In our last blog, we discussed the pros of moving to rural America, to the countryside. You ask: But why? As any Hollywood movie will affirm, country side life is all sunshine and rainbows, right? Unfortunately not. Country life, like its city counterpart, also comes with drawbacks. In this blog, we review some “cons” (as opposed to “pros”) of moving to the country. If you make the move anyway, make it an informed decision.
- Limited job opportunities: In the countryside, job prospects dwindle as distance becomes a factor. Keep that in mind. If you are retired or have a decent job, or if you can handle your work remotely, then the distance may only be an advantage for you. Just think it through. If you have a steady income, you’ve taken care of the first big “con.”
- Longer commute. If your work is tied to a location, a move to the country becomes a strain on getting to and from that job. With a move to the country, you commit to hours a day getting to the larger town or city that can support your livelihood. Suddenly the time you looked forward to spending in your country home you’re spending on the road to and from that home. Living in the country is great experience as long you can afford to be there and have the work to keep you there.
- Fewer healthcare facilities. Especially as we age, ready healthcare is an essential. Wherever you live, or however old you are, when emergencies come, you want reasonable access to top medical services. In the country, a serious drawback is the limited access to the doctors, treatments and facilities that city dwellers can take for granted. If you’re unconcerned about health right now, it’s easy to overlook that aspect of city life vs. country life
- Fewer educational opportunities: If you have school age children, think twice before you move them to the country, where educational opportunities are uneven. If you have a specific town in mind, before you go, research all of your kids’ available school options. It’s not about the quantity of the school but the quality of education. Besides the cost of a distant school, the commutes can be physically and mentally exhausting. Parents want to give their children the best educations possible. Make sure, before you move, to know the school’s facilities and reputation. Visit with the teachers and principal. Talk to other parents.
- Limited services & facilities: Bowling, spas, gyms, theatres and other entertainment, shopping, and more all tend to dwindle in size and quality the further you are from the city.
- Limited public transportation or none at all. In the country, public transport is limited or non-existent, making your car your lifeline. When you consider the costs of life in the country, factor in the cost of gasoline along with heightened wear and tear, and maintenance, of your vehicle
- Service providers. When the occasional cuts come in power or water during summer, winter or rainy storms the limited service providers available can be both difficult and expensive.
A move to the country is a mixed bag. If you consider the pros and the cons and choose to go rural, good for you. And if you think countryside life turns out to have what you’ve been looking for, don’t hesitate to contact your trusted professional movers in Texas. Contact AB Moving today!
