I (like backyardbandit, posted above) live in the greater STL area, on the southwest side. Actually in the northern end of a rural county (a conservative, red one), adjoining STL county. We are in a large development that has a lake and we have heavily wooded common ground behind us. Have deer in our yard almost daily, coyotes around, as well as raccoons. Yet I can be in the heart of downtown at Busch stadium in about 40 minutes. We have tons of shopping, eating, car dealership options, within 20 minutes of us. We have family farm property (260 acres) in NE MO, about 160 miles from us. GREAT whitetail and turkey hunting; can get up there whenever I want. Have hunting buddies with which I do western hunts every couple of years or so. Have lots of great recreational opportunities just a few hours away in the Ozarks. Given that me and my wife grew up in this region and our families (siblings on both sides and their kids) and our grown daughters all live in this area, we want to be here near them. Plus lots of friends, church stuff, etc. is around. With all this I figure I have pretty much the best of both worlds and am really not lacking anything.
So yes, as has been said several times earlier in this thread, to each, his own. Whatever works for you!