If we’ve learned anything from the past few years, it’s that your surroundings are vital for both your mental and physical well-being. It comes as no surprise, then, that moving to the countryside may be just the ticket.
The recent pandemic has shown us the value of a special home, a haven away from everyday stressors. Yet nearly 70% of Brits are unhappy with their homes. This needn’t be the case! Below, we look into five reasons to consider a move to the countryside and how it might just make you one of the lucky 30%.
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ToggleIt’s not entirely surprising, but country air really is cleaner. Going for a brisk walk in the fresh outdoor air is sure to invigorate your senses and leave you feeling better. Clean air has become much more valued in recent years. If you’ve ever been on holiday outside of a big city, you’ll know exactly what we mean. Whether you’re looking to settle amidst lush green hills or closer to the sea, clean air is a wonderful thing to experience.
Whether you are renting or buying a property, prices in the countryside tend to be significantly lower than in big cities. Best of all, you’ll often find that less demand, due simply to the fewer numbers of residents, means you’re not in huge competition with other potential buyers. And if you’re looking for assistance with your mortgage, rental application or occupier waiver form, firms such as Parachute Law can advise and assist.
Living in the countryside will naturally mean getting outdoors more, which is positive for your physical health. With that said, your mental health will benefit too. The slower-paced lifestyle outside of big cities, together with the more natural surroundings and the clean air all come together to bring a delightful calming effect. In the winter months, you’ll love to enjoy the ‘hygge’ effect too with cosy evenings by a log fire and perhaps views of snow-covered hillsides.
If you love organic food, the countryside is just the place for you. You’ll be able to grow your own food easily in even the smallest country garden. Potatoes and tomatoes are easily grown in small containers, and herbs can flourish on a windowsill. Homegrown food isn’t just better for you, it’s also cheaper. Besides the delicious local cuisine, watching wildlife and enjoying walks amidst nature are also an incredible treat.
Countryside living comes with the added perk of being almost invariably a lot safer than staying in a big city. So if crime is a concern of yours, moving to the outskirts may just be the thing for you. Many village dwellers don’t even lock their front doors although we don’t recommend that! There’s definitely a more comfortable feeling in the countryside. As an added plus, smaller villages tend to have tighter-knit communities, where everyone really does know each other.
There are many more reasons why countryside living is a great choice – the neighbourhoods tend to be smaller and gardens bigger, there’s a wider choice of home styles, etc. Above, we’ve listed our top five, which, if nothing else, should hopefully have inspired you to book a country holiday!