Moving to the countryside - stay or relocate?

Leaving an urban location to move to a more rural area or into the countryside, presents an attractive proposition for many, with a wide range of benefits on offer.

Living in the countryside is based on personal preference:

Before moving to the countryside, be sure to review all the advantages and disadvantages of the potential new life on offer. Ensure you weigh up the pros and cons, based on your personal needs and desires.

This guide will highlight the range of advantages and disadvantages of making that bold and life changing move:

For some ‘life in the country’ is a dream or a long-cherished goal. But before you do make that move – review the following points carefully.

Firstly - the advantages of countryside living include:

1. Back to basics

Since the pandemic - country living has appealed to an increasing number of city dwellers keen to escape the smoke. Never ending traffic jams, increased pollution and noise are amongst the reasons spurring many to initiate the move away from the city in the pursuit of a simpler, less stressful, healthier existence.

2. Greater space

Many crave the wide-open spaces and beautiful scenery on offer. A chance to find larger, more spacious, better value properties with substantial gardens. You are also likely to find far greater privacy, as the properties are generally built further apart, so you are rarely overlooked.

3. A relaxed way of life

Life in the country offers a more relaxed pace, affording extra time to spend with friends and neighbours in the locality. A chance to appreciate the fresh air, enjoy the beautiful countryside and wildlife and be ‘at one’ with nature; a real opportunity to ‘get back to basics’. Access to nature has been scientifically proven to improve mental wellbeing and encourages a more simple and less materialistic way of living. Ultimately resulting in a far greater quality of life.

4. A chance to improve your quality of life

• • An idyllic place to raise a family – enjoy an outdoor lifestyle with country walks, nature trails, woods and fishing on your doorstep.

• • The chance to be part of a close-knit community. In a rural location, everyone tends to know everyone, so are often far more supportive and look out for each other.

• • Rural areas have ample open space resulting in minimal car parking issues or traffic jams and generally far lower crime rates.

• • AQI- air quality index in rural areas is far better than urban areas.

• • Organic food and fresh crops are more readily available.

• • The pace of life is less stressful and far slower than urban life.

What will you leave behind:

• Stressful urban life
• Higher crime rates
• Endless traffic jams and car parking
• Cramped and costly accommodation
• Crowded, noisy neighbourhoods
• Air, water and noise pollution

BUT… do check the following:

6 things you should do before moving to the countryside.

1. Carefully review the geographic landscape of the area you are moving too and carry out thorough research on the local community/ neighbourhood.

2. Check the transport connections on offer, plus all commuting options available, if required .

3. Research access to emergency and medical services

4. Join Facebook and other local social networking sites to get to know the area better and what the local challenges are.

5. Visit the area multiple times, both on weekdays and at the weekend.

6. Before buying, check:

• • Electrical fittings, drainage & waste systems, plus any promises made by the owner.

• • You garden area is private and there are no public pathways crossing your land.

7 things to be aware of before moving to the countryside.

1. Rural locations tend have less job opportunities.

2. There may be limited shops, local eateries and entertainment options.

3. Public transportation may be restricted or sporadic.

4. You need to understand that living in the country is a very different pace of life.

5. You will have to learn to live with and embrace the local wildlife (some animals are very noisy!).

6. Your life could be under constant scrutiny – living in a close-knit community means your life may be under the spotlight.

7. Potentially compromised medical and emergency services.

With above points and facts in mind, if you have decided the country life is definitely for you – we wish you all the best in finding your much-awaited countryside property!