In India, the charm of big cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru often comes with a cost. Many of us are drawn to metropolitan cities for better job opportunities, hoping to fulfill dreams of a comfortable life. But this corporate culture brings along endless hours of work, a constant rush, and the pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines. Weekdays blur into weekends, and “work-life balance” seems like a myth we were once sold.
Burnout has become a constant companion for many young professionals. Living expenses, especially rent, eats up most of our income, leaving us wondering if all this hustle is truly worth it. The more we earn, the more we spend on food deliveries, rent, and quick escapes that barely scratch the surface of relaxation.
And so, the dream of a slower life begins to tug at our hearts. The idea of moving to a smaller city – somewhere with fresh air, a calmer pace, and a lower cost of living – starts feeling like the escape we need. Imagine spending evenings watching sunsets rather than staring at screens, reconnecting with nature, and reclaiming a sense of peace!
People online have been talking about this after Sneha Mordani, a journalist, asked people if they ever wished to leave the city life behind and settle in a quieter, slower and smaller city.
The burning desire to quit living a fast life in a metropolitan city and embrace the slow quiet life in a smaller place
How many of you feel the same?— Sneha Mordani (@snehamordani) November 4, 2024
Several people weighed in on this, especially those who have done it successfully – moving out of a metropolitan city and settle down in a tier-2 or 3 city or even a village. They spoke about being able to spend time with their loved ones, saving money, and growing their own fruits and vegetables.
Have a look:
I’m no longer just thinking. I’ve done it already. During Covid, I shifted to a small homestead-farm in the village. We grow our own food and are blissed out.
— Dagny (@SerenelyRapt) November 5, 2024
Ok I did this in 2010. Left Mumbai and came back to my native Aurangabad (now Chatrapati Sambhajinagar) Maharashtra. Life has been kind and satisfied.
You get everything in Tier 2 -3 cities with some adjustments here and there.
— Sunil Gaikwad (@sunilgaikwad76) November 5, 2024
I did it for 11 months- moved to Goa from Mumbai.
A slow life is good, only if you are successfully able to build a community around you.
I moved out of Goa because the 2nd wave lockdown happened and I didn’t see a human being for more than 20 days at a stretch! 🫨 Could’ve…
— Manish Nagori (@Kneeche) November 5, 2024
We did it in 2018, tiny village close to Mahabs. We grow our veggies, fruits and unadulterated milk too.The Connectivity to city is still good along with healthcare and education around our vicinity. The expense has been reduced by 2/3, quality of air n water has increased by 2/3 pic.twitter.com/qiHyBiOqax
— @#%_\| (@Lifezpresent) November 5, 2024
had been away from home for 16 years
moved home exactly 4 years ago because of COVID and wanting to spend time with parents
I feel lucky that I did, because I got to spend 2 years with my dad while he was doing well..
but that wasn’t enough time
being able to work remotely…
— amitsarda.xyz (@sardamit) November 5, 2024
I did this already way back in 2017 when I quit my corporate life forever, while I stay in my city Hyderabad,the way I lead my life is with mindfulness,time for self, minimalist approach, kindness,prayers and simplicity.
My study room is now my humble office,and iam in love…— Mehnaz Amjad 🤝 ✍️ (@Mehnaz_Amjad) November 5, 2024
I did the transition 3 years ago. The thread has the detailshttps://t.co/6ZFNHi91rk
— Sumit Ramani (@RamaniSumit) November 5, 2024
Already living such life. And trust me you can earn more in smaller cities rather than metropolitan cities
— ankur 🙂 (@jerry_ankur) November 5, 2024
Already done it
Could have settled anywhere in world .. chose my little village pic.twitter.com/SaF4MwyDfO
— Mac (@pattaazhy) November 5, 2024
Already doing that and suprised at how quickly I adapted to it.
Now when I go to metros, it feels noisy, congested and difficult to breathe in. And I can’t wait to go back.— Boltzmann (@astreal04) November 5, 2024
Many took advantage of Hybrid/WFH to move back to my hometown (Around 4 hours rail trip from Delhi). They travel when they have to, stay in Delhi but they can afford here good schools, good houses, and savings have gone up!!
— Ankit Khandelwal (@Namasteankit) November 5, 2024
My family and I did this over 35 years ago when we moved to Dehradun from Delhi. While it’s definitely better here, the chaos gets closer every day. The problem is all the new residents who want quiet PLUS all the excitement & conveniences of the city.
Can’t have both, baby!— Jo Chopra McGowan (@JoChopra) November 5, 2024
What a quiet rebellion against the fast, demanding life we’ve been sold!