Moving to the Countryside – A Complete Guide

Disadvantages of moving to the countryside

Higher maintenance costs

Whilst house prices are much cheaper in rural than urban areas, higher maintenance costs are more common. Houses tend to be less well insulated and equipped with less energy efficient appliances. Bigger homes are also more expensive to heat. So heating and energy bills are typically more expensive. If you’re working from home, you should check out our top tips to reduce your home office bills. Many houses in the countryside are also listed, so any home improvement or changes to the building that you want to carry out can often turn out to be eye-wateringly expensive. 

Limited public transport

Rural areas typically have worse transport links than inner cities or even suburbs. If you work in a city and plan to commute to work from the countryside, then you will likely need a car. Be ready for a potentially long and expensive commute that could add a lot of stress to your day! 

A lack of privacy 

Having neighbours look out for you can be a really nice thing, and help you feel safer. But people who move from the city to the countryside often feel a bit disconcerted by the lack of privacy that comes from living in a small village. Nosey neighbours will gossip about everything from the way you plant your garden to the colour of your front door. Be prepared for everybody to know about, and have an opinion on, every move you make! 

Ten top tips for moving to the countryside

So you’ve read through our pros and cons of moving to the countryside and decided it’s the right decision for you? Great! Before you make your move, check out our ten top tips. This list will help you to make a decision on the best place to move and how to get the most out of living in the country. 

Check out the local pub 

There’s a reason this is number one on our list. There are few things as important as the village pub! You’ll find that it’s often the heart of a rural community, so having a great local boozer is a big factor when choosing a village to move to. Check out the quality of the food served, the interior decor and (if you’re a beer drinker) the beer that’s served. 

Read the parish magazine 

With the advent of tools like Google, reading the parish magazine might sound a bit outdated. However they still contain really valuable information on things like local events, services, and contact information of local institutions. It can also be a great source of information about who’s who in terms of the local hierarchy. 

Check transport links 

This is especially important if you’re planning to commute to work in a more urban area. Make sure that wherever you’re thinking about moving has suitable transport links for what you’re looking for. If you’re planning to drive, check out the local roads to make sure they’re not ridden with potholes. You may want to consider buying a more suitable car if a lot of the roads are poorly maintained. 

Be ready for a change in lifestyle 

Moving from a big city like London to the countryside can be a big shock to the system. All of the things you took for granted about city living such as restaurants, bars, nightlife and culture will start to feel like a distant memory very quickly. Make sure that you’re ready for a change in lifestyle, and be sure that you’re ready to adapt to a slower pace of living. 

Try before you buy 

We highly recommend spending some time in the area that you’re planning to buy in by renting a property or AirBnb in the area. You could either do this whilst living in your current home or you could rent a place after selling your own property. It will give you a feel for the area beyond what you can get from doing your research. If you sell your property first you’ll also have the edge over other buyers by being free of a property chain. 

Broadband

Broadband speeds are hugely important if you’re planning to work from home. Particularly if you’re on video conferencing a lot and need a high-speed internet connection. Research broadband providers in the area and check their minimum guaranteed speed. 

Check local amenities 

Things like a great local store, GP practice, hairdresser, bakery or nursery are crucial. They help to foster a sense of community and they can save you a lot of time driving to the nearest town every time you need a haircut. Check out the local amenities in the area you’re planning to move to before you take the plunge to make sure it has everything you need. 

Buy appropriate clothing 

This may seem like funny advice but investing in a decent pair of wellies could be some of the best advice you receive before moving to the countryside. Having clothes that keep you warm and dry when exposed to the elements is really important too. 

Prepare to face different opinions 

Cityfolk who move from liberal urban areas are often shocked by rural views. Issues like farming, immigration, hunting and Brexit are big points of difference between rural and urban areas. Be prepared to engage politely in conversation about these issues and not take offence too easily if you find yourself the lone voice in the crowd! 

Check out local schools

If you’ve got kids then checking out the quality of your local schools is crucial. Local schools are great for helping your kids make friends in the area and for you to integrate with other parents in the area. You will also save a pretty penny on a private school if your local school is high quality. 

Conclusion 

Moving to the countryside is a big step for anyone from the big city. Particularly if you didn’t grow up in the country, be prepared for a big change in lifestyle. Hopefully this guide has helped you with an overview of the pros and cons of moving and some handy tips to consider as well. 

Before you move, you’ll need to sell your current home. Being a chain free buyer can put you in a really good position to secure your dream home in the country. If you’re looking to sell your house fast for cash then SmoothSale can help. We operate as a cash house buyer and can buy your house in as little as 7 days, with no fees to pay. We’ll even cover your legal fees! If that sounds like it could be of interest then get in touch today on 0800 368 8952 or get a cash offer today.

FAQs

What are the key benefits of moving to the countryside?
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How can I ensure a smooth real estate transition to rural living?
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Are there reliable internet options in rural areas?
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What sustainable practices can I adopt in the countryside?
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How do I integrate into a new rural community?
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Can I start a business in the countryside?
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