What's your opinion on living in a country/rural area?

There's great reasons to love country living but there are 2 reasons I wouldn't go back to a small country town. Firstly the medical services are minimal, we got a doc in town for 4 hours every 2 weeks at one point. And the other is the gossip. I have watched so many people decimate others. I didn't like everyone knowing what I was doing all the time, and some people had the attitude that they had the right to know. I know gossip is everywhere but in a larger place you can find other friends and get away from it, not always possible in a country town. I was at the chemist getting a prescription made up and the woman standing next to me wasn't even subtle about looking to see what it was. She then gave me a look that very clearly said, "Well, I'm waiting, tell me what it's for." I just said, "Have a lovely day Mrs ........... and left. That one cost me as she made something up and it was.....well....very spiteful. I couldn't take it all the time every time I left the house so we left the area when a transfer opportunity came up. I suppose it wasn't the place for me.