Living in the Countryside
Table of Contents
Living in the countryside is the dream of every individual. Escape from the city crowd, traffic, work stress, air pollution, the pressure of huge buildings…
Of course, escaping the stress of the city and living a quiet life in the countryside is not as easy. Most people fear leaving an established order and starting life from scratch. There would also be migration from rural to urban areas in the past as there were more job options in cities.
However, now you can work from anywhere you have a computer and wifi connection in the digitized world.
The countryside is thought to be safer, healthier, and stress-free. But is this really the case? I’m going to give you a quick introduction to countryside living so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you!
Pros of Country Life
Living in the countryside is a preferred lifestyle after a certain age or retirement. Youngsters usually say that life flows in the city and they become dependent on the city as they enter business life.
Are you one of those who are looking for a valid reason to live in the countryside? Let’s look at the pros of country living to clear these questions in your mind.
Clean Air
The further you get away from the city, the more you feel the fresh air. As the concrete structures in the cities increased, the green areas decreased so much… Now we can see the greenery only in parks. The further you get away from trees, plants, flowers, and germs, the lower your immune system.
In addition, high gas emission in cities is one factor that prevents clean air. Although the smoke from cars or factories looks innocent, it causes respiratory ailments and various diseases. In the urbanizing world, asthma is high even in newborn babies. Settling in the countryside makes it possible to enjoy the maximum level of fresh air. It helps to breathe better, get rid of respiratory diseases, and even sleep better.
Low Crime Rates
People living in rural areas are less exposed to crime than those living in cities. Theft, extortion, or assault crimes are less. The first reason for this is the low population. Where fewer people live, there is less propensity for crime. At the same time, the quiet life in the countryside affects this situation. Corruption, stress, or inadequate living conditions in cities push people to crime. Also, where more people live, there are more criminals.
Another reason is that it is easier to maintain order in small places. Law enforcement can also intervene more effectively and quickly. If we look at it from another point of view, people get to know each other in small places.
In this case, it causes more intense morality and etiquette rules. For this reason, it is seen that the tendency to commit a crime is less.
Naturally, crime and criminals are everywhere. However, you are more likely to raise your child more confidently or lead a more fearless life in the countryside.
Mental Health
Many factors trigger our emotions and selves while living in the city. Distorted relationships, stressful work life, and tensions in the family are more common problems in city life. As time passes quickly in large crowds, unnoticed mental fatigue also overwhelms people. It is scientifically known that people living in rural areas are mentally healthier. Anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and bipolar symptoms are less common.
There is no fact that people living in urban areas do not have psychological disorders. But it is a fact that living in a peaceful and safe environment is good for our minds. As a result, countryside life can be preferred to protect your mental health.
Budget-friendly
Living in the countryside is cheaper than living in the city. You can find more suitable alternatives for basic needs such as housing, transportation, and food. You can even grow fruits and vegetables in your home garden. Health and education services are also less costly than in the city.
It would not be correct to say that it is cheap for all rural areas. But there are regions where you can live more affordable than in the country. You can find the most suitable countryside for your budget with the proper research.
Organic Nutrition
If you live in a rural area, you can buy many vegetables, fruits, cheese, milk, or meat directly from the source. Food products that go through many stages until they go to the city or are produced in factories lose their nutritional value and the protein and vitamin that should be taken. While living in the countryside, you can grow many vegetables and fruits yourself or get them from the farms around you in their natural state.
There is now an “organic food” section in grocery stores in cities. Unfortunately, many organic products are hard to reach for low-budget people because they are expensive. Even if your financial situation is low in the countryside, you can eat organic food cheaply.
In addition, organic nutrition is essential for both your physical and psychological health. After adopting this lifestyle, you will see that your body has changed, and your skin will be more vibrant and healthy.
As a result, country living has many advantages for your budget, mental and physical health, and safety. Living in the countryside will increase your quality of life and prolong your lifespan. You can continue your life peacefully in a healthier environment.
Cons of Country Living
It’s true that wherever you live in the world, you’re going to face problems. Nowhere is perfect. Period. Now let’s examine the cons of countryside life and decide how you can deal with them.
Seen as a Holiday Destination
Your friends and family may want to stay with you for the holidays because you live in the countryside. At first, this may sound fun to you, but you may feel like you are running a hotel after a while.
The Shops Are Far Away
In the countryside, shopping centers or bazaars may be far from where you live. This may require your refrigerator and pantry to be full all the time since you will not be able to reach the market every time you want.
Lack of Cultural Activities
Cultural events such as cinema, theater, concerts, and opera cannot be held in the countryside as often as in cities. If you like to participate in events, you may not find exactly what you want.
The Necessity of a Car
Public transport in cities is relatively developed; for example, there are different buses, metro, and train options. However, this is not valid for rural areas. Sometimes you may have to wait for the bus that only leaves hourly. Therefore, you may need a car more than ever before.
Being Seen as an Outsider
When you first move to the countryside, you are seen as a foreigner by the rural community. In the beginning, it may be difficult for you to get used to the environment and for your neighbors to get used to you. Especially in the countryside, it can make you feel excluded when everyone knows each other. Have some patience and do smile!
Lack of Privacy
You may feel unfamiliar at first, but after getting used to your area, you may need to be alone and listen to yourself. Since it’s a small place, everyone usually knows each other, and wherever you go, you’ll find an acquaintance. But it can be unusual for an out-of-towner not to be alone.
Internet Connection Issues
Internet infrastructure is not as developed in the countryside as in cities. In the beginning, you may struggle a lot to connect to the internet. Both technical solving problems and accessing a fast internet can take time.
As a result, it may take time to rectify these deficiencies. You can lose both your patience and desire. Maybe you can adapt to your new lifestyle without any problems. The critical question here is, are you willing to solve these shortcomings?
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Things To Know Before Moving to the Countryside
Moving to the countryside is a kind of restructuring of your life. Leaving where you have lived for years, starting from scratch in another place… It would not be suitable to get caught up in this situation directly. First of all, you must be aware of what awaits you. Otherwise, you are likely to be disappointed and want to return.
It can be quite challenging to build a life from scratch again when you come back. Therefore, before deciding to live in the countryside, I would like to share some tips with you.
- If you have the opportunity, experience the country living for a short time. For example, rent a place for a while and observe rural living before moving permanently. Get to know the environment, public facilities, neighbors, and life in the area. This experience can be decisive for your future life.
- Listen to the different opinions of rural people and do not be prejudiced. You may encounter very other behaviors from city life. You may meet occupations such as agriculture and animal husbandry, and you may even need to change your eating habits. Find commonalities instead of clashing with them.
- Learn about the place where you will settle with the locals. Instead of looking for a house online, visit the site where you are moving. Find out about schools, hospitals, shops, or places to visit from people who know them. Exploring online does not reflect the spirit of that region.
- Connect with your neighbors. When you move to the countryside, you will not know many things. You can overcome these difficulties by getting help from someone who knows the place.
- Get clothes that will keep you warm and protected in the countryside. There is always a need for thick socks, a durable pair of shoes, and a warm coat that will work for you in the countryside.
- Buy a car that you can safely drive on mountainous roads and trails. You will have to forget about the city’s highways because you will need suitable wheels for the country roads. Especially in the winter months, you can choose a car that will not let you down.
- Be prepared for the smell of the countryside and wild animals. Farms, barns, and fields do not contain the scent of nature you imagine. In addition, if you are in an area where livestock is engaged, I recommend that you get used to farm animals, too.
- Think carefully before owning land because it may not be as easy as it looks outside. You can grow fruit and vegetables in a small garden, plant a fruit tree, and tend a few chickens. But a large land comes with many responsibilities.
- Finally, go with the flow after moving to the countryside. It will take a while to get used to it. You may miss your old life later on. If you do not give up at this point, you can enjoy being there in the future. The important thing is to find inner peace. The way to do this is to know yourself.
So, are you moving to the countryside?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it better to live in the countryside than in the city?
City life is fast-paced, demanding, and stressful. Rural areas are often safer, with lower crime rates and traffic congestion, as well as fewer people using public transportation. This makes them ideal for senior citizens, parents raising families, or anyone looking for a more secure and relaxed lifestyle away from the rush and bustle of the city.
What is life like in the countryside?
A non-urban area, sometimes known as the countryside, is a region with low population density, tiny communities, and large agriculture. Because farmland is plentiful, most residents become acquainted with agriculture. Some people also grow agricultural animals including pigs, chickens, and cows.
What are the disadvantages of the countryside?
Disadvantages of the country life can be summed up as below:
- Poor road networks
- Lack of shopping malls/stores
- Lack of privacy
- No nightlife
- Inadequate educational facilities
- Limited access to modern health care
Why is it good to live in the countryside?
Moving to the country is a breath of fresh air. The air gets cleaner the further you get away from the city and cleaner air equals better breathing and a lower risk of allergies, respiratory disorders, and heart disease. As soon as you step out the door in the countryside, you will be surrounded by nature. Spending time in nature strengthens the immune system, promotes vitality, soothes nerves, and improves mood. Furthermore, being so close to nature allows for a variety of fascinating outdoor activities, all of which contribute to improved physical and mental wellness.
What are the advantages of living in the country?
Here are some of the pros of living in the country:
- A lot of free space
- More land to live on
- Living in a house with your own private garden.
- Ability to go for a walk outside easily
- Beautiful scenery
- A slower pace of life
- Quietness
- Close relations with neighbors
- Access to fresh fruits
- Less stress than in big cities
- Less crime
- Living expenses are low