Big cities and small cities both have advantages based on lifestyle, and their location. This means that when an individual chooses to live in either a big city or a small city, he/she foregoes certain advantages, while at the same time attaining others. Small cities are characterized by a scarce population and a relatively simple life. On the contrary, life in big cities is typified by commotions and impersonal relationships. All over the globe, there are big cities and small cities. According to Fischer those who prefer big cities do so because of the facilities that are found in these cities (179). The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast big cities and small cities.
One of the obvious similarities between big cities and small cities is that both have amenities like electricity, good roads, and running water. These amenities make individuals have similar experiences regardless of whether they live in a big or a small city. In addition, these amenities are the main factor that differentiates small and big cities from rural areas. Another key similarity between small and big cities according to Fischer is that both of them have streets, which residents use to locate their homes (80). Cities, whether big or small, normally have a population occupying them; a factor that enables residents to have a normal life.
Another major similarity between big cities and small cities is that both of them have a relatively large concentration of facilities such as hospitals and schools. This provides city residents with a wide variety of choices when it comes to treatment and education. Both big cities and small cities have recreational facilities like entertainment venues, parks, and art centers like museums (Fischer 82-90). Lastly, the public transport system is a common feature in both big and small cities.
One of the main differences between big cities and small cities can be seen in terms of the cost of living. Most commodities, ranging from food staffs to houses are expensive in big cities as compared to small cities (Fischer 233). For example, the cost of acquiring a house in a big city, and furnishing it, is more expensive compared to a small city. When it comes to modern necessities of life, big cities provide more options to the residents. This is because in big cities there are more convenient stores, electronic shops, and supermarkets than in small cities.
A more visible difference between small and big cities can be seen in terms of buildings. Big cities are characterized by huge spectacular buildings that are not found in small towns. The huge buildings in big cities are normally meant to accommodate the large population in these cities. Another difference between big and small cities mentioned by Fischer is that big cities offer a wide range of cultural exposure and entertainment options as opposed to small cities (234). One more visible difference can be seen in public transport. Big cities have more traffic compared to small cities, and the transport systems are usually efficient. However, residents of big cities often have to put up with cumbersome traffic.
The differences between small and big cities can also be seen in terms of nature and warmth. In small cities, it is possible to enjoy nature and friendly relationships as opposed to big cities where story-buildings, technology, and industries have interfered with nature. In small cities, people are relatively friendly and may smile at strangers, which is very rare in big cities. This is because people living in big cities are normally consumed by their work. Fischer also maintains that large populations in big cities make cooperation between people difficult (235). Tranquility is also a factor that shows the difference between big cities and small cities (Fischer 236). Many young people normally believe in the notion that big cities are exciting and full of fun, while small cities are boring. On the contrary, older people hold the view that big cities are noisy and annoying, while small cities are comfortable and calm.
Another difference between big and small cities can be seen in terms of crime. Big cities normally have a higher crime rate compared to small cities (Fischer 236). This can be attributed to the presence of many young people who migrate to big cities in search of opportunities but end up idle. Small towns, on the other hand, are not a preferred choice of destination by young immigrants; hence, high crime rates and criminal gangs are not common in small cities. Most large cities are multicultural and offer a variety when it comes to dining. Residents of big cities can have different meals from various cultures. On the other hand, small cities may have few restaurants offering limited types of foods.
In terms of prices and quality of food, small cities have been known to offer fresh produce, and at a lower price as compared to large cities. But the prices of other commodities are normally higher in small cities due to the absence of megastores that offer significant discounts. Fischer has argued that those big cities are driven by a sense of order, while the feeling of belonging to the same community predominate small cities (238). For example, traffic rules are strictly enforced in big cities, while residents of small cities never care that much about these rules; and trying to enforce these rules may be met with resentment.
Big cities and small cities also have environmental differences. The environment in a big city is more polluted as compared to that of a small city. This is brought about by the presence of several large industries and the enormous waste generated by the residents of big cities. In addition, a small city is quieter than a big city a factor that enables residents of a small city to have a piece of mind. Another difference between a big city and a small one is that residents of s small city can have enough time to rest because they are relatively free compared to their counterparts in big cities (Fischer 230-241). When it comes to specialized services like receiving treatment from great doctors and surgeons, people in big cities have more access to these services than residents of a small city.
The differences and similarities between big cities and small cities can be viewed as points on a continuum. This is because these similarities and differences keep on changing, which makes it difficult to draw a clear boundary between them. Big cities possess elements of small cities and small cities also have some features of big cities. Cities, whether big or small, are normally characterized by modern structures and urban lifestyles. The difference is that these urban features are more pronounced in big cities.
Works cited
Fischer, Claude S. To Dwell Among Friends: Personal Networks in Town and City. E-book ed., University of Chicago Press, 2024.