Collocations Town and country
Town
live in a city/a town/an urban environment/(informal) a concrete jungle/the suburbs/shanty towns/slums live (especially North American English) downtown/in the downtown area/(British English) in the city centre enjoy/like the hectic pace of life/the hustle and bustle of city life head for the bright lights (of the big city/New York) have/be close to all the amenities be surrounded by towering skyscrapers/a soulless urban sprawl use/travel by/rely on (British English) public transport/(North American English) public transportation Country
live in a village/the countryside/an isolated area/a rural backwater/(informal) the sticks
enjoy/like the relaxed/slower pace of life
enjoy/love/explore the great outdoors
look for/find/get/enjoy a little peace and quiet
need/want to get back/closer to nature
be surrounded by open/unspoilt/picturesque countryside
escape/quit/get out of/leave the rat race
seek/achieve a better/healthy work-life balance
downshift to a less stressful life
seek/start a new life in the country
(British English, informal) up sticks/ (North American English, informal ) pull up stakes and move to/head for…
create/build/foster a strong sense of community
depend on/be employed in/work in agriculture
live off/farm/work the land
tackle/address the problem of rural unemployment