Moving away from a certain lifestyle you have grown familiar with can be challenging, and we understand just how much unnecessary stress that can put into your life. Helping you making this move is exactly why we had compiled these tips to make sure that moving from an urban to a rural area is as smooth as possible! Let’s go over some things you need to know.
Jobs – Are there any and what are they?
It is very obvious to anyone why rural dwellers move to urban areas. Big cities offer big opportunities, a great multitude, and diversity of jobs and careers, and a vibrant economy that just keeps on growing. The countryside is perceived to be all about manufacturing and agriculture, with little in a way of choice and growth opportunity. But what is the truth? Well, it is somewhat different.
Yes, Urban businesses are what is driving the American economy and it makes up most of the contributions/growth in the job market. However, city dwellers might just end up the victims of their city’s success! Competition – there is a lot of it. Doesn’t matter how much jobs on the menu if the only one getting them are the those who win it’s a race to the counter.
So how does the situation in rural areas differ? Well, fewer jobs, but far fewer competitions. Actually, studies show that workers are lacking in various developing jobs in rural America. What jobs? These jobs:
- Retail
- Education
- Finance and Insurance
- Healthcare
- Agriculture
- Manufacturing
All the aforementioned are experiencing a boom and just wait for diligent workers. If a job is your reason for moving from an urban to a rural area, you are on the right course.
Traffic – What will moving from an urban to a rural area mean for your driving?
Commute and traffic
So, traveling to your work has finally made you say “screw it” and get moving from the city to a rural area… well, you might be in for a surprise. In rural areas you will also most likely, drive long distances to your workplace and back. However, you will not get stuck for hours in traffic, made to sit in your ultimate symbol of freedom – traped! There are far fewer cars on the road, so while you still might be in for a long ride, it won’t be that bad.
Parking
It is everywhere. Seriously, that is one thing you can completely take of your mind. If you get moving from an urban to a rural area, you will find that your new home has no requirements for tricky parking. Be carefree in this regard as your car will always have a place to wait for your work, errands, etc.
Safety
And here is the downside. While only around the fifth of the US population live in rural counties, they account for almost 50% of traffic fatalities. Driving without a seatbelt is still present and there is a lot of o not sufficiently lit roads. Be careful, an empty road doesn’t equal a safe one.
Entertainment and Security – What is there to do and what to keep in mind?
If you are moving to a new house in the countryside, you might want to know what hobbies and interests you maybe have to leave behind and for a question of almost equal importance: certain items movers won’t move, so do your homework.
You will find that many hobbies still apply to your new environment. You can still go out for movies, restaurants or nightclubs. Gaming and sporting events are still possible (though the internet might be slower and games will often be college and secondary school events) and travel and religious attendance are available as always.
Some new opportunities will arise, such as hunting, hiking, shooting sports, and such that are a lot more popular and available in rural areas of the country. However, while these things are there, venues for entertainment are sometimes lacking and offer far more focused experiences, in contrast to the wide variety and numerous options of city venues.
It is also important to note that, should you be moving from an urban to a rural area with teenagers, there are fewer options for them in rural areas, as well as less contact with people of their age. As for security, violent and property crime rates are quite lower than those in large cities.
Healthcare – How far away and with what quality?
Generally speaking, rural areas have a better quality of air and less crowded spaces, meaning that residents live a healthier, less anxiety-filled life. However, there are downsides:
- Only one-tenth of physicians practice in rural areas – This means there is a lack of specialized doctors for various health issues. Moving from urban to a rural area also means a lack of professionals specialized in mental health as well as drug abuse counseling.
- Living in rural areas means that healthcare is far away – sometimes (during some weather or other factors) it is practically unreachable. Because of this, do diligent research about healthcare accessibility in the region you will going to move on.
Also, should you need a veterinarian service for your pet, those should be available in rural areas. For advice on moving with your pet (who will no doubt enjoy the liberty of rural life).
Education – is it the same?
Yes and no. After moving from urban to a rural area you will find that, in many ways, public schools work in the same manner, but there are several differences that might not be so obvious.
Schools are further away. This means that driving children to a school with good ratings will now be a more expensive endeavor. Also, the population in a rural area is generally older, meaning fewer pupils and more difficult funding in school. However, should you endure those challenges, there is no reason the education your children receive in rural schools should be any less than that received in urban schools.
So, should you move to a rural area?
If you do decide to move, you will possibly move out of the apartment and into a house. Maybe for the first time! If so, check out the tips for moving into a new house before you do. Depending on your life priorities, if you want more open space, less anxiety, and more closely knit communities you will find any downsides acceptable and be on your way to moving from an urban to a rural area.