Moving to the Country

Note: The opinions expressed on this website are those of the author. It is best to gather information from several sources before making a decision to purchase rural property, and this website does not purport to discuss all the issues that might arise. This information is provided on a "use at your own risk" basis and the author assumes no liability for subsequent use of the information provided here.

RURAL LIFE

Several years ago my uncle left the city to live temporarily at my father's home in the country, north of Stirling, Ontario, Canada. He was on his own, so we asked how he was making out.

"Things are so different out here", he said. "If there's something wrong with my car, I just leave the hood open and in half an hour or less a neighbour will always drop by to see if they can help out!"

In my own case I remember going to the lawyers to close the deal on a farm property I bought when I move here in 1976. When I asked for the keys to the house - there were none! The house had been built in 1922, and there had never been a lock on the door.

THINGS YOU DON'T GET IN THE CITY

* Real country fairs

* Wildlife in your yard

* People who say "Hello" and stop to talk with you

* Quiet villages, rolling meadows, and lots of waterfront

* Land and property prices that make sense for families

* Independent Decision Making - cut your lawn when you want to, not when your neighbours expect it to be done.

- Local fresh produce righ from the farm gate stalls

- The ability to live at a pace you can enjoy

* No traffic jams!

DON'T YOU MISS THE CITY?

When I first moved to the country from a city of about 2 million people, some of my friends thought I was crazy, and a common question was "How can you do without all of this?"

I pointed out that I could always make the run back if I really needed a night at some special event, but that has happened very infrequently. Okay, several years ago I did have to go the city to see Rod Stewart, and the "Highwaymen" show with Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson, but that's about it. For some reason they chose to visit a city of 2 million rather than our local village of 2000, but I think they missed something.

In practical terms - yes - you do need to have a center nearby where you can get 99% of everything you want and need, but that is available in most rural areas.

Country communities make up for the lack of size with a lot of quality, and there are so many things you can find in the country that are just not available in the city.

When I look out my front window, I see our garden, the circular driveway, and the goldfish pond, but no other houses. My nearest neighbour is just across the road, about a quarter of a mile away. When I step out into our backyard to take the dog for a walk, we have 3.5 acres, which is a smallish property out here, but it is about the same amount of space that would be occupied by about 25 suburban homes.

We are surrounded by nature, with birds and animals being a constant source of interest, and the cost of our 2000+ sq. ft. home and the whole property is about 1/3 to 1/2 of what it would take to by a bungalow in the city suburbs.

No ... I don't miss the city.