I have thought about this a lot. I used to live in the Washington DC area (definitely a city) - I grew up there, and raised my kids in the burbs.

I then made the change to live in a rural area and I love it. I moved to a forest in the Shenandoah mountains in Virginia. I'm still 25 minutes to a small city... so close enough.

I can definitely relate to the frustration of living in the city - traffic, rudeness, lack of relationships, and people just being ass-holes because there is no accountability. In a city, you can almost be anonymous... and you are unlikely to see the same people again.

Don't get me wrong, there are jerks everywhere. However, people tend to relate and care for one another in rural communities. The stereotype is that you will be the "new guy" for the next 20 years. However, I found that people were very accepting of me and my family as "outsiders". Especially is we were open to learning their culture.

The key to fitting into a rural area is to 1) Not think you are better/smarter or more educated that those around you. Have some humility. 2) Don't think or portray yourself as being "rich" with showy possessions. Believe me, the farmer down the road with 300 acres may have a net worth of millions. Don't look down on his beat up pickup truck with "Farm Use" plates... on and the dog in the back of his truck. Don't call the SPCA on him. It's ok for a dog to ride in the back of a truck, really. 3) Most people from the Urban areas are liberals and most urban folks are conservatives. Don't try to force your beliefs on others - this includes buying a rural property and flying the rainbow flag... and then wondering why you don't fit in. Duh... It also includes people moving into the city, and then flying the "stars and bars" flag. It ain't gonna go well.

Anyhow, with all that said... I chose country life over urban life, but each is free to do their own thing.

Pic of owls just for fun - these owls grew up off my back deck last year. :)