Some Pros and Cons of Living in the Countryside

Many people dream to leave the congested and polluted urban areas and move to the green countryside, where they may naively expect to find the equivalent on hearth of John Milton’s Lost Paradise.  However, living in a rural area is far different from living in a town.  For example, there are many new jobs you have to perform, like much more involved landscaping and increased home repair.  You should carefully consider the pros and cons of relocating to the country before taking any action, and prepare yourself for a period of adjustment to your new lifestyle, once you have made the decision to make the great jump.

The pros of living in the countryside

  • You will enjoy a healthier life style.  The common prejudice that countrymen live longer, healthier and better seems to be confirmed by science.  It is not only a matter of clean air and more physical exercise.  For example, you will get more vitamin G, a nutrient that benefits your body in several ways (for more information on this point, read Five Scientific Reasons for Moving to the Country).
  • Prices are lower.  The cost of living in rural areas is 6-10% lower on average than the in cities.  Especially housing- a key need for anyone is often discounted at least 13%.
  • No problems for pets and children.  Your children and your pets will enjoy all the space they need to grow up strong and happy.
  • You can earn money with farming.  Do not forget that a farm is a real business that can be easily turned into a source of revenue.  If you relocate not too far from a town, you could farm organic food and sell it in the market in the city, for example.  If you are in this set of mind, Hampton Roads is an ideal place to carry out your plan, as it offers a unique blend of urban areas sunk into a huge and beautiful country.

The cons of living in the countryside

  • You have to learn a lot of things. Running a farm is a real job and agriculture is not as easy as it may seem.
  • Isolation. Living far away from it all is not for everybody, especially in winter, when roads get blocked by ice and snow. You may need to buy a sturdy vehicle, at least to reach the nearest grocery store or hospital.
  • The countryside is toiling and requires a strong physique. Cleaning your own driveway of tons of snow isn’t the easiest task you can expect in your new location.  Living in the country is beautiful, but toiling, particularly if you decide to farm.
  • Intellectual stimuli opportunities are further away. Theaters, cinemas, downtown, varieties of restaurants, and those groups of artists and young professionals you might love so much can be tens of miles away.

In conclusion, the country is beautiful but is not for everybody.  If you plan to relocate, prepare yourself to a period of adjustment to your new surroundings.  Here you can find some useful suggestions to make the transition smoother: Adjusting to rural living

Photo credit and more info: 5 Suprising Benefits of Country Living, According to Science