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.

It’s fair to say that traveling around the world — literally — is a goal for many voyagers. If you have long coveted your own plans for the perfect round-the-world trip, then actually settling on a route can be incredibly difficult. There are so many different countries to consider, how can you possibly string them altogether to produce a round-the-world trip that covers all the bases?

Well, the truth is… you can’t, so you shouldn’t try. There’s no way to see the entire world on a singular trip, but there are ways to ensure you get the most of your experience by creating a route that covers a wide variety of countries, cultures, customs, and locations. Below is a suggestion route that we think fits this bill perfectly.

The Bucket List Project offers a great plan for the perfect round-the-world trip! #bucketlist #Travel #RoundtheWorldTrip
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Starting Point: New York

New York is a great starting point, as it is a destination in and of itself, and you can spend a few days enjoying the lights of the big city before setting off.

First Leg: New York To London

London is one of the most visited cities in the world; it is steeped in culture and history, and offers a vibrant and dynamic experience to the modern traveler. There are plenty of New York to London transatlantic flights, so you won’t be short of options, and there’s plenty to enjoy when you land.

Second Leg: London to Cape Town, South Africa

From London, move to one of South Africa’s capitals for a very different holiday experience. After the bustle of London, a few days in Cape Town, climbing the famous Table Mountain, will help to center you and give you an entirely new experience.

Third Leg: Cape Town to New Delhi

The Indian capital of Delhi should be your next stop; there are plenty of direct flights to choose from, so you won’t have a problem making the next hop west. You can tour the historic sites of Delhi; you’ll also be within a two-hour train ride of the Taj Mahal. Delhi is a busy, fascinating city that you will absolutely love.

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Fourth Leg: New Delhi to Tokyo

The trip from Delhi to Tokyo is a little trickier to navigate, but that’s to be expected from a round-the-world trip– sometimes the connections will be tough! Malaysia Airlines offer service from Delhi to Osaka in Japan; from there, you can catch a train to Tokyo, which will only take around three hours. The journey will be worth it when you get there; Tokyo is a stunning, modern city that offers something truly different to every leg of your trip so far.

Fifth Leg: Tokyo (via Osaka) to Auckland

After the highlights of Tokyo, you are likely going to want to slow down the pace, so a trip to Auckland in New Zealand could be just what you need. This modern, metropolitan city is home to a range of gorgeous, relaxing parks, stunning beaches, and a number of celebrated seafood restaurants.

Sixth Leg: Auckland to Honolulu

Your final leg puts you back on American soil. Finishing your trip in Hawaii gives you the chance to relax and unwind on the beautiful beaches, before catching a convenient flight back to your home on the mainland.

The above is just one example of how varied and stunning a round-the-world trip can be– do you have any routes in mind for your own trip?

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