Why More People are Choosing to Live in the Country

The rural migration trend is driven by many factors with the most significant one being the need for a lifestyle change.

In recent years, an increasing number of people are choosing to live in the country rather than the city. The American population is weighing the pros and cons of making the big change to the countryside. This great debate about relocation started in 2021 amid the pandemic. There are many reasons why someone would move to the country. Being a part of a smaller community, taking advantage of the lower cost of living, living a more peaceful, healthier lifestyle, and having more space are all the benefits of county living.  

Community

The U.S. Census Bureau defines rural as any municipality with a population of less than 2,500. With fewer people living in these smaller communities, there are many opportunities for citizens to get more involved. This is more difficult when living in urban areas. The connection with your community leads to personal fulfillment and finding your purpose, often even after retirement.

Country living also allows the residents of these smaller rural towns to open and operate local businesses at a much lower cost. Renting or owning a commercial space in a rural area is significantly less expensive than in any metro area. This local community connection has a positive long-term effect on our mental health. Living in rural towns does not mean giving up business opportunities.

Cost of Living

According to the last data posted by US Census, the cost of housing in rural areas compared to urban areas was 29.67% less. There are also more homeowners in the country and the lower cost of living allows saving money on taxes, stability, building equity, and more.  The rural areas also offer lower costs of rent, childcare, and food. This lifestyle change often has benefits well beyond access to larger pieces of land and results in an overall lower cost of living.

Health and Wellbeing

The countryside is a very peaceful place to call home for many reasons. Generally, the crime rates are very low and while you may have neighbors, the distance from your neighbor in a rural area will be much greater than in any urban setting.  The noise, light, and temperature pollution are also significantly higher in urban areas compared to those in rural areas. These can cause damage to our health by disrupting our sleep cycle and our 24-hour biological clock. Living in the country will increase your quality of sleep as well as make life much less hectic.

Living in a rural setting also has its environmental benefits. Living in the countryside allows for cleaner air which can help prevent respiratory problems. While this clean air is also better for your health, the countryside offers more stunning sunrises and sunsets and gives opportunities for stargazing and night sky watching.  Research also found that living in the city contributes to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and isolation. These factors combined make a strong argument that overall, county living delivers many health benefits.

97% of the land in the United States is considered rural. This leaves a great deal of land for people to relocate to. This vast space opens opportunities for many to build their dream homes with as much indoor and outdoor space as they wish. Having a substantial amount of space also allows you to have the lifestyle that you desire – from growing your own garden to bird watching, you can be sure you’ll have expansive access to the great outdoors. 

The number of reasons as to why people are moving to the serene countryside is vast.  The benefits nearly always outweigh the cons. Not only is it peaceful but it allows for a positive change which leads to a happier and healthier lifestyle. While adjusting to a rural area might initially be difficult, it undoubtedly is worth considering. According to research, people prefer to live with access to more space which is why rural areas are gaining more popularity among the American population. Better health, lower cost of living, and cleaner air are just a few reasons why rural migration is a popular trend among those living in urban areas.