Moving to the Countryside in Later Life

Are you thinking about making a move from the city to the countryside in later life? This can be a wonderful opportunity for a change of pace and a simpler way of living, but it’s important to be prepared for the lifestyle changes that come with such a move.

Here are some things to consider before you make the leap:

1. Pace of life:
   The pace of life in the city can be fast and hectic, while the pace of life in the countryside is often slower and more relaxed. If you’re used to the fast-paced lifestyle of the city, the slower pace of the countryside may take some getting used to. However, many people find that they quickly adapt to the new pace and appreciate the opportunity to slow down and enjoy life at a more leisurely pace.
2. Access to Amenities:
   In the city, you’re used to having everything at your fingertips – grocery stores, restaurants, entertainment, and more. In the countryside, these amenities may not be as readily available, so you’ll need to plan ahead for your trips into town. But on the flip side, the lack of distractions and noise can be a welcome change for many people.
3. Community:
   The sense of community in the countryside is often stronger than in the city. In the city, you may feel anonymous and disconnected from your neighbours, while in the countryside you’ll likely get to know your neighbours and become an integral part of the community. This can be a wonderful change for many people, but it’s important to be prepared for a closer-knit community and the responsibilities that come with it. Good Neighbours polled over 42,000 people across the country to measure social trust at a hyper-local level and you can check out each neighbourhood here.

4. Nature and the Great Outdoors: Moving to the countryside provides the opportunity to be closer to nature and the great outdoors. If you enjoy hiking, fishing, gardening, or simply being outside, you’ll love the abundance of natural beauty that surrounds you in the countryside. On the flip side, if you’re not used to spending time outdoors, you may need to adjust to this change and make an effort to get outside and enjoy the beauty of your new surroundings.
5. Transportation:
   Transportation can be a bit more challenging in the countryside. Public transportation may not be as readily available, and you may need to rely on your own car to get around. This can be a challenge if you’re used to relying on public transportation in the city, but with a little bit of planning, you’ll quickly get the hang of it. Worth considering if there is a local ride sharing opportunity. Check out Lifeshare in your area.

Making a move from the city to the countryside in later life can be a wonderful opportunity for a change of pace and a simpler way of living. By being prepared for the lifestyle changes that come with such a move, you’ll be able to make the transition with ease and start enjoying all that your new surroundings have to offer.