Bright Lights, Big Cities...or Small Town Communities? (Jesus, moral)

[s2a]

So there I was today, cruzin' 'cross town with the windows down, tuned into the local classic rock station...and on comes John Mellencamp's "Small Town" (which I had to turn up a tad louder).

It got me to thinking about where some of the RF members are living today, and wondering about how they felt about where they live now, versus (perhaps) where they have lived before.

Thought I'd prepare just a little informal survey of sorts; purely in the interests of sizing up one aspect of [RF] community demographics..and perhaps in generating some feedback from respondents as to whether or not they feel that where they live may have any/some/no impact on what they believe (in terms of ethics or morality), where they work (or profession they choose), where/how they "play" (recreation activities/hobbies/interests), and some other stuff...
[Note: If this thread manages 10 answering responses to the OP, I'll then provide my own answers to the "poll"]

So, here goes...

1) Do you live in (or proximally close, say within 20 miles) a BIG city/megalopolis (over 1 million people); a medium/large city (less than 1 million, but more than 250k); a small city (less than 250k, but more than 75k); a "big town" (less than 75k, but more than 25k); a "medium" town (less than 25k, but more than 7500); or a "small" town (less than 7500 people)*? [You needn't say specifically where, if you'd rather not].
*[Note: See footnote at bottom]

2) How long have you lived in your current location? Did you move there by choice, or of some other circumstance? Do you consider where you live now to be your "home town"?

3) How many different places have you lived since birth? How far away (approximately) do you live today from where you were actually born?

4) Do you have a "most favorite" place amongst all the locations in which you resided at some time? (Expound as to why, if you care to)

5) Is there some city/place you'd rather be living, other than where you are today? (Expound as to why, if you care to)

6) Do you feel as if you are a part of your community's majority or minority as represented by either race or ethnicity? Howzabout about culturally? Religiously? Pragmatically/ideologically/politically?

7) Do you feel it is very/somewhat/not important as to whether or not you align/identify with your community's majority groups? (Expound as to why, or why not, if you care to)

8) How would you characterize your involvement with your community's needs/interests/goals? Would a larger or smaller community environment affect that level of involvement on your part?

9) Has the "where" of your current residence had any appreciable impact/influence upon--or effected any significant change of--the "what" of your current beliefs/philosophy/perspectives?

10) In your opinion, is it "better" (more desirable/advantageous), or "worse" (undesirable/disadvantageous), or moot (it makes no difference at all) to be from (or live in) a "small town", as opposed to a "big city"?

[Footnote: There are some sizable differences in measures of populated areas. The US Census Bureau delineates distinctions between "urban areas" (as contiguous census block groups--regardless of political boundaries--with a population density of at least 1,000 people per square mile); versus those designated as "incorporated places" (one might think of these as distinct accountings as being "within city limits").

In one provided example, I'll use Knoxville, TN (Go Vols!).

As an "incorporated place" (circa 2005, US Census Bureau stats), Knoxville ranks #119 (pop. 180,130). Kinda small potatoes.
Source
As an "urban area" (ibid, as above), Knoxville ranks #78 (pop. 419,830). Medium potatoes (as a "media market", Knoxville ranks #60--Source).
Source

And yet...within but a few miles away (as the crow flies and such), one might feel and rightly decide that their local community evinces "small town" qualities and distinctions that may very well echo and incorporate it's nearby "big brother" attributes; whilst maintaining/proclaiming it's own sense of identity and unique character. I suspect that most respondents will evoke a similar feeling/perspective of opinion...yet the benefits/burdens that proximity to a larger city present remain succinctly both intractable and unavoidable (for better or worse) in any objective estimation thereof.]

Addendum:
"Well I was born in a small town
And I live in a small town
Probly die in a small town
Oh, those small communities

All my friends are so small town
My parents live in the same small town
My job is so small town
Provides little opportunity

Educated in a small town
Taught the fear of jesus in a small town
Used to daydream in that small town
Another boring romantic thats me

But Ive seen it all in a small town
Had myself a ball in a small town
Married an l.a. doll and brought her to this small town
Now shes small town just like me

No I cannot forget where it is that I come from
I cannot forget the people who love me
Yeah, I can be myself here in this small town
And people let me be just what I want to be

Got nothing against a big town
Still hayseed enough to say
Look whos in the big town
But my bed is in a small town
Oh, and thats good enough for me

Well I was born in a small town
And I can breathe in a small town
Gonna die in this small town
And thats probly where theyll bury me"
--John Mellencamp

[Shadow Wolf]

I live about 10 miles from a large/medium city. 500,000 was the last estimate I heard for Kokomo, IN. The actual "gathering of houses in one area" I live at has about 50 people.
I was born in Joplin, Missouri, a large city from what I've heard, but I haven't been thier since my parents moved, before I was even one year old. All my life, I have lived out in the middle of no where.

I would like to move to a big city some day, and escape the daily boredom of country life that makes Mellencamp's "Small Town" seem like a big town.

[Ðanisty]

1) Do you live in (or proximally close, say within 20 miles) a BIG city/megalopolis (over 1 million people); a medium/large city (less than 1 million, but more than 250k); a small city (less than 250k, but more than 75k); a "big town" (less than 75k, but more than 25k); a "medium" town (less than 25k, but more than 7500); or a "small" town (less than 7500 people)*? [You needn't say specifically where, if you'd rather not].
I live in a small town in Chatham county GA. I'm less than 20 miles away from Savannah, GA which according to Wiki had a population of 128,500 in 2005. The town I grew up in (Rincon), is actually about 45 minutes north of Savannah and is in a separate county. It's a very small town (population: 4,376).


2) How long have you lived in your current location? Did you move there by choice, or of some other circumstance? Do you consider where you live now to be your "home town"?
I grew up near Savannah and pretty much visited Savannah on a weekly basis to go shopping all my life. I moved out of Rincon to be closer to Savannah and further from the small town atmosphere because I find it really oppressive. I wouldn't consider Savannah or Rincon as a home town even though I've never lived anywhere else.

3) How many different places have you lived since birth? How far away (approximately) do you live today from where you were actually born?
I've lived in three places. I was actually born in Savannah and lived there until I was six. My family moved to Rincon and I lived there until I was 23. Now I'm closer to Savannah again and I've lived here for 5 years. I live between where I was born and where I grew up.

4) Do you have a "most favorite" place amongst all the locations in which you resided at some time? (Expound as to why, if you care to)
The house I lived in in Rincon is my favorite house that I've lived in (built in 1894), but I don't like being in a small town at all. I don't have a favorite place yet really...lol.

5) Is there some city/place you'd rather be living, other than where you are today? (Expound as to why, if you care to)
I'd like to move out of the south. I don't like the atmosphere here at all. I've never lived anywhere else and I'm really excited to get out of here. I'll be moving to Huntsville, Alabama for 34 weeks while my husband is in AIT school and then after that, who knows...it's wherever the Army sends us. I can't wait!

6) Do you feel as if you are a part of your community's majority or minority as represented by either race or ethnicity? Howzabout about culturally? Religiously? Pragmatically/ideologically/politically?
I'm in all kinds of minorities. There are actually more African-Americans in Savannah than Caucasians. This doesn't stop black people from feeling like or acting like a minority in Savannah though. Culturally, I'm totally misplaced because I was raised by yankees (mom is from Chicago and dad is from Greenbay). Despite growing up here, I've always felt completely out of place. No matter where I go, I will be in the religious minority. Generally, I'm pretty liberal with politics as compared to everyone else here.

7) Do you feel it is very/somewhat/not important as to whether or not you align/identify with your community's majority groups? (Expound as to why, or why not, if you care to)
Since I don't really care much about my community, it doesn't really matter I guess. I just get tired of being stuck with people who can't or won't be open-minded. I'm tired of being surrounded by people who want to know my business.

8) How would you characterize your involvement with your community's needs/interests/goals? Would a larger or smaller community environment affect that level of involvement on your part?
I have absolutely no level of involvement in my community mainly because my opinion wouldn't make a lick of difference here. If I were to express myself here in pretty much any way, I would become pariah. I like the idea of anonymity in a community. You just can't get that here.

9) Has the "where" of your current residence had any appreciable impact/influence upon--or effected any significant change of--the "what" of your current beliefs/philosophy/perspectives?
I'm sure growing up in a small southern town where I'm totally uncomfortable has had some effect, but I've also worked to look at things on a bigger scale. For example, I don't actually have any good experiences with Christians, but I can recognize that Christians in this community definitely do not reflect Christians world-wide. I would say that growing up in this environment has made it easier for me to break away from the norm. Since I absolutely detest Rincon, GA it wasn't very hard for me to embrace being a misfit. It has given me a measure of freedom, actually.

10) In your opinion, is it "better" (more desirable/advantageous), or "worse" (undesirable/disadvantageous), or moot (it makes no difference at all) to be from (or live in) a "small town", as opposed to a "big city"?
The problem that I see with small towns is the inability for many small town folks to look outside their own community and see what's really going on. Many never move out of their small towns and I know some who've never even travelled out of state. These people have really no idea what the rest of the world is like and most of them don't even care. A lot of small town folks find it entertaining to pry for information and gossip with each other. I find that disgusting and counter-productive to just about everything.

However, small town folks can also be very supportive. My neighbors for instance know that I'm going to be living alone for the next 9 weeks and they've invited me to come over for dinner on Monday nights when their grown kids come over. It's a weekly tradition at their house and it was aweful nice of them to invite me. She also remembered that I'm diabetic and made the banana pudding with splenda. Talk about being attentive!

[Kungfuzed]

Originally Posted by s2a

1) Do you live in (or proximally close, say within 20 miles) a BIG city/megalopolis (over 1 million people); a medium/large city (less than 1 million, but more than 250k); a small city (less than 250k, but more than 75k); a "big town" (less than 75k, but more than 25k); a "medium" town (less than 25k, but more than 7500); or a "small" town (less than 7500 people)*? [You needn't say specifically where, if you'd rather not].
*[Note: See footnote at bottom]

I currently live in New Castle Delaware, about 9 miles south of Wilmington. For me, Wilmington is a big city with skyscrapers but according to Wikipedia it only has a population of around 76000. All the towns and the city here in New Castle County all run together so when you're driving around you really can't tell that you've left one town and arrived at another.

Originally Posted by s2a

2) How long have you lived in your current location? Did you move there by choice, or of some other circumstance? Do you consider where you live now to be your "home town"?

I've lived here for over a year now. Before that I was living two hours south of here in a small town called Greensboro MD. I was commuting all the way up to New Castle every day for about two years before I moved.

Originally Posted by s2a

3) How many different places have you lived since birth? How far away (approximately) do you live today from where you were actually born?

I was born in Washington DC. Then we moved to Bowie MD, the suburbs. Then a small town called Denton MD. By the time I was in High School we lived way out in the woods not even in a town anymore. We had a half mile long driveway through the woods to the nearest paved road. I lived in Rexburg Idaho for two years going to school. Alberta Canada for two years. Lived in Salt Lake City for a year or two, Provo for a short time, West Valley City UT for a year or two. Greensboro MD for a few more years and now I'm in New Castle.

Originally Posted by s2a

4) Do you have a "most favorite" place amongst all the locations in which you resided at some time? (Expound as to why, if you care to)

I think where I'm at right now is my favorite so far. It probably has more to do with the fact that I have a good job now more than anything else.

Originally Posted by s2a

5) Is there some city/place you'd rather be living, other than where you are today? (Expound as to why, if you care to)

When I retire I want to live in the Philippines. There's an island south of Davao City called Samal. I hate the cold and I love palm trees and exotic fruits.

Originally Posted by s2a

6) Do you feel as if you are a part of your community's majority or minority as represented by either race or ethnicity? Howzabout about culturally? Religiously? Pragmatically/ideologically/politically?

I'm not so sure. Seems like most of the people in my apartment complex are from India. Fortunately I like the smell of curry. There are many immigrants here, in fact my wife is from the Philippines. According to the Wiki, African Americans are the majority here at 56%. I'm white and we're represented at 35%

Originally Posted by s2a

7) Do you feel it is very/somewhat/not important as to whether or not you align/identify with your community's majority groups? (Expound as to why, or why not, if you care to)

I've never really fit in anywhere I've lived. Probably the result of living in isolation for so many years out in the woods.

Originally Posted by s2a

8) How would you characterize your involvement with your community's needs/interests/goals? Would a larger or smaller community environment affect that level of involvement on your part?

I'm currently not involved at all in my community.

9) Has the "where" of your current residence had any appreciable impact/influence upon--or effected any significant change of--the "what" of your current beliefs/philosophy/perspectives?
[/quote]
Not in the least bit. I've always lived in my own little world in my head.

Originally Posted by s2a

10) In your opinion, is it "better" (more desirable/advantageous), or "worse" (undesirable/disadvantageous), or moot (it makes no difference at all) to be from (or live in) a "small town", as opposed to a "big city"?

There's a huge disparity between education systems when moving from a big city to a small town. I was learning algebra in the fourth grade in Bowie MD just outside of Washington DC and then we moved to Denton MD and they were still learning their times tables. My graduating High School class had an average SAT score of under 500. Not 500 for Math or Written but 500 TOTAL. Their jaws hit the floor when they saw my score of 1060. I suggest you keep your kids in city school and wait until they're gone before moving to the country or small town.

[Hema]

I live on an island with 1.3 million people. It is already congested and there are terrible traffic jams. I live in in an area that is not too congested but some of the idiotic neighbours love to blast their music. I love the country side. It is so peaceful and quiet. I live not too far from the country side and on the other side is a busy town.

[michel]

Originally Posted by s2a

1) Do you live in (or proximally close, say within 20 miles) a BIG city/megalopolis (over 1 million people); a medium/large city (less than 1 million, but more than 250k); a small city (less than 250k, but more than 75k); a "big town" (less than 75k, but more than 25k); a "medium" town (less than 25k, but more than 7500); or a "small" town (less than 7500 people)*? [You needn't say specifically where, if you'd rather not].
*[Note: See footnote at bottom]

I guess by your system, a small city.

2) How long have you lived in your current location? Did you move there by choice, or of some other circumstance? Do you consider where you live now to be your "home town"?

40 years; moved here because my parents did, and I wasn't going into that big wild world without making the most of being at home.

3) How many different places have you lived since birth? How far away (approximately) do you live today from where you were actually born?

Far too many to name. I was born in central Africa, and my parents played "leapfrog" for the first eleven years of my life - there was no "home" there was just "where the house was, at that moment".

4) Do you have a "most favorite" place amongst all the locations in which you resided at some time? (Expound as to why, if you care to)

Where I was born; I belong there; alas, it still isn't safe enough to return - but I hope I will one day.

5) Is there some city/place you'd rather be living, other than where you are today? (Expound as to why, if you care to)

No, I like it here (If it's going to be England).

6) Do you feel as if you are a part of your community's majority or minority as represented by either race or ethnicity? Howzabout about culturally? Religiously? Pragmatically/ideologically/politically?

I dont fit in boxes....

7) Do you feel it is very/somewhat/not important as to whether or not you align/identify with your community's majority groups? (Expound as to why, or why not, if you care to)

It really doesn't bother me; as long as I have my family and small circle of acquaintances - and maybe the odd friend or two.

8) How would you characterize your involvement with your community's needs/interests/goals? Would a larger or smaller community environment affect that level of involvement on your part?

I try to play my part; when I am fit enough, I try to give some of my time to the comunity.

9) Has the "where" of your current residence had any appreciable impact/influence upon--or effected any significant change of--the "what" of your current beliefs/philosophy/perspectives?

none.

10) In your opinion, is it "better" (more desirable/advantageous), or "worse" (undesirable/disadvantageous), or moot (it makes no difference at all) to be from (or live in) a "small town", as opposed to a "big city"?

Personally, I don't like "big" - I don't much like seeing zillions of ants crawling about, all busy. I lived in London for six months; I hated it.

I am extremely lucky in where I live - a ten minute walk to the town centre (or hobble) - but I can look out of the windows and see plenty of green.

[kateyes]

) Do you live in (or proximally close, say within 20 miles) a BIG city/megalopolis (over 1 million people); a medium/large city (less than 1 million, but more than 250k); a small city (less than 250k, but more than 75k); a "big town" (less than 75k, but more than 25k); a "medium" town (less than 25k, but more than 7500); or a "small" town (less than 7500 people)*? [You needn't say specifically where, if you'd rather not].
-------I live about 35 miles north of Ann Arbor MI-which depending on the time of the year would be a big town. Detroit is the largest city areound and it is about 60 miles away. I actually live between 2 small towns--that are doing alot of growing as the farmers sell of and sub-divisions are built.

2) How long have you lived in your current location? Did you move there by choice, or of some other circumstance? Do you consider where you live now to be your "home town"? I have lived in Michigan for 28 years--first in Ann Arbor for several years-I have lived at my current location for 20 years--originally by choice--now more to fulfil family obligations. Even after all this time I don't really consider it to be my home town.

3) How many different places have you lived since birth? How far away (approximately) do you live today from where you were actually born?
I have lived in 8 different states and 3 countries other than the US. 2 states I have lived in twice each--but different areas-I was born in San Antonio Tx but also lived in Midland TX. I have actually live in Michigan two times, and in 5 different cities. I am about 1300 miles from where I began.

4) Do you have a "most favorite" place amongst all the locations in which you resided at some time? (Expound as to why, if you care to) My favorite place that I lived was San Mateo California.

5) Is there some city/place you'd rather be living, other than where you are today? (Expound as to why, if you care to)--I would love to live back in Northern Calif--but find it too expensive--I have been to Alaska and Montana several times--and think I will probably end up in one or the other.

6) Do you feel as if you are a part of your community's majority or minority as represented by either race or ethnicity? Howzabout about culturally? Religiously? Pragmatically/ideologically/politically? I would say I am in the majority--which is white and christian. Although it is changing it is still a somewhat rural area--not alot of cultural diversity--the main social events are held at the Conservation Club, the churches or the VFW. The churches with the largest membership are protestant--I don't recall ever seeing a Jewish temple--or any kind of Mosque--also no Orthodox churches in about a 30 mile radius. Politically I am in the minority--Michigan tends to be a labor oriented-Democratic party state--I consider mayself an independant but lean more left that right. Ideologically--hum good question--no I would say again I am in the minority--not a big believer in the usefullness of labor unions (there was a time when they were needed 100 years ago--but not now).

7) Do you feel it is very/somewhat/not important as to whether or not you align/identify with your community's majority groups? (Expound as to why, or why not, if you care to)--No I don't consider it important to align or identify with the majority in my area. I tend to follow the old west view--you mind your own business and I will mind mine.

8) How would you characterize your involvement with your community's needs/interests/goals? Would a larger or smaller community environment affect that level of involvement on your part? I am moderately active in the community--as my focus tends to be on retaining the status quo--I frequently end up at logger heads with people and will withdraw for a time, before venturing out again. I tend to want to preserve the rural nature that is left--and as more people come in--they all seem to want to recreate the suburbs they have just left. Because it means higher tax revenues they generally win.

9) Has the "where" of your current residence had any appreciable impact/influence upon--or effected any significant change of--the "what" of your current beliefs/philosophy/perspectives? No where I live now has not impacted my beliefs or philosophy--places I have lived or been exposed to in the past have played a significant role in my beliefs.

10) In your opinion, is it "better" (more desirable/advantageous), or "worse" (undesirable/disadvantageous), or moot (it makes no difference at all) to be from (or live in) a "small town", as opposed to a "big city"? I think each has its advantages--but I am not sure (with the world becoming a small place every day) it really makes a huge difference where you are raised today. We are exposed to so much more of the world around us today--via TV, Radio, The Internet--I think it is very unusual to find people who are as insular as say 100 years ago.