Country Life vs. City Life in the age of Technology

I have read a few articles and essays lately here http://freedom30.blogspot.com/2008/09/city-life-vs-country-life-unbiased.html and there http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,24975526-421,00.html analyzing the benefits of living in either the city or the country. Recent studies show that folks living in rural communities have a greater sense of well-being and contentment than those living in the city. As younger people we sought employment opportunities in the city but couldn't wait to break out to the country when time allowed. The country offers peace, fresh air, starry skies, fishing, hiking, kayaking, etc. all the things we couldn't enjoy in the city. Before though we were tied to the opportunities and conveniences of city life despite the stress with which it labored us. Now with today's advances in technology such as email, Blackberries, free video conferencing, personal websites, consumer websites, Twitter and Facebook, living in the country and staying connected with work is much easier. Why not have your cake and eat it too?

Many companies looking to cuts costs are also open to allowing their employees to establish virtual offices at home freeing their employees from the grind of a daily commute. With the increasing advancement in technology as mentioned above, employees now have more opportunities to live where they please.

I have lived in the country on the water for over 35 years and have run my own business for over twenty. I can tell you that there is nothing better than walking out of my home office and onto my dock for a few hours of evening fishing. If I need to sign a contract I can fax it. If I need a contract signed I email it. I can get email while at lunch or on my boat using my Blackberry. I can stay connected with friends and family around the world using social networking sites such as Facebook. The bottom line: technology has allowed me to stay connected with the world of business and yet enjoy all the comforts of the country. Property in the country, even waterfront, is much cheaper than that in urban areas and carries a smaller tax burden. Why not enjoy all the benefits country living can provide and yet still remain close to work and your loved ones?