Beach and the mountains for permanent residence
Given the chance, most people would get stuck choosing between the beach and the mountains for permanent residence. Although my love for nature equally balances the two, this would be a very easy decision for me to make. I would most definitely pick the mountains. My antisocial lifestyle governs most, if not all of my choices.
Firstly, the beach is a place you will randomly visit and find people in large numbers. I get quite self-conscious in such environments. On the other hand, the mountains are not always full of hikers, and that justifies my choice the most. Research suggests that being an introvert or an extrovert has a major influence on the choice of destination for most people. The beach person is full of life, and always ready to go out and meet new people. Mostly, they are extroverts and social butterflies. The mountain person, which I am, will most likely stay home and only go out when they have to. If I was told that I would spend the rest of my life in either of the places, I would be more comfortable in the mountains where I would just be myself.
Secondly, the beach life is sprightly and lively. People who can match such energy are the ones who find it fun there. The mountain life, on the other hand, is for people who love enjoying the embrace of nature. I can be alone for a mountain vacation and still enjoy it more than I would around friends on the beach. I love reading books and writing articles. Putting me on a beach for more than a day would be the punishment I am not willing to take. I could carry my novels to a mountain vacation and find time to read them. The relaxing view of the mountain is good enough as a reading environment. No one carries books to the beach.
In conclusion, the choice between living in the mountains or the beach entirely depends on the personality of the person. I would choose a peaceful environment with few people around me, and that best describes the mountains. The virtual world has both the beach and the mountains persons, and personalities tell them apart.