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Original poster

Pros and cons of living in the countryside

207 replies

sharkstale · 16/02/2026 13:40

We've made the decision to move to the countryside next year.
My daughter will stay in the same school (will be in yr6 then) and move up to the same secondary school as planned, so she doesn't have to leave her friends. It just means more of a drive (roughly 15 mins, so not too bad).
My son will be 2.

To anyone who lives in the countryside, what are the pros and cons of living in the countryside?

I'm looking forward to more nature, open spaces, quiet surroundings, and good views.
Not so much looking forward to more spiders in the house as we don't tend to get spiders where we are now and I absolutely hate them!

Currently in a new build, so wary of things like damp problems and higher heating costs in an older house.

But I'm sure there will be more pros and cons than just these, so would like to explore them more before committing to moving.

OP posts:
SomedayIllBeSaturdayNight · 16/02/2026 13:45

Pros - space, quiet, fresh air, less people
Cons - less facilities and amenities, more driving.

I wouldn't move more rurally with a child who is just about to start secondary op, really limits independence.

Original poster
sharkstale · 16/02/2026 13:45

Jellybunny56 · 16/02/2026 13:43

How exciting! In my opinion/experience

Pro’s:

  • This may be specific to us because we have a dog but the walks are amazing. Out of the door and pretty much immediately onto fields, cycle/walk paths. After years of walking on pavements past cars and traffic this is still so amazing to me/us!
  • Less traffic!
  • People tend to know each other a bit better we’ve found, and have more time for each other!
  • It’s the kind of childhood I really wanted for my kids, lots of time spent outdoors, we see lots of different animals etc which is lovely
  • More space for our money than we got when living closer to city

The only con really is it can be a bit more hassle to get things! We have a few local shops we can walk to which is great but if we want a takeaway we have limited options, doesn’t bother us as we rarely do anyway but if you’re someone used to being able to UberEats anything at any time that would probably be tough!

Edited

This is definitely one of my pros and what I'm looking forward to the most!

*posted before you edited! Was replying to your first point re the dog walks

OP posts:
Lighterandbrighter · 16/02/2026 13:45

The big downside will be to your children when they are in secondary and wanting to hang out with their friends and gain some independence.

I don't think spiders are a big issue? More space is obviously the big benefit.

Original poster
sharkstale · 16/02/2026 13:44

MiddleAgedDread · 16/02/2026 13:43

be prepared to be a teenage taxi service!

This is something I have considered! Unsure just how much of an impact it would have. Is it quite full on?

OP posts:
LadyBrendaLast · 16/02/2026 13:44

Public transport. Our closest is 9 miles away. Particularly relevant when you have teenagers.

Getting snowed or flooded in.

No phone signal.

I got everywhere by driving. Now I have a disability which means I can't. I'm totally stuck in the house and the local taxi service closes at 1800.

I wouldn't change it though (minus having my licence back).

Jellybunny56 · 16/02/2026 13:43

How exciting! In my opinion/experience

Pro’s:

  • This may be specific to us because we have a dog but the walks are amazing. Out of the door and pretty much immediately onto fields, cycle/walk paths. After years of walking on pavements past cars and traffic this is still so amazing to me/us!
  • Less traffic!
  • People tend to know each other a bit better we’ve found, and have more time for each other!
  • It’s the kind of childhood I really wanted for my kids, lots of time spent outdoors, we see lots of different animals etc which is lovely
  • More space for our money than we got when living closer to city

The only con really is it can be a bit more hassle to get things! We have a few local shops we can walk to which is great but if we want a takeaway we have limited options, doesn’t bother us as we rarely do anyway but if you’re someone used to being able to UberEats anything at any time that would probably be tough!

MiddleAgedDread · 16/02/2026 13:43

be prepared to be a teenage taxi service!