Moving to the Countryside in Your 30s: What to Expect

Lots of people in their 30s are seeking a slower pace of life, particularly those with children. I know that’s what prompted our move near the countryside initially in Windsor with two kids and then later to Harrogate in our 40s with three!

Rural areas are often utterly charming and far less busy than big cities.

Rural life can provide a more peaceful environment and relaxed lifestyle (hello rolling hills as opposed to rolling traffic jams) and the opportunity for better health, offering a welcome break from a more frantic urban way of life. 

This blog post below will examine some key considerations when thinking of making the (bunny) leap to rural living spanning practicalities to the advantages for your wellbeing. 

 

Why Move to the Countryside in Your 30s?

It’s undeniable that the countryside is beautifully enticing. Life near nature is picturesque and calm; the air is far cleaner than smoky cities, and there are pretty views to be enjoyed all year round (we’re relishing snow-topped hills currently in Yorkshire) which explains why more and more people in their 30s (and older) are choosing life in the countryside.

The psychological effects are immense too: an escape from the incessant noise of the big city for a start, can make a huge difference to mental health. Studies support this.

Research has revealed how better mental health and less stress can be achieved thanks to a rural way of life compared to an urban one.

From a financial perspective, the countryside often presents a more affordable option also. Reduced cost of housing along with trimmed down transportation costs, and with many working from home, can translate into vast savings in the long run.

Furthermore, country life can encourage a more mindful approach to spending, prioritizing experiences over material things (although my husband would argue that isn’t true of me).

Practical Considerations

Choosing the right location of course, is essential in the moving process. It’s the number one priority when moving.

Factors to consider include proximity to towns and cities, job opportunities, schools, and healthcare facilities. Online resources like real estate websites and community forums can provide invaluable insight in researching potential locations and most members in forums are happy to be asked questions. A lot of real estate listings include maps so you can work out where the nearest schools and hospitals are for e.g. 

Housing Options

Owning a home in a rural area can offer you a feeling of freedom whilst still providing you with security and a beautiful space in which to live. For example, building a modern farmhouse blending rustic elements with contemporary comforts is becoming increasingly popular with those moving out of the city.

These sorts of homes often feature open floor plans, large windows, high ceiligns and energy-efficient features, making them both stylish and functional. Work with architects who specialize in modern farm house designs to create a home you’ll genuinely love.

Additionally, renting a property might work well, especially for those who are unsure about long-term commitment and want to test out a move first. However, finding suitable rental properties in rural areas can sometimes be tricky as competition for available properties might well be high. Perhaps considering a small house such as a cottage first might be best whether renting or buying. 

Adjusting to Rural Life

When making the move, make an effort to connect with neighbors and locals, as well as proactively engaging in clubs and organizations in the area. Being active members of the community by helping out and attending events such as local fairs or Bonfire Night etc, will help you feel more integrated and settled.

Our new neighbours brought over delicious baked brownies recently which made us feel so welcome!  Neighbours look out for one another and will appreciate connecting with you. 

Life out in the countryside does mean adapting to a slower lifestyle and you might well be outdoors a lot more. We like long hikes in the countryside here or spotting birds and animals on our travels. We tend to research new parks to visit (The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is a favourite with ever-changing sculptures in the grounds) and familiarising ourselves with local transport links pushes us to get out a little further afield too. 

Rural living might present a few more practical difficulties than living in a bustling town or city, such as more limited access to amenities and services (depending on how rural you live) so do prepare for longer travel times, fewer dining and shopping choices and potential healthcare service limitations, as well as seasonal changes or extreme weather events which could require more planning!

I always have a contigency plan in my back pocket, especially when travelling to London for work! 

Work and Career

Remote work has made it much simpler for individuals to work from any location, including rural ones. Assuming you have stable internet connections, a quiet place to work, and adequate communication tools in place, working remotely shouldn’t be hard. It’s really never been easier to work remotely and flexibly. 

Rural job markets provide employment options in sectors such as agriculture, tourism and small business too if you wanted a career change when moving. To find jobs that suit you best in these sectors, it’s best to browse local job websites, meet up with community members or attend job fairs in your area. Starting a small business or side hustle might also be a viable solution for those of you with entrepreneurial aspirations.

Family and Children

Raising children in rural environments is likely to be advantageous, including more outdoor activities, reduced pollution levels and increased family bonding time (less commuting, more connecting). However, challenges associated with more limited educational options and social activities for children need to also be carefully considered.

Homeschooling or community-based learning programs provide families seeking alternative education options with personalized and enriching educational experiences for their children. Doing some research on rules related to homeschooling, making contact with other families who are also homeschooling, and exploring nearby educational resources as well as online groups will allow you to make more informed choices regarding your children’s education. 

Tips for a Successful Transition

Planning your move and setting a realistic budget are top priorities in making the transition easier. This means you might need to sell or rent your city house, hire people who can move your things, and organize transport and storage arrangements.

Acceptance and optimism are key to making any transition smooth. Focus on the end goal, not the journey in this case!!

There’s so much to gain when moving, a greater quality of life, and in our case, being closer to family which is priceless. 

 

Conclusion

Moving to the countryside requires careful thought and consideration yet its potential rewards can be huge. By embracing the slower pace, fostering strong community connections, and adapting to a more self-sufficient lifestyle, will help you to feel more at peace.

And the big cities are usually only a train ride away if you want to mix things up a bit! No regrets here!.