Many who live in "real rural areas" are self sufficient in alot of things:
— They produce their own foods, such as meat, milk, seeds, fruits, vegetables etc..
— Many use natural water like, well water, streams, rain etc.
— Most are homeowners and many build their homes themselves.
— They seem to live long. Rural areas tend to have too many old people. The short lifespan in rural areas is probably myth.
— They don't joke with environmental cleanliness. Everything appears to be changing recently.
— Most young people have migrated to urban areas or cities. I guess it's due to greed and laziness. Tv, movies, radio have taught them that sitting lazily in offices/shops for hours is easier and better.
Over dependence on government is not really prosperity in my opinion.
I am seriously considering rural living or something in between (rural and nomadic lifestyle)
Well you can now have TV, movies, radio... computers, internet, and telecommuting in rural areas, its not like you have to live in the city, but i guess its a matter of choice. If you live in a city but manage to find a source of income that doesn't need constant physical presence, you can take the chance and move out.
The government is another matter.