I guess it depends on your age, preferences and family status. For single people and couples in their 20s or 30s, cities are great. For families with children, I think big cities are not a good place to live. I didn't grow up in a rural area, but at the edge of town next to the forest. I think that's the perfect place if you have kids. You are not far from stores, schools, medical facilities, options for leisure time activities etc. but also close to nature. It's quiet and it smells good, there's less pollution, crime, traffic. It's great to be a kid and be able to get out of the house every day with your dog and your best friend, explore the forests and the fields, observe the animals, build a tree house, go cycling, just be out there and stay active. That was the best part of growing up close to nature. I honestly feel sorry for city children, who do not have the opportunity to do that. Then, there's community and people. Generally in smaller towns, you also have better relationships with your neighbors or people living close to you. Anonymity and urban life go hand in hand, ironically people in large cities are often more alone than those in towns. Of course it also depends on the community, I was lucky enough to live in a good one.