Quote from wilburbear:
Last summer I had the chance to be in a cabin in Michigan for 3 weeks. I paid the owner's bill to have high speed DSL put in, which was just offered in that community. The ping time was *faster* than it was from office to my home - both in downtown Chicago. From there it was pretty much an ideal situation. Work 6 and half hours a day, and then go hiking in the forest out the back door, or go swimming with the kids. No commute, crime, smog. Much cheaper living costs.
With about a week left, I was hooked up to the national securities markets and trading, when a deer came by about 8 feet from the window with a small baby. 20 seconds later the other baby with white spots comes by. It was kind of magical.
Living in the city is worse, and more expensive. My forecast is for declining city property values - but I'm never right.