system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
Feeling like I am in exile, how did you cope moving to a small city for an academic position?

I know this applies to anyone having to move for jobs, but in academia jobs are especially scarce so I wanted to ask here.

I am in my 30s and I am from the largest, most lively city of my country. Very pretty, always something to do. Then I moved to another country for my PhD, lived in the capital for 7 years. Again, very lively, parks, events everywhere. 
 
After searching (and failing) for a permanent job for so long, I finally found one in a smaller city. Its a great job, the university has great reputation in my field, I have decent colleagues. It makes sense to stay here at least a few years and aim for promotion. 

But this city is just so plain. I have visited it before with friends but living here alone is a completely different experience. There is nothing historical or beautiful, its just concrete everywhere. When I look at their best restaurants or new cultural events, its just so pathetic. 

I know I should be grateful for finding a permanent academic job but I just feel like I am wasting my life here. 

Anyone in a similar position? How did you cope?
gpt
Every place has its strengths and weaknesses.  Some jobs here in the U.S. in more "rural" areas won't have any of the fancy stuff the "big cities" have, but will have some amazing places for a wide variety of outdoor recreation. Are you within driving/public transpo distance of the "bigger cities" you desire?

Try and find out what's "great" about the area where you are.  If it doesn't match with what you want out of life, go on the market in year 3 and test the waters to see if you can move to an area more your liking.

If you can't "get into" whatever is "great" about the place, you'll be miserable in the long term, and, IMHO, life is too short to make that your "final" gig.

YMMV.