban neighborhoods could create a similar sense of community by supporting small businesses with “shop local” days and more community markets.
Adapting to Change with Resilience
In rural America, you have to deal with many natural disasters & changing demographics. And they do it all with remarkable resilience! They adapt and move forward in a way that urban dwellers could really learn from. We could learn to be more flexible with urban planning and create a culture that views change as an opportunity rather than a threat.
Prioritizing Access to Outdoor Activities
It’s a given that you’ll have access to nature and outdoor activities in the countryside. Hiking, fishing, playing outside—they’re all part of daily life. Unfortunately, most urban areas lack easy access to green spaces yet they could learn to prioritize developing parks & community gardens. Then, it’d be easier for residents to take part in outdoor activities.
Creating a Culture of Generosity
Another important aspect of rural living is the culture of generosity that comes from sharing the harvest with neighbors and coming together to support someone in tough times. It’s a sense of collective well-being that’s hard to find in more populated areas. Urban communities could create this same feeling through community-sharing programs and free exchanges.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.