For decades, I only rode in rural areas. Now I live in Portland OR so practically all my riding is urban.

You can't ride for speed, time, or relaxation. And between issues with theft and things breaking up your speed, it's almost pointless to have nice equipment.

But in a city, you never ever get passed by idiots drag racing at over 100mph, what constitutes a "hostile dog" or a dangerous road is a joke, there's enough ambient light that visibility is great year round, and everything moves so slowly that you have an excellent chance of walking away if you get hit (though chances of being hit are much higher).

If I could take one or the other, rural riding is a million times better, but urban is OK.