Pros and cons of living in the countryside

[oodlesArt]

In a few days I will be moving into my new (rented) property. I've always lived in town houses but this one is deep in the countryside. I'd love to hear of other peoples experiences of living in the countryside, good or bad. I thought this was a good ideas but now having a few doubts. Our house will be right next to a field which I'm assuming will make my hayfever 10x worse but you live and learn!

I grew up in countryside but live in cities as an adult.

Pros:
Peace and quiet, green, nature, cleaner air.
Usually bigger garden so more chance to grow things at home.
Often local suppliers including farm gate honesty boxes
Usually space for storage etc incl outdoor space
Easier to get to green space

Cons:
Lack of public transport or limited options (which may not include early morning or late nights)
Smaller local shops and a need to travel further for a big supermarket
Could have limited/no local options for coffee shop, cafe, nice restaurants (but there could be good, just limited number of, options available)
Need a car
Need to think ahead more for bad weather etc (should do in city also but less critical)

Living in the country, we had open fires with a log shed we filled every summer, and depended on a gas tank for central heating so had to arrange for it to be filled.

We were more used to potential power cuts etc so had proper supplies always on hand and ways to cope with no electricity etc.

We were used to being organised about shopping - my parents went to the local city weekly for the big shop and mostly got milk and meat in local butcher, paper shop and veg from local grower. But would always have at least a spare box of pasta, 1 unopened bag of flour, few tins etc. And would build up certain things before winter. They also had a big pantry and a full sized chest freezer (sometimes bought half a cow in 1 go, or put in gluts of summer veg from garden for winter use etc).

Also tended to be more self sufficient generally - repairing clothes and stuff as not always easy to replace in a hurry, having to plan on replacements or new season clothes etc as part of shopping trips rather than just popping into town. Or having more spares at home in advance.

Any family that had a car, DCs all learned as soon as they were 17 whereas many in city don't bother until much later.

But DCs in city can be more independent at earlier age as there is transport available.

If I had the option, I would live in the countryside but keep my car. And many of the problems when I was young are far less now as streaming means you catch up on movies earlier, online shopping works far better and there is much more choice, ebooks are available instead of waiting to get to library/occasional bookshop visits etc.

For us, the cons are: lack of things in walking distance, poor public transport, no food delivery services, some people in the village are very cliquey, muck spreading does stink even if I support it,

The pros: peace and quiet, safe to let toddler walk ahead on pavements or ride bike, can play outside the house, clean air, loads of pleasant walks nearby, we can get involved in the community as it's small, driving to places is always nice as you see the seasons change, no city driving, local nursery has lots of outdoor space.

Yes, I miss the anonymity too. Going out for a walk means you have to stop and chat to everyone! Can be nice but sometimes you do just want some fresh air and peace!
Kids hated it when they were teens, they couldn't cycle as roads were too fast and dangerous so cut off from their friends and everything involved lifts.

Yeah, you really need good breakdown cover. It is really really mega frustrating when your car breaks down / is in for MOT or repair and you need it for… well, everything. We usually get a courtesy car from the garage when going in for MOT or repair. Have used the home start breakdown cover before (if it won’t start at home). Also got lifts from friends, neighbours and colleagues. All that being friendly and getting involved in the local community has its advantages! That community will help you when you need it.

I've lived in the country for 2 years now, after previously only living in global mega cities! The only thing I find a bit annoying is driving everywhere but the pros outweighs this

You put a call out for lifts on the village Facebook page 😊 One of the many benefits of having a good community

Ambulances and hospitals may be far away.

Much less successful outcomes for people who have heart attacks or strokes for example, due to the time it takes. So being older in the country is not without risks.

I would say that's the only upside for me for city life. That and Primark. Don't all pile on me for that. I do know. TBF I only go once a year.

Other than that, if you can entertain yourself then it is great. Currently the trees and hedgerows are full of white blossom, and there are lambs in the fields wherever I look (mixed feelings as am a veggie).

More road traffic accidents in rural areas. Some people speed, motor bikes, heavy lorries.

Someone I know died in collision with a HGV this spring.

Be a defensive driver. You never know what's round the next bend. DH hot black ice, went through a dry stone wall and ended up upside down in the car, in a field. Miraculously not hurt. Gave up commuting job after that and found local work.

Just being realistic - even with all these factors I would not choose to live in a city. I love trees and fields and rivers too much. Watching a whole landscape turn colour for spring or autumn is a heavenly thing. I think I saw/heard a goldcrest singing in a pine tree on the way home from work yesterday.

Local wildlife groups very knowledgble and often do walks where you learn a lot about the world around.