Would you rather live by the coast or in the country?

[PineappleSeahorse]

And why?

I can't decide but I'm leaning towards the coast because I've never lived by the coast and I'd hope, depending upon where, there might be more to do. Although if it's touristy then you have the crowds to contend with and out of season it might feel bleak when so many things shut down.

You need to live on the Hampshire Dorset border- edge of New Forest NP but on the beach!

Neither. I've done both (lived by the coast in Devon and the countryside in Wiltshire) and I found them both so dull, I've come back to the east Midlands and live right in between 2 cities. I'd live in Central London if I was wealthy enough!

If I had to pick I'd go with the coast.

Country. I need to see green and hills.

I've done both, I grew up on a farm in northern Ontario Canada, and have lived sea side on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
Each has their own charms and drawbacks, that change over time.
Places become busier, or die down, as the economy changes as well.
I am aiming pie in the sky high, and trying to buy a small farm on the shore in Nova Scotia one day.

The coast only if I could have a sea view house with big glass windows, a lovely veranda to watch the waves from and a private or quiet beach. Otherwise, countryside.

Both. I live in an area that's right next to the see but within a few miles of mountains, rivers and woodland. It's pretty perfect.

By a lake. Best of both.

Im lucky to live in well up in the countryside but 20 mins drive to the beach. Love it but tend to avoid the beach during holiday season and nice weather. You’d always find me there on a stormy day when a storm surge is there.

The *sea. Clearly overexcited by having my cake and eating it!

I’m lucky to have the best of both. I have moorland one side, sea the other. I’m never moving.

I use the moorland more in the summer and the beaches more in the winter because of silly season.

Definitely the coast

The country. More choice of walks - 360 degrees of paths instead of 180 before you hit sea. Sounds daft but I do notice the difference. Family and friends by the sea seem to do the same three walks all the time: coastal path in each direction and one inland walk. I have about twelve walks from my doorstep and many more just five mins away.

Coast. I grew up living by the sea. I've lived in various places around the UK and abroad and they've all been close to the sea.

I live on the edge of AONB - so 0.5 miles until I'm in it. From my house I can see a National park and the sea. Beach is a 4 miles away I think, can walk to the river too??

On the edge of a town too.

It depends where in the world you mean. I think our coasts in England are disappointing tbh so I'd rather live in the country. When I've lived abroad I've nearly always been near the sea.

Coast, so much to do…swim, surf, walk, kayak, bodyboard, paddle board! I love the sea air, storms, turquoise water, beach bbqs, sunsets although we have moorland the other side too so best of both.

The last few days have been bliss swimming in the sea, yes it’s busy but if you’re local you know the quieter coves to visit. I miss the sea so much if we go away! When we bought our house we could afford a big house with land inland or a small house within walking distance of the beach, I’m sure you can guess which one we went for

Neither. I'd visit both but not want to live there.

Coast, definitely, but not out in the sticks. I was cured of seriously-rural by many visits to friends in rural N Devon - had to drive 15 minutes for a pint of milk, and even to take the dogs for a walk anywhere they could be let off the lead. Dog walking was far easier where we live in SW London!

My ideal. would be actually in a favourite small seaside town - a short walk from beach, shops, restaurants, pubs, everything.

If I had to choose Id say countryside but I have both and I wouldnt have it any other way!

The coast is the one landscape I actually enjoy in the cold weather. The country is a wet, boggy mess, and the city is grey and depressing in winter. The beach is deserted, full of driftwood and sea glass and the sea looks and smells different in winter. Coast every time for me.

Countryside, but within striking distance of the coast.

I could live without seeing the sea from one year's end to the next, much I like walks on empty beaches, but I couldn't do without fields and woods.

Couldn't live in a proper town again.

Definitely coast, I’m a massive beach lover and not great with nature/bugs etc.

I love the coast. We also have countryside inland - so we have more choice of wildlife. Seabirds etc in the right season, rockpooling etc, and then river walks, woodland walks, moorland as well.

We love a winter walk on the beach. It's what we do on Christmas day before dinner!

I live in the countryside close to a lake. It's perfect.

the country, I have done both but couldn't stand the amount of people in the summer and even worse the traffic. The traffic was so bad in the summer you really had to consider if you trips were worth the sitting in traffic and the commute was horrendous.