It is hard to draw a parallel btw life in different countries/cultures. For most americans "rural" would mean living in the place where your driveway length is measured in miles (or at least hundreds of yards) and you need to get into car when you want to see your neighbor. Public transportation? sure, about 10-15mi away there is a bus stop. Have to wait an hour before getting on one. And it is not that we adverse to using public transportation, it is either non-existent or not feasible (it would take about 4hr one way).
That aside the place you're moving to sounds similar to what we describe as suburban, and if there is public transportation alternative, one of the better ones too. As long as the roads get plowed in winter it is not a rural place. With that and absence of heavy snowfalls, 2wd with good winter tires would be more than up to the task.
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View my fuel log 2015 Mirage DE 1.2 manual: 46.4 mpg (US) ... 19.7 km/L ... 5.1 L/100 km ... 55.7 mpg (Imp)