Life in Ancient Greece The way of life in Greek city-states remained mostly the same for a long time. Depending on their wealth, people in the urban center lived in low apartment buildings or single-family homes. Homes, public buildings, and temples were where people gathered for conversation and to buy food and crafts at daily markets. Citizens also lived in small villages or farmhouses scattered around the city-state's countryside. In Athens, more people lived outside the city's wall than inside. Houses were simple, containing bedrooms, storage rooms, and a kitchen around a small inner courtyard, but