Relocating from the bustling pace of the city to the calm of the countryside is an exciting prospect for many urban families. The promise of space, fresh air, and a slower, more relaxed lifestyle is undeniably appealing. However, as with any significant change, the move to the country comes with its own set of challenges. If you’re considering this major transition, it’s crucial to be well-prepared. This guide outlines what every urban family should know before making the big move to the country, with tips on selecting the correct location, managing expectations, and making the process as smooth as possible.
Why Move to the Country?
The decision to relocate from urban areas to rural ones is often motivated by several key factors. Here are the main benefits that draw families to the countryside:
Space and Privacy
In contrast to the crowded city, the country offers ample space, both inside and outside your home. Many families find the extra room to be a game-changer, offering a yard for kids to play in, a garden to cultivate, or simply the peace of not living in close quarters with neighbors. This space can reduce stress and provide more opportunities for a relaxed lifestyle.
Cost of Living
Rural areas generally have a lower cost of living, especially when it comes to housing. Home prices and rental rates are often significantly more affordable in the country, making it easier for families to afford larger homes or property. Utilities and general living expenses might also be lower, allowing families to save more or reallocate funds toward other priorities.
A Slower, More Relaxed Pace
Country living comes with a slower rhythm. There’s no rush, and the pace of life tends to be more focused on family, nature, and community. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the fast-paced urban lifestyle, moving to the country can be a refreshing change, offering a greater sense of peace and relaxation.
A Stronger Sense of Community
In rural areas, it’s common to encounter close-knit communities where neighbors know each other, and social interactions are more personal. This sense of connection can be incredibly fulfilling, especially for families seeking to engage meaningfully with those around them.
Moving Tips for Urban Families
The actual process of moving can be overwhelming, especially when you’re transitioning from the city to the country. Here are some tips to help make your move as smooth as possible.
Plan Ahead
Allow yourself sufficient time to plan the move effectively. Create a timeline and break the process into manageable tasks. This will help reduce the stress associated with last-minute decisions and enable you to address any unexpected challenges.
Downsize
Country living often means more space, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to bring everything from your city home with you. Consider downsizing by selling, donating, or discarding items that no longer serve you. This not only makes the move easier but also helps you adjust to the more minimalistic nature of rural life.
Find Reliable Moving Services
Hiring experienced long distance movers who are experienced with rural areas is crucial. These movers understand the challenges of navigating narrow roads and delivering goods to remote locations. Make sure they’re familiar with your new area, and be clear about your needs during the move.
Settle Into Your New Home
Once you arrive in the country, take time to settle into your new home and surroundings. Meet your neighbors, explore the local area, and enjoy the peace that comes with your new rural life. Don’t rush the process—ease into it and take time to adjust.
Set Up Utilities and Services
While rural areas may have limited infrastructure, it’s essential to get your utilities and services up and running as soon as possible. Check the availability of internet, waste disposal, and other services before moving to avoid any delays upon arrival.
Choosing the Right Location
While the idea of moving to the country is appealing, choosing the right rural location requires careful consideration. Not all rural areas are the same, and your family’s specific needs will dictate the best place for you to settle.
Consider Practical Factors
Start by considering the basics. How far is the country location from your work? Are there schools for your children, and if so, how do they compare to the ones you’re used to in the city? Does the area offer access to healthcare services, grocery stores, and other amenities? Even in rural areas, you’ll want to ensure that you have the resources you need to make life comfortable and convenient.
Evaluate the Local Climate
Climate can make a big difference, especially when you’re adjusting to a completely different environment. Research the weather patterns in the area—are winters harsh, with heavy snow, or are summers extremely hot? This can affect everything from your comfort to the types of outdoor activities you can enjoy. Make sure the climate aligns with your Family’s Bonds preferences and lifestyle.
Research Schools and Healthcare Facilities
One of the most important considerations for families is access to education and healthcare. In some rural areas, schools can be fewer and farther between, and healthcare facilities may be limited. Investigate local schools, their quality, and extracurricular offerings. Similarly, ensure that there are sufficient healthcare services nearby, including doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies.
What to Expect from Rural Life
Life in the country is vastly different from city living. While the quiet, natural surroundings can be a welcome change, it’s important to manage expectations.
A Slower Pace of Life
In the city, everything moves quickly, and there’s always something happening. In the country, the pace is slower, and that can sometimes take getting used to. For some, this slower rhythm is exactly what they’ve been craving. But for others, the lack of constant stimulation may initially feel isolating. The key is to embrace the change and find enjoyment in the simpler pleasures of life.
Limited Access to Urban Amenities
While rural areas offer many advantages, they also lack some of the conveniences found in urban areas. Public transportation is likely nonexistent, so you’ll need to own a vehicle. Entertainment options, such as theaters, shopping centers, and restaurants, may be limited, requiring you to be more creative with how you spend your free time.
Job Opportunities and Remote Work
Employment in rural areas can be more limited, especially in specialized or high-paying fields. However, with the rise of remote work, many families now have the flexibility to live in the country without sacrificing their careers. If you’re moving to the country, consider whether your current job can be done remotely or if you’ll need to explore new career options in the area.
Self-Sufficiency
Living in the country often means being more self-reliant. You may need to acquire new skills, such as gardening, basic home repair, or even raising animals, if you choose to live on a farm. Embracing a DIY mindset can make your country lifestyle more fulfilling and sustainable.
Family Considerations
Moving to the country doesn’t just affect adults—it impacts children as well. Here are some family-specific considerations to keep in mind.
Adapting to a New School Environment
Children who are accustomed to city schools may find the transition to a rural school challenging. Smaller schools may offer a more personalized education, but they can also feel isolating at first. Take the time to visit schools and understand the types of extracurricular activities they offer, as rural schools may not have the same variety as urban ones.
Fewer Entertainment Options
While kids in the city are used to a plethora of entertainment options, the country offers fewer. No more hopping to the nearest movie theater or local shopping mall. However, the outdoors often provides the best play area—a backyard, nearby woods, or parks for hiking, biking, and fishing. Encourage your children to embrace these activities to make the most of rural life.
Building a Social Network
It may take some time to build new friendships and a support network in the country. Start by getting involved in local community events, such as farmers’ markets, festivals, or volunteer activities. Over time, you’ll find that your rural community is warm and welcoming.
Adapting to Country Living
Once you’ve moved, adapting to life in the country will take time. It’s important to be patient and open-minded during this transition.
Learning New Skills
The country often demands greater self-sufficiency, whether it involves maintaining one’s home, growing one’s own food, or caring for animals. Many families adopt this new lifestyle by acquiring new skills and becoming more connected to the land around them.
Dealing with Rural Isolation
Rural life can feel isolating, particularly if you’re used to the constant activity of the city. It’s normal to experience homesickness, especially if you’re far away from friends and family. Stay connected through regular visits or digital communication, and make an effort to engage in the local community.
Embracing the Outdoors
One of the main advantages of country living is the proximity to nature. Hiking, fishing, camping, and gardening are just some of the activities you can enjoy. Embrace the outdoors and find joy in these simple pleasures.
Conclusion
Relocating from the city to the country is a significant life change, but it can be incredibly rewarding. By carefully choosing the right location, managing your family’s needs, and preparing for the move, you can ensure a smooth transition to a slower, more fulfilling lifestyle. Take the time to adjust and embrace the new opportunities that rural living offers. With a bit of patience and planning, you’ll soon find that the big move was worth it.
