Many accounts of living in rural areas tend to be too romanticized. And while moving from the city to the country is almost always life-changing, it's most likely not because of reasons you imagine. (h/t to NewLifeOnAHomestead.com)
Your money goes a long way
One of the best things about living in the country is getting more out of your money. Take housing options, for example. What will get you a small apartment in the city will probably be enough for a decent-sized country home. This is because urban areas offer more services and thus attract more people. The high demand for living space inevitably brings up the cost of residential areas.
Naturally, this comes with a few trade-offs. For one, it'd be wise not to expect your dream house the country. Housing choices are limited, and as rural areas tend to be less adventurous about aspects like home design, you'll most likely end up with a building that looks a little like the next-door neighbor's – if you have neighbors.
One of the biggest draws of cities is that they have pretty much everything you need close by. Whether it's a hospital, a grocery, or a small street corner restaurant, chances are you'll get there if you give yourself a few minutes. This isn't the case in the country, where people are more concerned about the basics.
You probably won't have your dream job
Unless your dream job involves something you can find only in the country, that is. If you dream of having your own organic farm, for instance, there is no better place to see it happen than in the country. However, limitations in connectivity, transportation, and accessibility will make jobs that use modern technology a lot more challenging.
If your idea of a job means sitting in an office in front of a computer with high-speed internet, it's better to stay in the city. The same is true if you want unconventional jobs as the constantly changing urban landscape is ideal for experimentation and is more welcoming of out-of-the-box concepts.
If there is anything that the country offers that cities have a hard time giving, it's respite from stress. In urban areas, the mere act of getting from point A to B means having to deal with people, traffic, constant noise, and the ever-present need to keep moving. In the country, relaxing is as easy as sitting back after a long day. This is why people in the country tend to be less stressed – and are healthier because of it, too.
You'll feel closer to your neighbors
The country has fewer people, and more often than not, this means you'll also have less diversity, whether in terms of race or social circumstances. But that's not necessarily a bad thing.
For one, it tends to bring the community closer together. You may notice that small communities are more close-knit and this comes with a lot of benefits. You know your neighbors, unlike in the city where you may share an apartment building with people for years and never get to talk to them once. The lack of diversity also puts you on a somewhat even footing with others, which means your voice matters more and has a greater chance of being heard – and being listened to. In the city, it's about being an individual; in the country, it's more about being a community.
It feels more secure
If you want to feel more secure from say, armed conflicts and other forms of chaos, living in the country can make you feel more at ease. The city's atmosphere and culture make it friendlier to criminality, something that is less common in rural areas partly because everyone knows everyone.
You'll also feel closer to nature
The country has fewer concrete spaces and more open areas where plants grow and wild animals wander. You can expect an animal or two to walk into your garden every so often, which isn't such a bad deal if you like animals. If you like the idea of living close to nature, moving to the country could be the best decision you'll make in a long time. (Related: Children raised in rural environments and surrounded by animals develop stronger immune systems.)
A house in the country is ideal for home gardening. Learn more about this at HomeGardeningNews.com.
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