Big City life is overrated. There, I said it.

When I was growing up in a small town in Wyoming, moving to the big city was always something that sounded so appealing. It’s become mythologized, this idea of gathering up everything you own and starting anew in some glitzy metropolis where the horizon is full of towering skyscrapers and blinking lights.

In real life, though, a big city is not all it’s cracked up to. Starting anew actually means starting from the very bottom, and all those tall buildings are really only good for blocking out the stars.

If you really want to move to a big city, I’m not going to stop you. Don’t get me wrong, I love living in New Orleans. Though, this may be because New Orleans is a relatively small city that is easy to explore by foot like Salzburg. But don’t be fooled, a really big city is not all it’s cracked up to be. Here are some uncomfortable truths to keep in mind before you make a decision you could end up regretting.

It’s overpriced in a big city

Everything’s bigger in a big city. The streets. The buildings. The crowds. And, oh yeah, the costs.

Even a small but beautiful piece of New York, Los Angeles, or Toronto real estate can eat up a big chunk of change, and that’s not even taking into account additional expenses like utility bills, groceries, and transportation. In NYC, the cost of housing is a jaw-dropping 369% higher than the national average. In LA, a median-priced home costs a whopping $600,000. And in Toronto, the average cost of living is more than $6000 more expensive than the annual earnings of a full-time employee on minimum wage.

Some people dream of escaping small town life to move to the big city. But Big City life can be overrated! Discover a few reasons why you shouldn't move to a Big City! #BigCityLife #SmallTownGirl #lifeinthebigcity
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It’s not better connected in a big city

There’s also the fact that being in a big city no longer affords the extra connections it once did. Thanks to cheap high-speed internet rolling out in the countryside and more rural areas, it’s easier than ever to build a network online and supercharge your career. 

Sure, big newspapers will write about how working remotely harms productivity and damages your psychology, but that’s mostly naysaying. The reality is that remote work gives you more time and freedom than a regular employer ever would.

It’s unclean in a big city

Here’s the thing about living in the city. When you put that many people, that many businesses, and that many automobiles in one place, you’re gonna be left with a whole lot of waste. And that means pollution.

With over 40% of the American population regularly exposed to unhealthy air and one in every eight deaths worldwide being caused in part by air pollution, that’s nothing to sneeze at. Studies have shown that air quality improves the farther you move into more rural areas, meaning that people who don’t live in cities not only enjoy cleaner lives, but longer and healthier ones as well.

It’s dangerous in a big city

There may be a number of reasons to move to the city. Job opportunities. School. Being closer to loved ones. But one thing no one has ever moved to the city for is safety. In fact, the worst thing about city life arguably isn’t how expensive or dirty it is, but how perilous it is.

Crime rates are much higher in cities than in smaller towns, suburbs, or rural areas. It’s simple math. More people plus a high cost of living plus intense pressure minus adequate protection equals increased crime. To wit, the FBI has ranked such cities as St. Louis, Detroit, Baltimore, and Memphis among the most dangerous places in the U.S. And don’t think the freaks only come out at night. A recent study found that city crime is actually more likely to occur during the day, meaning you’re not even safe in broad daylight.

So what do you think about big city life? Have you ever wanted to move to a big city? What are some reasons that have stopped you from packing up and moving? Let us know in the comments below!

About Our Guest Poster:

Darcee Snider Gamble is a Wyoming native, who appreciates the work ethic and strong values that growing up in the Cowboy State afforded her. No matter where life takes her, she will always be a proud Wyomingite. New Orleans has been a part of Darcee for a long time. But now she is excited to now be a part of New Orleans. She believes there is truly nowhere else like the Big Easy and the experiences it affords its citizens; she can’t wait to share them with the family and friends that are sure to visit.  Passion for literature, food, history, adventure and music are reasons why living in New Orleans is such an important part of Darcee’s story. She writes each chapter by enjoying the wonders of the Carousel Bar, exploring the WWII Museum, walking the streets of Uptown, navigating the hidden gems of the French Quarter and eating a Po-Boy at Mahony’s.

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The post Why You Shouldn’t Move to a Big City appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

There a few cities in the world home to 8.5 million people. Cramming all of these people into a tiny space, New York is renowned around the World for being one of the busiest cities on Earth, with the hustle bustle giving a legendary atmosphere. With a population so large, Manhattan benefits from having a lot of variety when it comes to things to do and see. From the monuments and large buildings, to the landmarks you’ve seen in countless movies, everyone can find things to do in New York City.

From the monuments and large buildings, to the landmarks you’ve seen in countless movies, everyone can find things to do in New York City. #BigApple #ILoveNewYork #NewYorkCity #NYC
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Food And Drink:

Of course, though, it wouldn’t be possible to visit a city like this without thinking about the food you’ll be trying while you’re away. Having a population from all over the world, New York has a vast selection of culinary delights on offer, and a lot of people will embrace the chance to give them a try. For this reason, it is always worth looking for hotels which don’t provide food, as this will make it a lot easier to go out and try as much as you can.

Statue Of Liberty:

Commanding over 3 million visitors each year, the Statue Of Liberty is one of New York’s proudest monuments. Originally a gift from France, in 1886, this attraction has been the center of attention in the city for decades. Within the massive structure, there is a staircase and elevator, making it nice and easy to get to the top. Once there, you will have the best views Manhattan has to offer, and you won’t have to leave for a very long time.

Central Park:

Sometimes, a little bit of peace and quiet is what you need from your break. Central Park has featured in countless TV shows, movies, and other popular culture, making it possibly the most famous park in the world. During the night, this part of the city can get a little dangerous. In the day, though, it will come to life, and you will get the chance to get a true insight into what New York life is like.

Times Square:

While it may be largely designed as an area for businesses to advertise, Times Square is like no other junction in the world. Sitting between two of the busiest roads in Manhattan, this part of the city is laced with brightly lit billboards and signs, all pointing towards shows and businesses. This has made it very popular amongst tourists, with photos of this place being some of the most popular on Instagram.

Broadway:

Right next to Times Square, you will find yourself standing on Broadway. This road features some of the greatest and most well-renowned theatres in the english-speaking world, making it perfect for anyone looking for some culture. You can find stars like Alec Baldwin and Tina Fey on Broadway, making the shows nice and accessible, while also giving you the chance to see the stars. Not a lot of vacation ideas give you this sort of freedom.

Coney Island:

During the winter, Coney Island is a normal residential area, and not much will be found by tourists coming to visit. In the summer, though, this part of the city transforms, with locals taking to the streets to create a massive fair and hosting loads of fun events. This is great for those with children, as it enables you to find activities which everyone likes. You can use this as a way to eat some time if you have a spare day or two.

Little Italy:

With such a high population of people from around the world, the different cultures in New York create an exciting melting pot. To see them for yourself, areas like Little Italy can give you a real insight into the people which built the place, while also giving you the chance to experience food and entertainment from across the world. Not a lot of people realize that these sorts of places are very important to communities, and are usually an authentic take on the place they represent.

Hopefully, with all of this in mind, it will be a lot easier to start working towards your own vacation to New York. As a tourist in this city, you will have to work hard to make sure that you can see everything you want to, as it is so large. To help you with this, a little bit of research can go a long way, and will help you to build a solid itinerary for the time you have away. This is great for any kind of trip.

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The post Taking Your Bite Of The Big Apple appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

The USA is a huge country, and there are examples of every type of climate and environment to enjoy. If you have a weekend free and you fancy getting away for a few days, you might want to take a look at travelling across our wonderful country and trying out something new. You might want a shopping break in New York, a beach weekend in Miami or an adventure in Ohio… here are some of the best places to go for a weekend break in the USA.

When it comes to Fun Weekend Trips, there are some amazing cities in the U.S. to fit anyone's travel bucket list! #funweekendtrips #USTravel #Bucketlisttravel
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New York City

The big apple is by far one of the most popular places for short visits for people all over the world. This city is full of shops, characters, culture and a bustling atmosphere. Standing in the city is magical and feeling that constant thrum of life humming through the veins of the city is just amazing. If shopping isn’t your thing you can also enjoy a walk in Central Park, a show at a Broadway or even a tour of the FRIENDS set.

Santa Monica Beach

If shopping isn’t what you fancy this weekend, go to the beach instead! California is the home to one of the best beaches in the country: Santa Monica. You’ll be able to enjoy warm weather all year round, so escape those winter blues and step out into the sun for a while. Enjoy biking around the around, going for a picnic or simply sleeping in the sun.

San Francisco

If you want a city atmosphere but still the hot weather, then this is the perfect place to go. Enjoy shopping in the city centre, then walking along the pier and enjoying the sea. The temperatures stay at around 60F, so you will be able to bring your favourite play suit and some sunglasses with you as your explore the area!

Washington, D.C.

The capital of our great nation is also a great place for a weekend trip with the family. You can visit the Lincoln statue and learn about the history of the nation, as well as enjoy shopping in the national mall. Where better to spend your weekend than the place it all centres from?

Whether it's a city adventure or a beach experience you need, the U.S. has so many cities for fun weekend trips! #FunWeekendTrips #UStravel #bucketlisttravel
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San Diego

If you love a bit of an adventure, San Diego has plenty to offer for an active weekend for the whole family. Start of your weekend at the zoo, the move on to the Torrey Pines Reserve for a hike. Enjoy some time in the fresh air and brush up on your exercise outside the gym.

Miami

If you want to visit a city where it is always summer, then Miami is the ideal place. You can even do affordable yacht rental Miami and enjoy the landscape from the water, or simply stay on the beach and soak up that vitamin D. This city is also full of culture, and you can really learn a lot about different people staying here for a few days. Enjoy Cuban food, sunny weather and a buzzing nightlife.

Have you ever visited any of these amazing U.S. cities? Which one of these Fun Weekend Trips would most appeal to you the most?

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