If you’re in the process of purchasing your first home, choosing between a small town, city or suburb can be difficult. Factors like price, community, safety and even noise level can all play a major part in determining the right setting for you, enriching your life as a homeowner and, eventually, for potential resell value. When it comes to country living, these five factors tend to be some of the most appealing.
Affordability
Rural homes and lots can be much larger than comparably priced options in the city. Whether you’re planning to grow your family or just take advantage of a big backyard, square footage and affordability are top of mind for many buyers (National Association of Realtors, 2020). If you have a limited budget or hope for more bang for your buck, a nearby rural neighborhood may have the perfect space for you.
Wellness
Making a move to the country often means more green space, cleaner air and even easier access to organic or locally grown foods. Spending time in and around nature can lower heart rate and blood pressure (BBC, 2018), and country living can provide a larger and more easily-accessible dose of healthy greenery every time you leave the house. Plus, without all the hustle and bustle that comes along with life in the big city, you may even find yourself feeling less stressed (American Psychological Association, 2010).
Less Traffic
While we can’t guarantee that you won’t still get caught in rush hour as you approach the city, it’s less likely that you’ll experience fewer traffic lights and traffic jams in rural areas. Since 2000, car crash deaths have gone down in rural areas and remain lower than in urban regions, which means the risk of death from a car accident is statistically lower in rural areas (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2018). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, less traffic also means better air quality, water quality and fewer ozone days (2017).
Community
Rural communities are traditionally known for being close-knit and welcoming. While that’s not the case in every single town, there are still places out there where you can stop by your neighbor’s unannounced to say hello and the person behind the counter at the corner market knows your name. While it might be a culture shock for some, others are looking for a slower pace of life (Business Insider, 2019). If that sounds like you, the country may be an ideal location.
Peace and Quiet
Say goodbye to sirens, car alarms and late-night construction! Country living often offers more privacy, less noise and a potentially slower pace of life. Noise pollution can boost stress levels (Forbes, 2020) and diminish quality of life so, if you’re sensitive to the sights and sounds of the city, fall asleep to chirping crickets or a babbling brook instead. Maybe just forgo that rooster.
Between the abundant green space, smaller price tag and good, old peace and quiet, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to make the move out to the country. That small town nearby may offer your ideal friendly neighborhood and, potentially, the perfect new home. Whether you want to spend weekends in the great outdoors or are looking to purchase more for less, country living could be the perfect choice for you.
Published on December 28, 2020
