If you are tired of the city traffic and smog and nine to five grind, then making a move to the country might be the answer for you. Many individuals have turned their backs on traffic jams, high real estate prices, small gardens and the pressure of day to day living for a less stressful and quieter life. Rural living does have its allure, but you will need to factor in many considerations including lifestyle, school systems, friends, money, careers, and shopping needs before making the big move. Despite some hurdles, more and more people are choosing a more rural lifestyle.
Reasons for wanting to leave the big city behind include there being less crime in rural areas, cheaper land and housing, reduced levels of traffic and pollution, and more opportunity for outdoor recreation including gardening, hiking, fishing, skiing, mountain biking, quad biking, and more. Living in the country is less stressful with a more tranquil lifestyle and studies show that those living in rural areas are healthier than city dwellers. Rural areas are generally fabulous places to raise a family, with living in the country or a small town giving individuals and families a great sense of belonging.
You will need to do a lot of research before you decide to make the big move. Reading the local and regional newspapers is a good way to get to know an area, and obviously visiting several times in different seasons of the year is important. There are guides available that rate areas in terms of schooling, access to health care, and population types, and going on-line to look through listing for real estates and property types is a good idea. If you are reluctant to leave shopping, good restaurants and cultural events behind, look for rural location that is within easy driving distance to a larger town.
You will also need to consider the economics of such a move. You will need to find a way to make a living, and get sufficient equity from your current property to afford the move and your new lifestyle, although you will hopefully be spending less once you move away from the city. Telecommuting is becoming increasingly popular with people running successful businesses in all fields working from home. More entrepreneurial types might consider buying or starting a small rural business, with the possibilities limited only by your ability to make it happen. Types of businesses could include a bed and breakfast, plant nursery, farm stand, on-line store, organic vegetable grower, and more.
Keep in mind that if you do decide to make the move from the city to the country that you should treat the land and the people around you will respect, enjoying your new existence and way of life.
Reasons for wanting to leave the big city behind include there being less crime in rural areas, cheaper land and housing, reduced levels of traffic and pollution, and more opportunity for outdoor recreation including gardening, hiking, fishing, skiing, mountain biking, quad biking, and more. Living in the country is less stressful with a more tranquil lifestyle and studies show that those living in rural areas are healthier than city dwellers. Rural areas are generally fabulous places to raise a family, with living in the country or a small town giving individuals and families a great sense of belonging.
You will need to do a lot of research before you decide to make the big move. Reading the local and regional newspapers is a good way to get to know an area, and obviously visiting several times in different seasons of the year is important. There are guides available that rate areas in terms of schooling, access to health care, and population types, and going on-line to look through listing for real estates and property types is a good idea. If you are reluctant to leave shopping, good restaurants and cultural events behind, look for rural location that is within easy driving distance to a larger town.
You will also need to consider the economics of such a move. You will need to find a way to make a living, and get sufficient equity from your current property to afford the move and your new lifestyle, although you will hopefully be spending less once you move away from the city. Telecommuting is becoming increasingly popular with people running successful businesses in all fields working from home. More entrepreneurial types might consider buying or starting a small rural business, with the possibilities limited only by your ability to make it happen. Types of businesses could include a bed and breakfast, plant nursery, farm stand, on-line store, organic vegetable grower, and more.
Keep in mind that if you do decide to make the move from the city to the country that you should treat the land and the people around you will respect, enjoying your new existence and way of life.