Off Topic — HabitableZone

Off Topic » in reply to re: Proof of your "urban vs. non-urban" point

On small town values
dtb — (archived)

I spent about 10 years living in Boston (Sommerville, right next to Cambridge), then the last 4 years living in either small town New Hampshire or small town Kansas.

I like to go for walks, and in the city, never had any trouble, found that people either minded their own business or said "hello", never really felt threatened the whole 10 years I was there, and I wasn't in a terribly wealthy neighborhood. Yards were reasonably maintained, pets generally well controlled, no problems from local teens.

In both of the small towns I've lived in, I've basically given up walking. I have found that I am quite apt to get harrassed, most often by those very kids who supposedly have such heartland values. I am routinely honked at, swerved at, yelled at, etc by teenagers speeding by in pickup trucks. Yes, even been mooned several times. No way in hell I'd wander around a park at night where they congregate. I'm routinely barked at by snarling pit bulls and rotweilers on rusty chains. I have had far more problems with neighbors who let their dogs bark all night or crap in my yard, or otherwise make themselves a nuisance, than I ever did in the city. Welcome and friendly? Not in my experience.

I see far more evidence of drug dealing and using going on in these towns. Indeed, most neighborhoods in Boston have lower crime rates than my current small town home in Kansas (I've already had one car break in in the year I've been here). One could also add the much higher teen pregnancy and illegitimacy rates too.

No doubt there are more "values" here in the sense of being anti-abortion, anti-gay, and praying frequently. Where did I feel most secure, most confident in my neighbors, best supplied with role models I'd want kids to have? City, not a doubt.

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