Given the fast pace of modern life, the increase in traffic on the roads and the pace at which new homes are being built, it does make living in urban areas feel a little hectic and claustrophobic at times. It is small wonder, then, that so many people have the desire to move to the countryside. That slower pace of live, open access to large outdoor spaces, the fresh air and that feeling of freedom are more than just often mentioned clichés, they are a real positive of rural living. However, taking the plunge to live out in the sticks is not something that should be taken lightly as there are some distinct disadvantages of countryside living. In this article we will take a look at the things you will need to consider if you are planning a move to the country.
Commute
One of the things about living in the middle of nowhere is the fact that it is, literally, in the middle of nowhere. This can be great, but how will you get to work? Is the commute reasonable, especially if you rely on public transport? Most rural villages have a very restricted bus service and tend to be some way from a mainline train station. Will your current 35-minute commute start to take you 2 hours or more?
Amenities
You’re probably used to having everything on your doorstep, but that won’t be the case in the country. You’ll need to understand where the nearest supermarket is, where the local schools are, where the doctors and dentists are and where the nearest hospital is at the very least. You might have a well provisioned local shop, but this is unlikely to have everything you need and they also tend to be a little more expensive, so doing your weekly shop there probably isn’t sustainable. Make sure you are comfortable with where all the local amenities are because they are unlikely to be on your doorstep.
Broadband
You will likely have the fastest broadband available and you are used to downloading music or films in seconds. Whilst the broadband connectivity in rural areas is improving all the time, it is likely that your broadband speed will be slower than you are used to. In some, very rare cases, you might have no broadband and no mobile signal. Check this out before you move.
Planning
The lure of the countryside is understandable, all that quiet, green space, but greenbelt land is increasingly being handed over to developers and large developments are popping up in rural areas all the time. Check the local plan and any current applications for planning permission to see if there are likely to be any developments where you are looking to reside.
Go with the flow
The countryside, although idyllic, is also a working environment with very different views on certain things like farming, hunting, wildlife and livestock. This can be disconcerting for urban animal lovers and those who are perhaps a little more liberal. Add to this the smells, the dirt roads, tractors, the fields, rural rules, the insects and rodents which are everywhere and you can see that rural areas do pose some challenges to those more used to urban life. The main thing is to just go with the flow. People in the countryside are wonderful and caring and the sense of community cannot be beaten.
Winter
We’ve taken a look at things like the commute and local amenities, but did you stop and think, when nodding away and saying all is well, what a rural home would be like in winter? Many rural roads do not get gritted or ploughed, being snowed in is not unheard of. Is this something you could cope with? Winter in the countryside can be cold, bleak and very, very muddy.
There are many advantages of a move to the countryside and rural living is amazing, but it does require some significant lifestyle changes and challenges. We would recommend that you try before you buy and perhaps rent somewhere rural for 6 months before committing to buy. Make sure you take in the winter as that adds a whole new dimension. Making sure country life is for you will help you make the right decision so that when you do make the move, you will make the most of the exceptionally beautiful British countryside.
