Do you dream of wide-open spaces, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city? Do you envision looking up and seeing the stars at night? Are you ready for a slower-paced life on your own land, living the country life you’ve always imagined? There are plenty of great reasons to move out to the country, but here are five more that might just convince you to take the next step and embrace the rural way of life!
1. Land values continue to rise
You’ve probably heard the saying “They’re not making any more land” when referring to the increasing value of land prices, and there is a lot of truth to it. Land prices have continued to steadily increase. In some areas land prices have doubled in the last five years. As more and more people embrace rural living and are moving out to the country, the upward trend for land values is likely to continue.Think of your new rural home or property as an investment in your future. Mid to large size parcels ranging from 10-50 acres have continued to rise in popularity due to people seeking to live more independent and self-sufficient lifestyles. The demand for more space and a more flexible way of living isn’t going away. While that saying may seem like a cliché, there is something to be said about owning something that truly is a limited resource!
2. Lower cost of living
Rural living has more benefits than just being out in the country. The cost of living is often lower in less populated areas. Property taxes, land costs, and many living expenses are often lower in the country.Living outside of city limits also allows you the opportunity to use alternative heating and cooling methods. For example, you could choose to heat your home with a wood stove and harvest firewood from your own property.
If you live in town, municipalities control the cost of utilities, such as water. Living in the country allows you more control over these costs. While the upfront cost of installing a well and septic system for your home can be a larger investment, there are no ongoing monthly costs, likely saving you more money on utilities in the long run.
3. Opportunities for alternative sources of income
Living on your own property provides the opportunity to use your land as a source of income through, for example, part-time farming. Not only does having your own land present you with an opportunity to become more self-sufficient and feed your own family, but it also can help provide income for your family too.If you’re dreaming of starting your own vegetable garden, consider getting a chicken coop so you can have your own eggs, or planting a cut flower garden. Roadside farm stands are a popular way to turn one of your hobbies into an alternative source of income that wouldn’t be possible in a town or city context.
4. More access to nature and recreational hobbies
One of the biggest reasons people plant roots in the country is to experience a slower pace of life. That doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of exciting aspects of country living! Living in the country can mean easy access to the great outdoors and a number of recreational hobbies such as hiking, kayaking, fishing, hunting, biking, camping, and just spending plenty of time outdoors.Stop to watch the sunset and get a clear view of the stars away from the lights of the city. Take advantage of the natural beauty and wildlife that surrounds you. If you value more space, more privacy, and more access to nature, then rural living could be ideal for you.
5. Close-knit communities
There’s nothing like getting to know your next-door neighbor, even if they live a mile down a dirt road! Living in the country, or a small town or village, has many benefits including generally closer-knit communities, and of course that homey small-town feel. Many families also choose to move to rural areas because of smaller school districts and classroom sizes for more opportunities for hands-on learning.Moving to the country can also give you a newfound appreciation for the farming and agriculture around you as you watch the seasons change with your local farmers from planting time all the way into harvest season.
There are endless reasons to move out to the country and embrace a more rural lifestyle. No matter what reason you have for making the move, you are bound to experience even more benefits than you would have thought the longer you find yourself living in the country!
Contact your local GreenStone branch to learn more about rural home and vacant land financing options.
