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Moving to the Country: What to Know Before You Make the Move
When I first moved from the big city to a rural area, I had this idyllic image in my head: wide open spaces, fresh air, and peaceful country life with no traffic in sight. It seemed like a better life than the hustle and bustle of urban areas like New York City or other metropolitan areas. And don’t get me wrong, it’s been incredible. But let me tell you, there are a lot of things that I wish I had known before I made the big move. Living in the country is a whole new chapter, but it’s not all beautiful scenery and friendly rural communities. There’s a lot to consider if you’re thinking about leaving a major city for the rural life. If you want to know a bit more about why I decided to transform from a cidiot to a country man, check out my About page.
If you’re a city dweller dreaming of a slower pace in a rural location, you need to plan. The first thing you’ll notice is how different your surroundings will be, and how much your daily life will change. The transition to country living is more than just a change of scenery; it’s a significant change in the way you go about your daily life. From figuring out where the closest grocery store is (hint: it’s probably a long distance away) to adjusting to a septic system, there’s a steep learning curve when moving to a small town or more rural area.
This move to a new country of rural living may be exciting, but it’s not always easy. You’ll find yourself far from the familiar conveniences of big city life. There’s no need for panic, though! With some careful planning and consideration, it can be the best decision you’ve ever made. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what I’ve learned from my own experience as well as the key things you should know before taking the plunge. Hopefully, my own experiences will help you avoid some of the rookie mistakes I made. So, buckle up—here’s everything you need to consider before embracing rural life.
Preparing for the Move: Doing Your Homework First
Research the Rural Area (And Then Research Some More)
When you’re moving from a large city to a remote area, one of the first things you need to do is research, and then research again. Picking the right rural location is crucial because, unlike in metropolitan areas, you won’t have all the conveniences right around the corner. Figuring out what your new community will be like is a good idea before you sign on the dotted line.
Living in a rural town or smaller community can be very different from life in a major city. For one thing, the cost of living in rural areas can be lower, but that doesn’t mean everything’s cheaper. Property prices might be more affordable, but you could find yourself paying a small fortune for other things, like home maintenance or high-speed internet service (if you can get it). I’ll be honest, adjusting to slower, less reliable internet after coming from big city life was a bit of a shock for me. Fortunately, Starlink came along and solved that one for me!
It’s also important to understand the rural community you’re moving into. Smaller communities tend to be more close-knit, so getting involved in local events or lending a helping hand can go a long way in making you feel at home. At the same time, good neighbors in the country might be miles away, so don’t expect the same level of interaction you had when you could see your neighbors every day in the city.
In some parts of rural America, for example, the pace is slow, but the need for good friends is strong. You might find that inviting your nearest neighbors over for a barbecue or stopping by your local feed stores is a good way to start building relationships. These gestures are common in rural areas and help you integrate into your new community. In more regional areas, it might take a little time to build connections, but being a good neighbor will help.
One of the unspoken rules of rural life is that you help your neighbors out when needed, even if it’s just offering a hand when the snow needs clearing or a fence needs mending. People in rural communities rely on each other, especially when resources are limited. In my home country, neighbors are always ready to lend a hand, which made my transition smoother.
Something really valuable I learned was that if you ask someone for a favor, they are more likely to ask you for one down the line and establish a relationship with you. I asked a local farmer if I could borrow his log splitter when I first moved out here. After I returned it (in one piece) it was like we had known each other for a while already. He didn’t hesitate to ask me for help a few weeks later when he was stacking his firewood. There is something about putting yourself in someone’s debt that just makes it a lot easier for them to reach out to you. Had I not asked to borrow that log splitter, I doubt he would have asked me for help when he needed it.
Check Out the Housing Market
Before you make your move, spend time getting to know the local housing market. Just like in the city, housing prices in rural areas can vary depending on location. Some popular choices may have inflated prices because of their proximity to lakes, rivers, or even tourist spots. On the other hand, you can find affordable country homes that offer more space and a better place to raise a family or enjoy a slower pace of life.
Before making the big move, it’s important to research property prices and availability in your chosen rural town. Websites like Realtor.com offer an extensive listing of properties in rural areas, helping you get an idea of what’s available in the market.
Don’t assume that rural properties are always cheap. Take time to review the property taxes, understand how far your house is from the main road, and factor in any work needed on the property, like maintenance of septic tanks or roads leading to the house. Some homes may also need more upkeep than you’re used to, which can be an added cost. If you’re moving to a new country, it’s especially important to understand the local real estate market and any regulations or restrictions.
You’ll also want to assess the size of the property you’ll need. Whether you’re looking for a new home to start a family or you’re after a larger home with land, the housing market in rural areas offers diverse options. Keep in mind that rural properties tend to have more land, which can be both a blessing and a curse—more space to enjoy, but also more space to maintain. See my post on how to clean the backyard if you are struggling to maintain yours!
Financial and Lifestyle Considerations
Cost of Living in Rural Areas
One of the biggest draws to moving to the country is the idea of lower living expenses. And while it’s true that the cost of living in rural areas tends to be lower than in urban areas, don’t be fooled into thinking you’re going to save a fortune. You might spend less on housing, but you could pay more for other essentials.
Take utilities, for example. In a remote area, you may not be connected to municipal water and sewers, so you’ll need to deal with septic tanks and possibly well water. Within a few months of moving into our new home, the well pump broke and we had to replace the hole system. Good thing we had a little money saved from the sale of our previous house, because this wasn’t the only sudden expense!
Heating your home in the winter months might involve more than just turning up the thermostat—you may be chopping wood or relying on expensive propane. In my area, there is no natural gas available, so most of the newer houses are on propane. Our house (not new) came with a wood/oil combo, which looked absolutely insane to me when I first moved in. Honestly, this furnace deserves and entire post itself, which I may do in the future. For now, enjoy a picture!
If you’re getting settled in the countryside and wondering how to keep your new home warm year-round, check out my latest post on Heat Pumps vs Gas Furnaces.
Then there’s the long distance you’ll need to travel for basics, like going to the grocery store or the post office, which can add up in terms of both time and fuel.
When considering your budget, don’t forget about property taxes either. Depending on where you move, the property prices might be lower, but the taxes can vary widely, especially if you’re near a popular rural location or in a regional area that draws people from the city. It’s a good idea to look into these costs before making any decisions (a good place to start for that information is your real estate agent).
If you’re moving from a different country, be mindful of how different the cost of living might be compared to your home country. Rural areas, whether in the United States or abroad, can vary greatly depending on region, and you don’t want to be caught off guard with unexpected expenses.
For those considering a move to a rural area, the USDA Rural Development program offers valuable resources for buying homes, financing, and supporting economic growth in rural communities. They even provide programs to assist in purchasing property and maintaining country homes.
Job Opportunities and Career Choices in Rural Areas
Another big consideration is your work. If you’re able to work remotely, you’re in a better position to make a big move to the country without worrying too much about finding a new job. Fortunately for me, this was the case. However, if you need to find work locally, it’s important to understand that job opportunities in rural communities might be more limited than in urban areas. In general, although it does depend on your industry, there seem to be better career opportunities in larger cities.
Some areas of rural America are thriving, while others struggle with fewer job opportunities. If you’re moving to a new country or even just a more regional area within the United States, you’ll want to do some research into what types of industries are prevalent. For example, agricultural jobs may be more common in certain regional areas, while trades and services could be the best option elsewhere.
There’s also the factor of visas and permits if you’re relocating to a different country. Depending on where you’re headed, you may need a work visa, especially if you’re planning to work locally rather than remotely. While this might not be an issue for domestic moves within the United States, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning an international move.
For those with kids, another thing to consider is education. In some rural towns, there may be fewer school options than in urban areas. You might find yourself looking into private schools if the local ones don’t meet your needs, which can increase your overall cost of living. Be sure to investigate what schooling options are available in your rural location before you make the move.
Finally, while rural living often offers a better place for people seeking a slower pace of life, it might not offer the same career opportunities that city dwellers are used to. For many, the tradeoff is worth it for the better life and fresh air, but it’s something to factor into your decision-making process.
Adjusting to Rural Life
Slower Pace, More Space
One of the best parts of moving to the country is the slower pace of life. In the city, it feels like you’re always rushing to catch the next bus or get through traffic, but in the country, time seems to slow down. The lack of traffic, noise, and crowds creates a calmer environment. For me, the transition from big city life to the quiet of the countryside was refreshing, but it also took some getting used to.
One of the biggest adjustments was how much time everything takes. Things that were quick and easy in the city, like running errands or grabbing groceries, now involve a 20 minute drive instead of a quick walk down the street. The nearest grocery store isn’t just a five-minute walk anymore, and you need to plan trips carefully. Essentially, you plan to hit all your stops whenever you happen to be in town. If you tell your wife you’re going to grab a new chain for your chainsaw, for example, don’t be surprised if you get asked to stop at the grocery store, drug store, gas station, and pizza place (might as well grab some good pizza since your favorite place likely doesn’t deliver to your house!).
At the same time, you’ll find that rural life gives you more space—both physically and mentally. Living in a rural town means you’ll likely have a bigger yard, maybe even some land, and there’s no shortage of beautiful scenery to enjoy. That said, with more space comes more responsibility. Keeping up with a larger home and yard can be a lot of work, especially if you’re new to it. I have a few posts on lawn maintenance if you need them, cover items like the best time to aerate your lawn or when to cut new grass, I really went down a rabbit hole of lawn care research after moving to the country! Ultimately, I learned that the best way to handle the transition is to embrace the slower pace and enjoy the new life you’re building. Getting outside, tending to your land, and enjoying the tranquility is a key part of what makes country living worth it. I also love a really good fire pit (no country home should be without one). Check out my post on backyard fire pit ideas if you are thinking about setting one up.
For those into hockey and skating, I also have a post on building your own backyard rink. This is another one of those things that is made much easier by having a good-sized chunk of land!
Practical Adjustments: Things You’ll Need to Learn
Essential Skills for Rural Living
Living in a remote area means you’ll need to become more self-sufficient. If something breaks, you might not have a repair service nearby, and you’ll need to know how to fix things yourself—or at least learn fast! From basic home repairs to understanding your septic system, rural living requires a different set of skills compared to city life.
In addition to learning about your country home, you’ll need to brush up on basic agricultural skills—whether it’s growing your own food, maintaining land, or learning how to store supplies. Country folk tend to frequent feed stores, and you’ll need to become familiar with these types of businesses. Country folks also tend to store emergency items in bulks just in case major storms or other disasters happen. These people are sometimes called “preppers” and you guessed it, I have a post on that. Check out my ultimate preppers checklist if you are interested in what that looks like.
Another challenge is the lack of public transport. If you’re moving from a large city with buses, subways, and taxis, getting used to driving everywhere can feel like the biggest culture shock. There’s no hopping on the school bus or grabbing a cab at the last minute, so you’ll need to make sure you have reliable transportation and learn your way around the local main roads.
In some rural areas, especially in regional areas with harsher weather conditions, you’ll need to be prepared for anything. Snowstorms can cut off access to town for days, and heavy rain can turn those charming dirt roads into mud traps. This is where having a good neighbor or two really comes in handy. My nearest neighbors have saved me more than once when my car got stuck in the ditch! If you are struggling with drainage and flooding, check out my guide on Solutions to Fix Backyard Flooding.
Community and Social Life
Making Friends in Rural Areas
Moving to the country means moving to a smaller, more tight-knit community. Your neighbors might be farther away, but they’re also more likely to know your name. In rural communities, it’s not uncommon to get invited to local events, and lending a helping hand is a great way to integrate into the community.
It’s important to note that in some little towns, there may be a common misconception that newcomers will have a hard time fitting in. In my experience, the best way to become part of the community is to get involved in local events or volunteer. Over time, you’ll find that people appreciate your presence and you’ll develop good friends in no time. In my case, I love playing hockey so I went over to my closest neighbor and asked him if he knew of any hockey in the area. Turns out, he runs a little men’s pickup game on Friday nights. I played the very next night and still do to this day. He and I drive together every week and he has become a good friend of mine.
If you’re moving from a different country, making social connections might take longer. For those moving abroad, things like language barriers and cultural differences can make the decision-making process feel more daunting. Attending a language school might help you feel more at ease, especially if you’re in a new country with a different language. New Yorkers and city folk moving abroad often find that learning the local language is one of the most important parts of making a successful transition.
Embracing the Perks of Country Life
Connection to Nature
One of the biggest perks of moving to the country is the chance to connect with nature. Whether it’s hiking, gardening, or just taking in the beautiful scenery, the fresh air and slower pace can be rejuvenating. You’ll find that the wide open spaces give you a sense of freedom that’s hard to find in the city.
For nature lovers, this is paradise. Unlike the world-class museums and entertainment of the city, country life offers something different—a connection to the land, a chance to get your hands dirty, and the peace of rural living. For example, one of the first projects I dove into was building my own duck pond. Check out my post on that if you are interested.
Although nature is awesome, it is not without its pests! One of the most common in country living are raccoons. Check out my guide on how to keep raccoons out of your yard if this is an area of concern for you.
The Right Mindset
Moving to the country is a big deal, but with the right preparation, it can be one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll ever make. The transition from urban areas to rural living takes time and effort, but the benefits of fresh air, beautiful scenery, and a slower, more intentional lifestyle are worth it. If you’re thinking about making the switch, do your homework, plan carefully, and embrace the new chapter that awaits in the countryside.
Thinking about making the move to the country? Subscribe to my newsletter for more tips, advice, and personal experiences on how to make your transition to rural life smooth and enjoyable! My hope is that you will learn from my mistakes!
