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The city or the countryside: Where is it better to live?

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Urban flight versus rural flight: Historical development

Living in the city continues to be extremely popular. This phenomenon is known as urbanization. This is by no means a new development: the proportion of the population living in rural areas has been falling continuously since the middle of the 19th century. The beginning at this time was marked by industrialization. More and more people moved to the cities to find work. This trend was interrupted during the Second World War, when destruction and hunger drove people out of the cities and into the countryside. In GDR times, this trend was then reversed again in the direction of urban flight.

Increasing suburbanization: How Germans live

In countries characterized by industrialization, a more recent development has been observed since the 1990s. So-called suburbanization refers to the increased movement of the urban population to the outskirts of the city or to the nearby surrounding countryside. Since there is limited space in the city, but plenty of space available in the suburbs and outlying districts, people increasingly decided to move there. For this reason, these so-called "Speckgürtel" are also fiercely contested on the real estate market. As a result of suburbanization, the infrastructure is becoming increasingly stretched due to growing commuter traffic, and the core cities are also shrinking. From the turn of the millennium onwards, a greater amount of building land was created in the cities, which has slowed down suburbanization somewhat. However, it has been making a comeback in the recent past due to the sharp rise in prices in metropolitan areas.

There is no doubt: efficient infrastructure is one of the greatest assets of German cities

Urban-rural divide: These are the most important differences

Urban and rural areas have some differences in various areas. Depending on the individual life situation and requirements, they play a greater role in the decision to live in the city or in the country.

Infrastructure in town and country

Infrastructure is one of the biggest assets of cities. A well-developed network of public transportation often ensures that a car is not absolutely necessary. In the countryside, on the other hand, you almost always need a car to be flexible.

Mobility and traffic change

Related to infrastructure, mobility is also an argument for living in the city. Very often, rural regions are not or only inadequately connected to the rail network and also do not have an adequate bus system.

Leisure and cultural facilities

In the cities, there is a wide range of recreational options, from cultural opportunities and gastronomy to sports and other clubs. The latter, however, are increasingly found in the countryside as well. In addition, rural areas offer many options for outdoor activities.

Smart city? Digitization in town and country

The expansion of digital networks is still in its infancy in some rural regions. Here, the city clearly has the better offer. However, this is set to change, and various research projects and plans to expand digital networks are intended to promote the connection of rural residential areas.

Frequently asked questions

Written by:

Stefanie Aust, Guest Writer

Stefanie loves to put complex topics from the real estate world into understandable and inspiring words. Whether it's about the right financing, choosing the right type of flat, or a successful property search: Stefanie is happy to inform you.

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