Why Retreat to the Countryside: A Look into Rural Living After Suburban Life

Moving from the suburbs to the countryside is not merely a change in address but a profound shift in lifestyle. For many, it offers a unique blend of serenity and convenience, away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. In this article, we dive into the compelling reasons behind such a move, focusing on personal anecdotes and practical benefits.

Escaping Urban Stress

One of the primary driving factors for leaving the suburbs and moving to the countryside is the desire to escape the confines of urban life. Individuals tired of overcrowded streets, high traffic, crime, noise, and polluted air often find comfort in the peacefulness of rural areas. For instance, the author relates:

“Retired… so I moved to a more rural setting due to crowding automobile traffic, crime, noise, pavement heat, and air and water quality.”

Rural living provides a stark contrast to the urban environment, offering a more relaxed pace of life and a better quality of air and water. The absence of daily stressors associated with city life enables residents to enjoy a more fulfilling and healthy existence.

Broader Engagement with Nature

The move to the countryside is often motivated by a deeper connection to nature and the outdoors. Hiking, kayaking, and spending time near clean streams and lakes are common activities cherished in rural areas. The author notes:

“Love hiking in nature with friends and my dog, love kayaking, wading, and swimming near clean streams and lakes, enjoy waterfalls and nature photography.”

This lifestyle fosters a closer relationship with nature, enhancing physical and mental well-being.

Community and Personal Satisfaction

For those who have spent considerable time in the suburbs, the transition to rural living can bring a sense of community and personal fulfillment. Many individuals move to the countryside for a stronger sense of community than what they experienced in the suburbs. The author provides insight into this transition:

“Sure there’s no shopping mall or bank or dentist but that’s OK - it’s an expedition like when I was a kid and my mother made a big deal of driving into town.”

Even without the modern conveniences, the author finds satisfaction in the close-knit community and the joy of simple pleasures.

Personal Growth and Practical Benefits

Retirement often provides an opportunity to reconnect with one’s roots and pursue personal passions. Some move to the countryside to reconnect with nature, grow plants, and perhaps adopt livestock. The author mentions:

“I grew up in the countryside in Britain. Or at least what passes for it in Europe - on the outskirts of a village surrounded by fields and trees rather than other houses. My aunt raised cattle on a small farm.”

This experience provides a sense of identity and self-sufficiency, making daily life more meaningful and rewarding. The practical benefits of being self-sufficient, such as growing one's own produce or raising livestock, can significantly reduce costs and enhance food security.

Comparison Between Suburban and Rural Life

Comparing the two, the suburbs often feel superficial and unfulfilling, serving mainly as a compromise between urban vibrancy and rural tranquility. However, the infrastructure in the suburbs is typically lacking, lacking shops, pubs, playgrounds, or parks. The author highlights:

“Suburbs are kind of soul-less. Nobody actually wants to live there it’s just a convenience, a sort of compromise between the vibrancy of a city and the peace of the countryside. There’s often no community and no facilities - no shops, no pubs, few playgrounds or parks.”

In contrast, rural areas offer a more authentic and fulfilling life, with a stronger sense of community and closer connections to nature.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision to move from the suburbs to the countryside is a personal one, motivated by a desire for a lifestyle that is more aligned with one's values and needs. Whether for the practical benefits, the connection to nature, or a sense of community, rural living offers a compelling alternative to the often soulless suburbs.