You’ve always wanted to live in the country—to escape the hustle and bustle of town and find a nice, quiet place where you and your family can thrive. You’ve imagined sitting on a covered front porch, rocking in a chair, sipping sweet tea, and listening to the sound of whippoorwills and tree frogs. But is this the best choice for you? The pros and cons of raising a family in the country are definitely worth considering, especially if your family likes to stay busy and active. So, before you purchase that 40-acre tract with the old farmhouse, consider the following.
Pros of Living in the Country
- The country is peaceful. You won’t have neighbors and will enjoy much more privacy, which means greater freedom for your family. There’s room to roam, and you can be as loud as you want.
- You can have more animals. If you’re an animal lover, living outside of town means you can have that bantam rooster you’ve always wanted.
- The country allows your children to grow up in a hands-on environment, where they’re in close touch with nature.
- Living in the country can offer less stress overall than city living. The absence of sirens and whistles, replaced by the sounds of cicadas, can be incredibly relaxing. If you work in the city, changing your perspective at home can make life much more serene.
- You can learn to live off the land, grow your own food, and go organic. There’s something truly valuable about learning how to provide for yourself and your family in a rural setting. Whether you want to raise your own beef or grow your own cucumbers, both are possible in the country.
- You’ll learn to be more resourceful since trips to the store will no longer be as convenient. You’ll either do without or become more organized when you make trips into town to gather what you need.
- The views. The country offers breathtaking views that are hard to match in the crowded city. With fewer buildings and construction to obstruct your view, everything seems more beautiful. Whether it’s sunrise, sunset, or a midday rainbow, the country offers a much more scenic experience of life.
Of course, with every pro comes a con. Some of the cons of living in the country include a reduced sense of safety. Police and rescue teams obviously take longer to reach you. Additionally, it can be frustrating to drive long distances to take children to school or to go grocery shopping. Living further out can also increase your gas expenses and travel time. Not to mention, if you increase your acreage, you’ll have more property to care for and fewer public conveniences, such as city/county water and trash pickup. For most people who choose to live outside city limits, the cons are definitely outweighed by the pros, but it’s a lifestyle that requires adjustment.
Pros of Living in the City
- Close proximity to conveniences like gas stations, grocery stores, and hospitals or doctors.
- Having neighbors. When you need a cup of sugar or just want to chat with someone, having a neighbor nearby—who doesn’t have four hooves—can be a small blessing. The country is quiet, but sometimes it can be too quiet.
- Knowing that police or emergency services are not too far away. While research suggests that a higher population density correlates with higher crime rates, it can still be reassuring to know that a quick 911 call can bring help.
- Smaller properties require less work. Whether it’s townhouse or apartment living, city dwellers often have more conveniences despite the congestion.
- There’s always something to do. Many people prefer not to live far off from the world and enjoy staying busy with nearby activities. The country may not offer quick access to a park or movie theater, which can be a cure for boredom.
- School buses and better educational opportunities. Moving away from the beaten path can mean fewer options for daycare and school systems. If you have kids, it’s important to explore your educational options before making the move.
- Conveniences like public works, trash pickup, and lawn care services.
- Public transportation.
- Less driving and shorter commute times.
So, which will you choose? The peaceful, quiet, and isolated country life or the hustle and bustle of the city? The reality is that each lifestyle offers its own benefits, and your choice will largely depend on your personality and family needs.
