Countryside dwellers and townies
Discussion
Never you mind said:
Forget the north south divide a few threads on here recently has really shown a kind of big divide between those that live in rural areas and those that live in towns and cities. In those few threads people that live in countryside have been accused of having a big chip on their shoulders and townies have been accused of total ignorance.
Is it really that bad in real life or is PH not a real cross section of society?
There are rooted divisions within all walks of life.Is it really that bad in real life or is PH not a real cross section of society?
If you want to notice any difference between one person and another you can dig up divisions that are there that people will have strong opinion about.
North-South
Urban-Rural
Office-Site
Car-Bike
White-Black
Left-Right
Young-Old
etc. etc.
Regarding Rural vs Urban, where I live (secret location near York ), I am in the countryside and within easy reach of the city.
But generally, I think many would agree, that city people are used to competing for space and time with other people they regularly encounter on a daily basis.
Countryside people, due to the lower frequency of people encounters and having more space, are not so aggressive on daily competition. (Generally speaking).
I do know people who have lived their entire lives in a city environment and have little to no idea what goes on outside the city walls so to speak.
Then again I also know people who have no interest at all in venturing in to big city-scapes never mind wishing to live in one.
If your world is one or the other then your views are going to be tailored to that position. And you'll notice big differences/divides between people.
Atomic12C said:
Never you mind said:
Forget the north south divide a few threads on here recently has really shown a kind of big divide between those that live in rural areas and those that live in towns and cities. In those few threads people that live in countryside have been accused of having a big chip on their shoulders and townies have been accused of total ignorance.
Is it really that bad in real life or is PH not a real cross section of society?
There are rooted divisions within all walks of life.Is it really that bad in real life or is PH not a real cross section of society?
If you want to notice any difference between one person and another you can dig up divisions that are there that people will have strong opinion about.
North-South
Urban-Rural
Office-Site
Car-Bike
White-Black
Left-Right
Young-Old
etc. etc.
Regarding Rural vs Urban, where I live (secret location near York ), I am in the countryside and within easy reach of the city.
But generally, I think many would agree, that city people are used to competing for space and time with other people they regularly encounter on a daily basis.
Countryside people, due to the lower frequency of people encounters and having more space, are not so aggressive on daily competition. (Generally speaking).
I do know people who have lived their entire lives in a city environment and have little to no idea what goes on outside the city walls so to speak.
Then again I also know people who have no interest at all in venturing in to big city-scapes never mind wishing to live in one.
If your world is one or the other then your views are going to be tailored to that position. And you'll notice big differences/divides between people.
But yes, if one looks hard enough there is division in all walks of life however you are probably right the those that live in the city have to compete more for other peoples time. Life in a village is a lot slower paced.
Kermit power said:
PositronicRay said:
Kermit power said:
PositronicRay said:
Kermit power said:
julianm said:
Lovely spot you have in mind. You can do this :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajue4Z0iJcA
& roll back home for a cup of tea or a pint!
Close, but I have in mind something more like this...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajue4Z0iJcA
& roll back home for a cup of tea or a pint!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzXD5_1iGbM
They've every right to also use bridleways like this one, as do cyclists and horsey people, but I'm not sure why you'd feel sorry for them just because they have to let the occasional rider through when they do choose to use a bridleway?
Never you mind said:
Atomic12C said:
Never you mind said:
Forget the north south divide a few threads on here recently has really shown a kind of big divide between those that live in rural areas and those that live in towns and cities. In those few threads people that live in countryside have been accused of having a big chip on their shoulders and townies have been accused of total ignorance.
Is it really that bad in real life or is PH not a real cross section of society?
stuffIs it really that bad in real life or is PH not a real cross section of society?
Regarding Rural vs Urban, where I live (secret location near York ), I am in the countryside and within easy reach of the city.
But yes, if one looks hard enough there is division in all walks of life however you are probably right the those that live in the city have to compete more for other peoples time. Life in a village is a lot slower paced.
Where do I sit in this debate? I spent my first 18yrs a very poor, rural area, surrounded by struggling Nth generation farmers, and I've lived pretty centrally (Z1-2) in London for more than a decade.
I can say confidently, after spending a good chunk of my 20s and 30s in London, by comparison with my friends who stayed in rural areas (and even those who moved to larger towns), I wouldn't have had it any other way. Most I've kept in touch with appear to live pretty unimaginative and repetitive lives, and seem to value the safety of a 'known entity' over the spirit of adventure. I could see the appeal in that later in life (I plan to be in a big house in the Cotswolds before I'm 40), but I don't know how any young person with even the slightest hint of drive or adventure would choose not to live in a big city.
I can say confidently, after spending a good chunk of my 20s and 30s in London, by comparison with my friends who stayed in rural areas (and even those who moved to larger towns), I wouldn't have had it any other way. Most I've kept in touch with appear to live pretty unimaginative and repetitive lives, and seem to value the safety of a 'known entity' over the spirit of adventure. I could see the appeal in that later in life (I plan to be in a big house in the Cotswolds before I'm 40), but I don't know how any young person with even the slightest hint of drive or adventure would choose not to live in a big city.
Genuine question as, apart from a stint in Coventry while I was at University, i've always lived in a small town in rural Devon.
When city dwellers say there's "nothing to do" in the country, what is it you think you would miss?
As well as the usual country pursuits (walking, MTB, surfing, horse riding, etc) all pretty much on the doorstep, we've got a cinema, theatre, all the usual supermarkets (except Waitress, natch) and most of the stores you'd expect (M&S, River Island, Next etc), loads of restaurants (including Michelin starred) plus moorland roads to soon on and some cracking views.
The only things I can think of that a city has got is more theatres (bigger shows), live music venues that attract well-known names and more restaurants. But if you live there, you seem to give up a lot to gain those rarely-used facilities. I'd like to think that Londoners are all visiting the Science Museum, National Gallery and the O2 several times every week, but that just isn't the case.
When city dwellers say there's "nothing to do" in the country, what is it you think you would miss?
As well as the usual country pursuits (walking, MTB, surfing, horse riding, etc) all pretty much on the doorstep, we've got a cinema, theatre, all the usual supermarkets (except Waitress, natch) and most of the stores you'd expect (M&S, River Island, Next etc), loads of restaurants (including Michelin starred) plus moorland roads to soon on and some cracking views.
The only things I can think of that a city has got is more theatres (bigger shows), live music venues that attract well-known names and more restaurants. But if you live there, you seem to give up a lot to gain those rarely-used facilities. I'd like to think that Londoners are all visiting the Science Museum, National Gallery and the O2 several times every week, but that just isn't the case.
boyse7en said:
Genuine question as, apart from a stint in Coventry while I was at University, i've always lived in a small town in rural Devon.
When city dwellers say there's "nothing to do" in the country, what is it you think you would miss?
As well as the usual country pursuits (walking, MTB, surfing, horse riding, etc) all pretty much on the doorstep, we've got a cinema, theatre, all the usual supermarkets (except Waitress, natch) and most of the stores you'd expect (M&S, River Island, Next etc), loads of restaurants (including Michelin starred) plus moorland roads to soon on and some cracking views.
The only things I can think of that a city has got is more theatres (bigger shows), live music venues that attract well-known names and more restaurants. But if you live there, you seem to give up a lot to gain those rarely-used facilities. I'd like to think that Londoners are all visiting the Science Museum, National Gallery and the O2 several times every week, but that just isn't the case.
As a child I was raised in South London, many mates. I moved out when I was in my 20s but still lived in cities. It always amazed me how insular my London mates were. "Best place in the world" etc. Most of them didn't venture further than a few miles from home/work and the local pubs. The people who appreciate London are the incomers who see the "bright lights/big city thing" and embrace it.When city dwellers say there's "nothing to do" in the country, what is it you think you would miss?
As well as the usual country pursuits (walking, MTB, surfing, horse riding, etc) all pretty much on the doorstep, we've got a cinema, theatre, all the usual supermarkets (except Waitress, natch) and most of the stores you'd expect (M&S, River Island, Next etc), loads of restaurants (including Michelin starred) plus moorland roads to soon on and some cracking views.
The only things I can think of that a city has got is more theatres (bigger shows), live music venues that attract well-known names and more restaurants. But if you live there, you seem to give up a lot to gain those rarely-used facilities. I'd like to think that Londoners are all visiting the Science Museum, National Gallery and the O2 several times every week, but that just isn't the case.
boyse7en said:
Genuine question as, apart from a stint in Coventry while I was at University, i've always lived in a small town in rural Devon.
When city dwellers say there's "nothing to do" in the country, what is it you think you would miss?
As well as the usual country pursuits (walking, MTB, surfing, horse riding, etc) all pretty much on the doorstep, we've got a cinema, theatre, all the usual supermarkets (except Waitress, natch) and most of the stores you'd expect (M&S, River Island, Next etc), loads of restaurants (including Michelin starred) plus moorland roads to soon on and some cracking views.
The only things I can think of that a city has got is more theatres (bigger shows), live music venues that attract well-known names and more restaurants. But if you live there, you seem to give up a lot to gain those rarely-used facilities. I'd like to think that Londoners are all visiting the Science Museum, National Gallery and the O2 several times every week, but that just isn't the case.
A proper working public transport system is not to be sniffed at, supplemented by uber when feeling lazy. When you go out for the evening no need for nominated drivers and now with the night tube no rush to get back.When city dwellers say there's "nothing to do" in the country, what is it you think you would miss?
As well as the usual country pursuits (walking, MTB, surfing, horse riding, etc) all pretty much on the doorstep, we've got a cinema, theatre, all the usual supermarkets (except Waitress, natch) and most of the stores you'd expect (M&S, River Island, Next etc), loads of restaurants (including Michelin starred) plus moorland roads to soon on and some cracking views.
The only things I can think of that a city has got is more theatres (bigger shows), live music venues that attract well-known names and more restaurants. But if you live there, you seem to give up a lot to gain those rarely-used facilities. I'd like to think that Londoners are all visiting the Science Museum, National Gallery and the O2 several times every week, but that just isn't the case.
Plus shopping wise, access to any designer and the latest items/biggest selection.
Edited by duckers26 on Friday 24th November 13:31
duckers26 said:
A proper working public transport system is not to be sniffed at
London NEEDS a proper working public transport system, simply because it's so b
ding huge... Most other cities are nowhere near the same size - so don't have the same requirements.Whether London's public transport counts as "proper", and especially "working", is another question entirely.
duckers26 said:
A proper working public transport system is not to be sniffed at, supplemented by uber when feeling lazy. When you go out for the evening no need for nominated drivers and now with the night tube no rush to get back.
Folks in the countryside often get around that transport problem by driving home whatever the events of the evening.TooMany2cvs said:
London NEEDS a proper working public transport system, simply because it's so bding huge... Most other cities are nowhere near the same size - so don't have the same requirements.
Whether London's public transport counts as "proper", and especially "working", is another question entirely.
Tube is so much more reliable than it used to be and the overground network is massively more extensive. When I'm anywhere else waiting more than five minutes for a train seems forever!ding huge... Most other cities are nowhere near the same size - so don't have the same requirements.Whether London's public transport counts as "proper", and especially "working", is another question entirely.
duckers26 said:
boyse7en said:
Genuine question as, apart from a stint in Coventry while I was at University, i've always lived in a small town in rural Devon.
When city dwellers say there's "nothing to do" in the country, what is it you think you would miss?
As well as the usual country pursuits (walking, MTB, surfing, horse riding, etc) all pretty much on the doorstep, we've got a cinema, theatre, all the usual supermarkets (except Waitress, natch) and most of the stores you'd expect (M&S, River Island, Next etc), loads of restaurants (including Michelin starred) plus moorland roads to soon on and some cracking views.
The only things I can think of that a city has got is more theatres (bigger shows), live music venues that attract well-known names and more restaurants. But if you live there, you seem to give up a lot to gain those rarely-used facilities. I'd like to think that Londoners are all visiting the Science Museum, National Gallery and the O2 several times every week, but that just isn't the case.
A proper working public transport system is not to be sniffed at, supplemented by uber when feeling lazy. When you go out for the evening no need for nominated drivers and now with the night tube no rush to get back.When city dwellers say there's "nothing to do" in the country, what is it you think you would miss?
As well as the usual country pursuits (walking, MTB, surfing, horse riding, etc) all pretty much on the doorstep, we've got a cinema, theatre, all the usual supermarkets (except Waitress, natch) and most of the stores you'd expect (M&S, River Island, Next etc), loads of restaurants (including Michelin starred) plus moorland roads to soon on and some cracking views.
The only things I can think of that a city has got is more theatres (bigger shows), live music venues that attract well-known names and more restaurants. But if you live there, you seem to give up a lot to gain those rarely-used facilities. I'd like to think that Londoners are all visiting the Science Museum, National Gallery and the O2 several times every week, but that just isn't the case.
Surely this is an age thing as much as anything else.
In my teens twenties i lived in towans and loved it becuase it meant I could easily go out all the time and didn't need to spend my meagre earnings running a car.
Now I'm late 30s, married with kids I prefer living in the countryside because I don't care about going out anymore, I have a car so can easily get places if I need to, and I just want a bit of space, peace and quiet.
Thta said I wouldn't want to live in total isolation. It's nice to have a few neightbours, and a village shop and pub.
In my teens twenties i lived in towans and loved it becuase it meant I could easily go out all the time and didn't need to spend my meagre earnings running a car.
Now I'm late 30s, married with kids I prefer living in the countryside because I don't care about going out anymore, I have a car so can easily get places if I need to, and I just want a bit of space, peace and quiet.
Thta said I wouldn't want to live in total isolation. It's nice to have a few neightbours, and a village shop and pub.
i know we should be talking about your preferences in the UK, but the wife and I are aiming for here,
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Mission+Bay,+A...
I've been lucky enough to live in as diverse environments as the east end of London to rural Nottinghamshire.
If our visas aren't approved we intend to head for the south coast. If they are, we'll only be 4hrs from the kids, not 24
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Mission+Bay,+A...
I've been lucky enough to live in as diverse environments as the east end of London to rural Nottinghamshire.
If our visas aren't approved we intend to head for the south coast. If they are, we'll only be 4hrs from the kids, not 24
It'll be interesting to see how much the town/country divide gets broken down by technology.
When I graduated back in the mid '90s, there was very little opportunity in the IT industry outside of the Reading/Bracknell/London triangle, so I had little choice but to move here.
These days, with broadband, mobile telephony and video-conferencing, I can work perfectly happily from 90% or more of the country.
Also, back in the '90s, living in a rural location would require lots of compromise when it came to shopping, especially for someone like my wife who can't drive.
These days, I can move to Church Stretton or somewhere significantly smaller than that, and I can get anything I need delivered by Amazon, Ocado, Waitrose or whomever.
These days, I really can't see any day to day benefits of living in London or the South East. Sure, there are occasional outings such as the theatre which are better catered to down here, but the cost of living disparity is such that I'll probably end up doing more of that if we do relocate, as even making allowances for a London hotel, we'll still have more disposable income for such luxuries.
Having said that, if I've got the Long Mynd on my doorstep and Snowdonia just over the border, who needs the theatre?
There has to be more in the way of paid for activities in the South East, as God knows, there's not so much free fun on offer.
When I graduated back in the mid '90s, there was very little opportunity in the IT industry outside of the Reading/Bracknell/London triangle, so I had little choice but to move here.
These days, with broadband, mobile telephony and video-conferencing, I can work perfectly happily from 90% or more of the country.
Also, back in the '90s, living in a rural location would require lots of compromise when it came to shopping, especially for someone like my wife who can't drive.
These days, I can move to Church Stretton or somewhere significantly smaller than that, and I can get anything I need delivered by Amazon, Ocado, Waitrose or whomever.
These days, I really can't see any day to day benefits of living in London or the South East. Sure, there are occasional outings such as the theatre which are better catered to down here, but the cost of living disparity is such that I'll probably end up doing more of that if we do relocate, as even making allowances for a London hotel, we'll still have more disposable income for such luxuries.
Having said that, if I've got the Long Mynd on my doorstep and Snowdonia just over the border, who needs the theatre?
There has to be more in the way of paid for activities in the South East, as God knows, there's not so much free fun on offer.boyse7en said:
Genuine question as, apart from a stint in Coventry while I was at University, i've always lived in a small town in rural Devon.
When city dwellers say there's "nothing to do" in the country, what is it you think you would miss?
As well as the usual country pursuits (walking, MTB, surfing, horse riding, etc) all pretty much on the doorstep, we've got a cinema, theatre, all the usual supermarkets (except Waitress, natch) and most of the stores you'd expect (M&S, River Island, Next etc), loads of restaurants (including Michelin starred) plus moorland roads to soon on and some cracking views.
The only things I can think of that a city has got is more theatres (bigger shows), live music venues that attract well-known names and more restaurants. But if you live there, you seem to give up a lot to gain those rarely-used facilities. I'd like to think that Londoners are all visiting the Science Museum, National Gallery and the O2 several times every week, but that just isn't the case.
The point is that, if you want it, apart from open space, you can get it in London. And you usually get more choice and better quality than anywhere else in the UK. The bolded bit is very telling - I tend to use a massive variety of little independent shops (for everything from food, to clothes, to craft beer), largely dependent on mood and location. For me, it's not about having "all the usual shops you'd need"; it's about having as much variety as I could ever want. If I wanted to visit a Michelin starred restaurant in London (as an example of your benchmark), I'd have the choice of 70!When city dwellers say there's "nothing to do" in the country, what is it you think you would miss?
As well as the usual country pursuits (walking, MTB, surfing, horse riding, etc) all pretty much on the doorstep, we've got a cinema, theatre, all the usual supermarkets (except Waitress, natch) and most of the stores you'd expect (M&S, River Island, Next etc), loads of restaurants (including Michelin starred) plus moorland roads to soon on and some cracking views.
The only things I can think of that a city has got is more theatres (bigger shows), live music venues that attract well-known names and more restaurants. But if you live there, you seem to give up a lot to gain those rarely-used facilities. I'd like to think that Londoners are all visiting the Science Museum, National Gallery and the O2 several times every week, but that just isn't the case.
Obviously, if you value space/peace and you're really into countryside-based sports, you'd be a fool to live in London. But I can't imagine that a very high % of non-Londoners are out on the MTB trails and lakes every weekend...
Edited by C70R on Friday 24th November 14:42
Gassing Station | The Lounge | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff