Rural and urban living comes with varying levels of appeal for different types of people. For some, nightlife, a bunch of loud neighbors, and never-ending variety (of almost everything) are what life is all about. But for others, the slower pace of life and serenity of nature may be appealing. If you fall into the latter category and plan to move from urban to rural, this post is for you. Here, you will find out about the four things you need to consider before you take the major decision of moving from urban to rural.
Contents
Cost
Generally, you can find low-cost properties in a rural setting. If you compare property prices in the countryside with a similar-sized urban property, you will be surprised at the stark difference. As you plan to move from urban to rural, keep in mind that you can end up saving some money as you dispose of your urban property and invest in rural property. Make sure you have an alternate plan of where you want to invest your additional savings. Perhaps an investment firm? Or maybe some extra property in the countryside? In either case, make an informed choice!
Moreover, the cost-saving does not end with the initial purchase of the property. You can continue to enjoy a reduced cost of living as you move from an urban to a rural area. If you have lived in an urban setting all your life, you would be accustomed to paying the higher-end, city-center prices for everything, including the necessities. With lesser dine-outs and amenities of urban living, you can save up on your living cost as you plan to move from urban to rural.
However, the reduced cost may come at a few expenses, such as the lesser availability of services.
Your Existing Job/Source of Income
What is your source of income? Are you currently employed in an urban setting?
If you are thinking of moving from urban to rural, you will have to make another important decision, and it is related to your existing job. Are you willing to live in a rural area while continuing to work in the same office? That would mean longer commuting hours, more spending on fuel, and additional wear and tear on the car. Are all these costs justified? If you think yes, then it’s best to go with your decision to move from urban to rural.
But if the answers are not entirely favorable, you may want to consider employment opportunities in your new town. What are the possibilities of working from home? You can likely find a source of income in a rural setting; however, you may have to reconsider moving from an urban to a rural setting in the worst case.
Availability of Services (Utilities, transportation, and health)
As you plan to move from urban to rural, make sure you check the availability of services, including utilities, access to healthcare, and transportation.
Make sure you are aware of factors such as the reliability of electricity. How frequently does the area experience power breakdown? What is the frequency of power breakdowns due to natural disasters? What are the alternative options available? Do people rely on backup generators, or is there an off-the-grid energy choice? What about the internet connection and connectivity speed? While all of these are critical considerations as you move from an urban to a rural setting, they can be even more important if you plan to work from home. Similarly, you need to look into the source of water supply and your new rural property’s existing plumbing structure.
You may also have to consider the availability of other essential services such as hospitals and access to medical facilities. What if you become ill in the middle of the night? Consider all the factors such as proximity to the hospital, the time required by the ambulance to reach you, and healthcare facilities’ quality.
Some of the other services you may need to consider as you plan to move from urban to rural may include schools, recreational opportunities, and other few urban life amenities.
Weather
Are you a city-dweller who has always enjoyed the tropical weather of Florida? Would it make sense for you to relocate to the U.S. highlands with heavy snowfall? Probably not. As you think of moving from an urban to a rural setting, make sure you do enough research about your chosen area’s weather conditions.
Since rural areas lack some of the facilities that urban regions enjoy, it is possible that it may take longer for life to return to normal in case of extreme weather conditions. You can do your research about how long it takes for the road to clear up after a heavy snowfall. Or, if it’s a lowland region, find out the possibilities of storms or flooding.
Consider the weather conditions in the region become you make the final call.
Living in Nature – In a Nutshell
Living in a rural setting means living closer to nature. And when trees, plants, and wildlife surround you, it brings an additional responsibility of maintaining nature. As you plan to move from urban to rural, make sure you go there with a different mindset of being more environmental-friendly.
Moreover, living in nature may come with specific challenges where you may be required to share your property with some other creatures such as deer, bats, and raccoons. Make sure you maintain your property and your neighborhood, along with all other natural resources you are using.
The benefits of living in a rural setting are great, and for many people who make the choice, the decision is worth every sacrifice. The tranquillity and serenity of country living await you. As you think of moving from urban to rural, consider the four points highlighted above and make an informed choice.
