Well after struggling 2 years to acclimate myself to big city life in the Bay area I gave up and returned to my home town of about 25,000 and have enjoyed the slower pace since. Many people might find a Mayberry that suits them. Being self employed suited me and narrowed down those I could blame for failure. There’s no mass transit here but I never needed to drive more than 10 minutes to work.
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And even with the problems - it’s still very popular. The times I commuted to Boston for work meetings the commuter rail was standing room only for the last 5 stops. North station in Boston is a Zoo from 4pm through 9pm. It’s far better alternative then driving into Boston.
I’ve lived in large metro areas my whole life and visited rural areas many times. My parents both came from rural areas and I got to experience them extensively. Very nice towns and people. My metrics are a bit different though. My #1 is to be near family. I was willing to put up with lousy traffic for all the other benefits I’ve experienced.
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Oh, no doubt. I’ve driven both DC and Boston at rush hour, but given a choice, would prefer public transit.
I had to ride a school bus for 11 years growing up, I am not riding in any public bus ever again if I can help it… I never want to be that close to a group of people I know, much less total strangers… lol
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No.
We try to drive before or after peak periods to avoid greatest congestion.
When possible, wearing backpacks wife and I ride our tandem to the grocery store on bike paths to avoid stop & crawl traffic.
And our lungs are cleaning the air!