Moving from the City to the Country: Tips and Advice

Moving from the city to the country is not as easy as you think it is. The country is often open, scarcely populated, and generally quieter, while the city is compact, populated, and loud but more convenient. Country life offers more possibilities of being self-sufficient; so if you define minimalism as buying as little as possible (including food and utilities), it’s an attractive option. So if you are deciding on moving from the city to the country, here are some tips to help you along the way.

Research.
Country life demands certain independence. For that reason, try to find a place to live that's in a location that's not too far from the activity center. Try to find good books to read, search the net, ask your friends who have been in the country before and read the rest of this article.
Regardless, it's important for you to not situate yourself too far away from life's necessities. The only difference with shopping when living in the country is that it takes longer to get to them. Supermarkets and shopping centers may be included in bus routes from the countryside, so having a car isn't essential - it just makes life easier. Check out Country Living Magazine's seven steps to rural heaven - featuring practical moving tips on choosing the right country home for you, buying and selling your property and how to fit in seamlessly with your new community.

Choose an Ideal Location.
Move somewhere peaceful, with a small and friendly community where your kids can happily play, which isn't too far away from all of “civilization.” It's noteworthy to think about all of the aspects of the new area you'll be moving to. Consider your distance to the nearby schools and find out if there are bus routes that will pick the kids up in the morning and drop them off at the end of the day. Choose a location that is stable, meaning life’s necessities are not that hard to get.

Fresh air, farm animals, wide open space to run around - sounds like a perfect place for children to grow up. Grant schemes are also helping to improve the services and facilities for young people, and help them get a good education.

Meet People.
Moving away from your circle of friends to a more sparsely populated area may be difficult at first. Give it a couple of days however, and the neighbors will start 'popping round' for a cup of tea, and soon you'll know everyone in the area. You might come to find that not everyone's as friendly in the country as you were led to believe by what you've seen on TV. This isn't to say that people who live in the country are rude, they're just not stereotypes. Take things in stride and do your best to be conscientious to those around you. If you do, it'll only be a matter of time before city life is a distant memory.