A 2018 study on urban growth patterns offers some interesting insights into how different types of communities have changed over the past two decades. Overall, urban counties have grown at a rate of 13% since 2000, which is in line with the national average. Meanwhile, rural counties now have fewer people than they did in 2000. However, these trends are not uniform across the country. Many rural areas are still thriving, and plenty of urban areas are struggling.
Living in rural counties includes having more space, being closer to nature, and having a tight-knit community. However, there are challenges, such as a lack of jobs and limited access to healthcare and other services. But with the right policies, rural counties can continue to thrive.
On the other hand, urban counties offer a more diverse range of opportunities because of their size and density and access to a broader range of amenities. However, they also have downsides like high living costs, traffic, and crime.
Whether rural or urban, there are plenty of things to do in your community and do your part in supporting it to make a difference in the places where we live.
Join or start a community group
Being part of a community group is a great way to get to know your neighbors better. This can be as simple as getting together for a monthly potluck, organizing a neighborhood watch, or working on a community project. You’ll be able to build closer relationships and may even be able to rely on them in times of need.
You can also join local organizations, sports teams, book clubs, or take a cooking class. If you have kids, get involved in their school or extracurricular activities. This is a great way to meet other parents and volunteer for field trips or chaperone events.
Join local events and do activities that interest you
Local events and activities are a great way to meet new people, discover new hobbies, have fun, and learn more about your community. You don’t have to limit yourself to activities you are used to because this is an excellent opportunity to try something new.
You may want to consider attending an art opening or gallery show, wine tasting, attending a comedy show or open mic night, visiting the farmers market, enjoying local festivals, and listening to musical performances.
Many counties also have a variety of activities and events including a citizen academy, where residents can learn more about how the county government works. You can always visit the county website for more information about upcoming local events and activities. Some of these events also happen annually, so you can plan and make sure to attend next year if you miss it this year.
Make use of the county’s public resources
When it comes to county resources, the most obvious benefit is that using them is free. This is a significant draw for budget-minded individuals and businesses. In addition, county resources are often high quality and well maintained. This means that those who use them can enjoy a service comparable to what they receive from a private company.
County public resources include parks, libraries, and recreation centers. Even if you don’t often visit these places, they’re still worth visiting during your free time. The county’s parks provide a place for people to exercise, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. Meanwhile, libraries offer books, DVDs, and other resources that can be used for research or pleasure. In addition, the recreation centers provide a place for people to socialize and stay active.
Get involved in the community
County residents get involved in politics by attending local government meetings to voice their opinions on current issues. On the other hand, you can also volunteer with local organizations that work to beautify parks, clean up streets, and help the homeless. Getting involved can make a difference and help create a better living place.
You could also consider joining a professional or trade organization related to your field of work. Despite what people imagine of living in a country, you can get a fruitful career away from the hassles of the city. There are several possibilities for professional development in county jobs, regardless of whether you’d want to work in accounting, marketing, building, sales, or insurance. This is a great way to network and build relationships with other professionals in your industry.
Meeting new people is definitely worth the effort. You never know when you’ll meet your next best friend, business partner, or spouse. The key is to get involved in activities and events that interest you. This will make the process a lot more fun and help you meet like-minded individuals who will give you a sense of belonging.
