The Pros and Cons of Moving Your Family to the Countryside
The coronavirus pandemic has led to dramatic changes in the way we live and work. After spending most of last year confined to our homes and a significant number of employees adopting remote work long term, many people have reassessed their lifestyle and property needs.
Estate agents throughout the UK have reported a shift in buying trends — away from the cities and towards market towns, villages and the countryside. When you’re trapped in the rat race, confronted by crowds and pollution every day, not to mention working all hours to pay your sky-high mortgage, an escape to the countryside can seem extremely appealing.
But is moving out of the city the right choice for you and your family? Do villages and rural settings offer the idyllic lifestyle they appear to? You should consider a few things before you pack up your city life and head to the sticks for a quieter life.
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The Pros
More Space — your property budget will often stretch further in the countryside than in the city. If you have a growing family, moving somewhere more rural could allow you to buy a property with a lot more space.
After the first lockdown ended in May 2020, there was a surge in demand for family homes with two or more bedrooms, while flats became much less sought after. According to research by Rightmove, three-bedroomed houses became the most popular after May last year as home-hunters began to prioritise space. And a huge number of city dwellers are focussing their search on suburban and rural areas. A move to the countryside could mean a much more comfortable living space for you and your family. However, the “race for space” is driving property prices in the countryside up at a phenomenal rate, so you need to act fast! Opt for a quick house sale and snap up a countryside bargain before they all disappear.
A Healthier Lifestyle — from lower levels of pollution to a slower pace of life, moving to the countryside has long been associated with a healthier lifestyle. You may also find more time to do the things you enjoy, be that running marathons or painting — think of all the hours saved on trekking across the city!
Being close to nature has been found to help maintain good mental health and wellbeing. A move to the countryside will give you easy access to green spaces and fresh air. Rural communities tend to be more close-knit and supportive too. All of which can contribute to a positive state of mind.
A Safe Environment — in the city, it can be hard to loosen the apron strings and let our children explore life. There is a lot of fear and perceived danger in city centres.
Letting our children grow up in the countryside feels much more wholesome and safe. They can spend time climbing trees and playing out with their friends instead of hidden in their rooms playing on their Nintendo Switch. This may sound like a rose-tinted view of life in the countryside, but there is truth to this perception.
New Opportunities — cities have a lot to offer when it comes to shopping, entertainment and all aspects of life. But your family will discover many new experiences in the countryside.
Understanding different ways of living and meeting different people is a fantastic way for children to learn about the world. Perhaps you’ve always wanted a dog, but your city apartment and lifestyle was not suitable? Maybe your child is a fearless, sports-loving individual who will thrive at outdoor sports and activities? The countryside offers as many opportunities as it lacks when compared to city life.
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The Cons
Upkeep and Running Costs — if you decide to upgrade your cramped city apartment to a rambling countryside retreat, be prepared for much higher running costs. You’ll also need to factor in a lot more time for cleaning or shell out for a professional to do it for you.
Many people fall in love with the idea of buying a chocolate box cottage with character features such as beams and a thatched roof. However, older properties often come with their share of repairs and maintenance issues. If you opt for a listed building, repairs and alterations will often be more expensive due to the need for specialist tradespeople. You’ll also need to obtain “listed building consent” from the Local Authority Planning Department for any renovation work that alters the property’s appearance and structure.
Fewer Employment Opportunities —if you're hoping to find a job locally or progress your career, there will be fewer options than in the city. It will also be more challenging for your children to get work as they grow up.
Perhaps you plan on keeping your high-flying city job and working from home? Now that remote working has become “the norm”, many people are seizing the opportunity to move to the countryside. There is no longer the need to live somewhere within commutable distance. However, check that you're not moving to a broadband black hole before exchanging contracts! Reliable wi-fi is not a given in the countryside, and if you rely on this for work or leisure, it could be a deal-breaker.
Limited Amenities and Entertainment — you might love the idea of a more peaceful life in the countryside but have you considered how your life will change?
If you and your family are used to having every conceivable shop and entertainment venue on the doorstep, will a more rural life meet your needs? You'll probably have to travel more to live the full and varied life the city allows.
Fewer Transport Links — villages and market towns are typically not as well connected as large cities. This can make commuting a headache, assuming you still need to visit the office at least a few times a week.
If you move somewhere with limited public transport, your children will have less freedom too. In the city, your parental chauffeuring duties may end when the children are old enough to hop on a bus or a tube, but in the countryside, you’ll probably need to ferry them about for much longer.
Leaving the hectic pace of city life behind you and moving to the countryside with your family may feel like a dream, but weigh up the pros and cons carefully. Moving house can be expensive, stressful and time-consuming — you won't want to do it often! A village or market town can provide your family with a wonderful life, but only you can decide if it’s the right choice.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.