Where to live: educational systems and sense of community as factors in choosing place of residence among parents living in rural and urban areas

Abstract Individuals engage in considerable deliberation and planning when selecting their place of residence, attributing significant importance to their area of residence in relation to their overall life satisfaction. This is particularly relevant for parents who are raising and educating children. Rural environments, such as those in Israel, tend to be more geographically isolated and are often centered around agriculture and nature. Research indicates that place attachment and a sense of community are key factors influencing how adults connect to their surroundings. Additionally, formal and informal education systems play a significant role in determining where families choose to live. The current study examined the differences between Israeli parents in rural and urban areas regarding their decisions about where to live. It involved questionnaires completed by 437 parents, with 130 residing in a rural region and 307 in a central urban area. The findings revealed that place attachment, sense of community, and life satisfaction were significantly higher among parents living in rural areas compared to their urban counterparts. However, no differences were noted in relation to the influence of environmental and educational systems. The analysis also indicated a greater tendency for parents in rural regions to express intentions to leave. This combination of high satisfaction with living in the rural region and a stronger intentions to leave presents a paradox. This discussion will frame these findings in the context of rural versus central urbzn locations.