If you’ve ever spent more than one hour stuck in traffic on your way to work or have the holidays ruined by the rat’s race that is urban life, then you’ve probably dreamt about getting away. Maybe, you’ve thought about settling down in a calmer, slower, quieter life in the countryside.
For many, going rural really is the best thing that could happen to them. Moreover, there’s a major trend going on where thousands of people are leaving the city behind. Interestingly, many of these people aren’t anywhere close to retirement age. Some are even in their 20s or 30s.
So, what exactly is the appeal of this countryside magic and what should you expect after moving out?
Prepare for a lifestyle change
Moving out of the city comes with a major change to your lifestyle. Although many of us can imagine what it’s like to live in a place without traffic jams and crowded malls, the change is still astonishing. Living in the countryside means embracing a slower way of life, which allows for reflection and self-growth. No obnoxious roommates dragging you to weird parties, no aggressive taxi drivers, no police sirens at 3 am, and no people who only talk about deadlines. For some, that’s what the charm of the city is all about. But if you find this rhythm to be suffocating, then you’ll welcome the change greatly.
Being able to live a spacious home for once, and not having to fit your entire life into a couple of boxes, is also worth it. However, be sure that you really want this lifestyle change. You don’t want to end up bored after a couple of months because you miss the nightlife.
Embrace taking your place in the local community
Smaller towns are formed around local communities where people support each other while still respecting their privacy. In pop culture, rural communities are often pictured as secluded places where you don’t see a soul for miles and everyone is hiding some dark secret. In reality, your neighbors will be normal, warm, and friendly people. Your local pub will feel all the more welcoming since everyone is friends with everyone and you have a stronger sense of community. There are even studies that show local pubs create a sense of adhesion, increase social involvement, and help people create meaningful connections.
Isolated in the countryside or alone in the big city?
For all their people and colorful events, cities can become very lonely places. It’s no longer a secret that city life can be a contributing factor to anxiety and depression. Many young people have decided to move to the countryside because they could no longer cope with that kind of loneliness.
That might sound counterintuitive since rural places have more limited social interaction, but it’s precisely this quiet life that helps you find yourself. If you’re an introvert who wants to spend more time in solitude, you’ll find this isolation to be liberating and even use it as an opportunity to accept yourself. Plus, you’ll make real connections with people you see often, rather than a carousel of strangers in the city.
Make sure the change is welcomed by your SO or family
So, you’ve been fantasizing about replacing the smog of the city with the crisp air of the countryside. If you live alone, it’s your decision to make and yours alone, but if you have children or a significant other, make sure you factor them in as well. Relocating to a rural area with others can involve complicated decisions, such as quitting your job or changing the child’s school. If you opt to use a moving service, ensure they are aware you are moving to the countryside. An experienced mover like Matco Moving can help answer any questions or concerns you may have. Analyze all the pros and cons and try to find a solution that benefits everyone.
Know the challenges of rural living
Countryside living may seem idyllic but, like everything else, it comes with challenges. Even if you aren’t cut out for urban life, you will have to worry about practical things in the countryside. A rural home isn’t just about the crisp air and peaceful solitude, but also about limited public transport, fewer entertainment options, and restricted access to medical services. One way to bypass these limitations is to move to a town that’s within reasonable driving distance to a city.
Moving to a rural area can literally change your life. Just be sure you understand what you’re getting yourself into before you take that leap. If you do, happy moving!
Written by Matco Moving
Photo by Luke Bender on Unsplash
