Do you remember the Aesop fable about the city mouse and country mouse? It was meant to show the juxtaposition between city and country life and the risks inherent in living within opulence. Times have changed since the ancient civilizations that spawned these fables, but the difference between city and country life in the U.S. remains vast. And right in the Bay Area, you have the luxury of choosing which is right for you. Here are some things to consider if you’re trying to decide if you’re a city mouse or a country mouse.  

The City Life in The Bay Area 

There are plenty of cities to choose from in the Bay Area. Maybe you want to live in the bustle of San Francisco. Or maybe you’re drawn to Oakland, San Jose, or Santa Cruz. Throughout the area, city life is thriving.  

That means you have access to bars and restaurants, entertainment venues, markets, and walkable communities. You may be able to ditch a car and use public transportation to get around. Whatever you love about living in the city, you can find it throughout the Bay Area.  

The Country Life in the Bay Area 

Just past the city, you’ll find traditional American Suburbs. But maybe you want something even more remote and relaxed than what those communities have to offer. Maybe you want wide open spaces and the quiet country life. There are places in the Bay Area where you can achieve this.  

Buying a farm or a ranch or just some land near the mountains far from your neighbors can be a little harder than finding a house or apartment in the city, but it’s not impossible. A skilled real estate agent will be able to help you with what you’re looking for once you’ve determined your budget and financing options.  

Take Inventory of Your Needs and Wants 

Some people just know whether they’re a city person or a country person. If you’re a city person, you want constant activity and people close by. You are okay paying a little more to live within close proximity to the things you love most.  

Country people like it quieter. They like to spread out and don’t mind driving to get the things they need. They might want animals, and lots of them. Not just cats and dogs, but maybe horses, a goat or a cow too. To determine where it is that better suits you consider taking an inventory of the things you want.  

• How far are you willing to commute?  
• What is your housing budget?  
• Do you want animals?  
• Do you want access to entertainment?  
• Do you want less noise and light pollution?  
• What kind of house do you like?  

Pros and Cons  

It’s also helpful to evaluate the pros and cons of each type of living. Let’s look at employment for example.  

Do you need to be close to your job? Do you want a short commute or the ability to commute using public transit? Or are you okay with driving to get to work? Or maybe you can consider remote working options as long as you have a good internet connection.  

Other pros of city life include being close to entertainment, walkable communities, and interacting with neighbors. But one big con can be the cost of living.  

The opposite is true for living in the country. The cost of living can be lower, but you may need to take the cons of extended commute time, access to necessities, and home maintenance into account.  

Wherever you want to live in the Bay Area, you need to secure the right financing. Contact the team at GoPrime. Our team spans the country. Access our vast knowledge of California mortgages and the Bay Area so we can help you buy your dream home.  If you’re looking to buy your California home, contact Zachery Adam and the team at GoPrime.