I’ve started to feel like the so-called “world-class cities “get all the hype. Whether they happen to be in Europe, North America, the Middle East, or Asia, the idealization of travelling to, working in, or living in cities like London, NYC, Paris, or Japan has reached diabolical proportions.

I’m immensely guilty of this myself. I was young(er) once, and I remember when that travel bug first hit. I was 29, living in Vancouver, Canada, and life had just plateaued. There’s something to be said about one’s late twenties period of life that stirs up the most intense FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) that one has ever known.

Long story short – I lived in one of these cities and had the excellent opportunity that can occur in a young person’s life of being able to travel to other such cities in Europe. They certainly have massive appeal. The cultural excitement, fun factor, convenience, social life, you get the point.

I’ve had the time to reflect since then and glean what I believe are the pros and cons of living in a place that doesn’t get too much international attention.

The Beauty of Living in a Low-Key City

Less cultural ego.

I’m not going to start naming any cities here out of sheer respect, but I will say that those brand-name cities we all know of for being exciting, sexy, and full of opportunity—well, they seem to know it, too.

Less expensive.

Rent, local transportation, food, entertainment – overall, and not to generalize, but most of these items tend to be on the lower end of the financial scale in less glamourized locations.

Less crowds.

This has recently become extremely important to me, and it shocked me. I used to think massive crowds were a given in large cities and rolled with the punches. But as I’ve gotten older, and I’m sure age has a large part to play in it, it’s nice to have at least the option of taking some physical space to yourself. Whether that be where you live, work, how you commute or spend time in as your “third place,” un-hyped locations tend to offer more options.

There is less pressure to unnecessarily socialize.

If you struggle with boundaries, then living in a low-key city may be for you. Glitzy cities offer far too many fun after-work and weekend options to say no to. Sometimes, you have to physically remove yourself and your loved ones from a place where it’s easy to get swept up in whatever it offers, sometimes in excess.

It could be healthier (depending on your lifestyle).

Related to the point above, fewer enticing and alluring lifestyle options inadvertently mean an overall healthier lifestyle – financially, mentally, or physically.

Many lifestyle habits are undermined in the name of “fun,” especially when we are young. It’s good to stay mindful of the negative consequences that may occur by consistently engaging in these over the long term.

_______

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope what you have read has somehow educated, informed, or inspired you.

Click on this link to follow the Minimal Instinct digital magazine on Instagram for new blog post announcements and other lifestyle content on living lightly.

Comment down below with your thoughts about this post. I always love hearing your feedback and if my articles have helped you!