What does it mean to live in a Rural community? For some, there is no turning back after living in a big city. For others, the city is exhausting and home in a rural setting will offer a stress relief. Living in the middle of nowhere has its merits but also has a few downfalls.  Whether you thinking of buying 1 or 100 acres, here is a list to consider before moving to the country.

1. Privacy

Oh, the privacy! How we covet this in the city and the suburbs where you are crammed in beside your  neighbors.

Did I really just hear their toilet flush? Is that their bass I hear coming through the walls? Did that crazy person really just drip wood sealant all over my lettuce garden?

Neighbors can be a blessing or a nightmare. Unfortunately, the ones that affect us the most are the nightmares. In a rural community, you are likely to still have neighbors, but they are not nearly as close. So while you might still hear a raging house party, it is likely to be more forgivable because you aren’t constantly dealing with smaller nuisances.

2. Media Services are Limited
Are you someone who wants their internet and TV the fastest it possibly can be? Maybe country living isn’t for you. Things, well, they move a bit slower in the country. While it has improved in recent years, realistically quite a few areas won’t be as fast as the city.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In a world of fast food, fast phones, fast internet, a lot of people feel they are moving through life too fast. You look up from your device or the TV and you think, “where has my day gone?” A lot of people are done, they are tired of it. For some it’s time to slow things down and the country is the place to do it.

3. It’s Beautiful

Everywhere you look there are picturesque scenes with trees, hills, marshes, flowers, lakes, rivers, farmers fields. Every time you drive somewhere it might be hard to focus on the road because the scenery is so distracting (take turns driving, so you can take time to soak it all in.
Go for a walk, smell that country air, hear birds chirping and take in all the scenery has to offer. One thing you may not consider when moving to the country is how dark it is at night.

After living in the city, this is a bit of a shock. After a time, especially after moving back to the city, this darkness is a different kind of beauty. I still miss living where there are no streetlights.

 

 

4. You likely won’t be on town water or waste water

Which means you are have a well and a septic system. A private well can be interesting, especially if you live near a lot of agriculture. Things seep where you don’t want them to seep and it can make for a frustrating situation.

A septic system is expensive because you have to  maintain it yourself. Since you aren’t paying the taxes you would in the city, you would have to put aside what you would normally pay every month to the city. That will at least cover maintenance costs. Depending on the size of the septic tank this also means you need to be more mindful of what and how much you flush.

5. Lots of room!

Have you ever wanted to have a pool, a trampoline, a large garden, a small ice rink, lots of dogs, a horse, a goat? There really isn’t anything like fresh from your backyard. There is lots of room for dogs, children (and adults) to run and play.

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. The Winter

The roads in the winter can be trecherous. Again, you aren’t paying city taxes and therefore won’t receive all the services you will in the city. This means your road may  not be paved and the area may only have a couple of plows.

C’est la vie, I think! As long as there is no emergency, there is no harm in not going into work on a crazy snow day. It can be a bit isolating during bouts of bad weather and can’t manage to visit with friends or family.

7. Close community

The winter is when a close community can really come in handy. Even in rural areas there are often clusters of houses fairly spread apart. These people can be the kindest, most giving people around. They might be the only people around. Don’t be afraid to ask these neighbors for help or even to come over for a cup of tea. Creating and keeping these relationships is part of what makes living in a rural community so darn…well, charming.

8. The insects

Have you ever been bitten by a horse fly? How about a black fly? Everyone knows what a mosquito bite feels like. Horse flies and black flies don’t seem to venture into the city. Mosquitoes are in the city but not nearly as many. This can be a huge deterrent for a lot of city folks. All I can say is, you get used to it.

You also have a great deal of non-biting insects. Beautiful, funny looking and graceful bugs that are fascinating to discover. Using native plants in your garden will ensure a plethora of butterflies.

9. The Wildlife and Farm Animals

The coyotes and frogs sing at night. The foxes peek at you around bushes. You catch glimpses of rabbits running into the brush. The birds have trees, lots of trees, to squawk and sing from.

Don’t forget the horses and cows. Lots of people love horses but most don’t even think about cows. Cows (not bulls, stay away from bulls) can be incredibly gentle and sweet. They love to be fed apples and carrots. They have these big pretty eyes with giant eyelashes. If you can, visit some cows.

10. The Summer

Ah, the summer time. It’s hot, but it never gets, “city hot.”Its often so green and not a lot of pavement, the heat doesn’t stick around like in the city. The wind is a little cooler and there is always plenty of shade. If you’ve ever dreamed of a pool or waterfront, then a rural setting is where its at for the summer.

If country living has always been your dream then the deterrents I mentioned will be quickly forgotten or easily overlooked. For others, they can’t look past the inconveniences and nuisances. They need the hustle and bustle and don’t seem to mind the frustrating aspects of city living. Regardless of where you choose to live, John Weber can get you there.