Why did the British find it easier to capture the American cities rather than the countryside?

The cities contained more people loyal to the crown so to stay in the cities was much more pleasant for the officers. By 1777 the British maintained control only in the area around NYC. The countryside was more hostile and could not be subdued. British intelligence had severelyunderestimated civilian hostility and an army far from its supply base could not survive. In Philadelphia society enjoyed the officer's company for the winter, but the colony was no more loyal after the occupation than when the Americans controlled the city. The British presence alienated neutral citizens and converted them to the fight. Also the countryside was more apt to practice guerrilla type war than the classical type that the British troops were trained in.